BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL (Broadway)
Music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard
Doc Brown played by Roger Bart
Marty McFly played by Casey Likes
June 30, 2023
Winter Garden Theater, Broadway
New York, USA
PART 1: MUSICAL REPORT
(this report was originally written on June 30, 2023 – just after the performance)
Doc, this is heavy!
I’ve just come back from seeing the US premiere and first preview on Broadway of BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL.
It was an absolute blast and a strong reminder why I love seeing movies and musicals in the US – audiences here are so passionate and unafraid to cheer and be part of the experience.
I will never forget the moment Casey Likes, i.e. Marty McFly, opened the evening. As soon as he stepped out on stage, the audience erupted into the loudest and most frenzied applause I have ever heard. When the applause finally died down, the show began and we were all treated to two-and-a-half hours of laughs, excitement, nostalgia, and toe-tapping fun!
Particular highlights include the scene where Marty tries to teach his dad (George) how to dance and be cool, the comedic reactions and one-liners from Doc Brown, and the whole Enchantment Under the Sea sequence.
For me, the standout song of the night was “For the Dreamers,” a poignant song performed with great conviction and sensitivy by the legendary Roger Bart as Doc Brown. Such a beautiful melody and a welcome respite from all the exciting numbers before it.
I won’t lie when I say that I choked up a bit when George knocks out Biff to protect Lorraine… probably because I’m a sucker for David vs Goliath moments and the fact that the entire audience roared in triumph at this moment!
The night ended with everyone on their feet clapping, singing, and dancing away to the ever infectious “Back in Time.”
It was honestly the most fun I’ve ever had at a musical, and I can only thank the whole creative team for putting on such an amazing show.
I know I’m not the first person to say this, but I truly wish I could go “Back in Time” to relive this night!
PART 2: MUSICAL MERCH & MEETING ALAN SILVESTRI
Before the musical started, the merch store had its official opening where the producer Bob Gale and a few of the actors showed up.
A lot of cool merch was on offer, and I pretty much bought up as much as I could carry back home to Japan:
There was a long wait to get into the store, but it was totally worth it because as chance would have it, as soon as I walked out after making my purchases, I saw a familiar face about to cross the street – the original composer of BACK THE FUTURE, Alan Silvestri!
I quickly walked up to him and politely asked for a photo and autograph. After telling him that I came all the way from Japan, he immediately said that BTTF: THE MUSICAL would also be coming to Japan in the next few years 😊 And sure enough, it has now been confirmed: ミュージカル『バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー』作品紹介 | 劇団四季【公式サイト】 (shiki.jp)
One other cool piece of merch was made available on the official BTTF: THE MUSICAL website that I only discovered recently. You can have a special “Souvenir Ticket” printed and sent to you complete with the date of your visit and seat number:
This is a PERFECT memento of my visit and I deeply thank the people who came up with this incredible idea!
PART 3: OVER TO YOU
Did you also go to this musical? How did you like it?
And what did you think of my report? Feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly in the “Contact Me” section.