Back to the Future
This high energy, colourful stage production of the film Back to the Future hits the spot perfectly. Fun for old and young alike, it is faithful to the keys parts of the film for those looking to reminisce and easily draws in those that had never experienced the films before with an original musical score, great story and cast that bring it alive.
I arrived at the theater doors with my daughter, greeted by the famous Delorian car inviting you to spend time with it. Awaiting the start, I realised that I nervous that I would spend the evening thinking about the film rather than enjoying the musical in front of me.
Those fears were almost instantly blown away as the curtains rose and we were transported to 1980s suburban America high street with its bold and uplifting colours and Marty McFly (Axel Duffy) arrived on the set. Duffy managed to capture the voice of MJ Fox in a way that was his own voice but made it clear who he was based upon.
This immediately settled me in my seat and this carried on right through the cast, and I commend James Oliver (George McFly, love that laugh!!!!), Biff (Toby Shellard) and Danielle Rose (Lorraine Banes) in particular and particular mention goes to Brandon-Sears Lee as Mayor Wilson for his smooth, soulful singing. Roger Bart seemed in his element as Doc Brown lighting up the stage especially in his wonderful dance-based dream.
The whole cast (including the ensemble) have clearly spent a great deal of time finding what it was about each character that is important to keep whilst playing the characters in their own way.
I can’t say how important this was in making this musical incredible fun to watch. My only real criticism would be that occasionally it felt like characters stepped out of their roles a little too much, in a way that didn’t always fit this production, but this in some places worked and other didn’t.
There was a great mix of musical styles in the entirely new score which fit the story and 1950s (and 1980s) really well, injecting energy and quick direction changes that allowed you to see inside the characters in more depth.
Production was nothing short of excellent with the mix of projections, physical sets, and backgrounds being used in such clever ways.
These allowed fast moving driving scenes – the storm scene leaving the ‘Doc’ in the air in a way that just looked so natural.
The obvious star of the show “The Delorian” making regular appearances that left you fully satisfied.
Small details from the films (Doc Brown wearing his invention that reads minds, Biff bullying George, how Marty fades and instantly stands up when his parents kiss and finally when Marty returns to the future) are faithfully kept leaving the audience cheering, both to the characters for their actions and to the directors for remembering what was important in this story.
As a final treat, Bob Gale, one of film’s original writers came onstage and told us the story of how the Film and Musical came about and how important it is to dream big and keep going when it seems everyone is telling you to stop. Thank you for an unforgettable night, i would not hesitate to going and see this again!!!
