when i first heard the news back to the future When it was adapted into a Broadway musical, I was both intrigued and skeptical.
How do you adapt a beloved classic, such as this iconic 1980s film, into a musical stage production? My wife and I decided to check it out for ourselves over the weekend, and, well…it was really weird.
From the show’s opening moments, it’s clear that this is going to be a strange ride and not a completely faithful retelling of the movie we all know and love.
The main part of the story changes and everything starts with the fate of Dr. Brown as he was not shot by terrorists in the musical. Instead, he died of poisoning from the plutonium radiation that powered the DeLorean. It’s a strange and dark turn for such a dynamic character.
What about the ending? The film’s ending gives way to the confusing “George McFly Day,” celebrating Marty’s father’s new confidence as a famous author.
Oh, and let’s not forget the part where Marty touches his mom’s boobs. Yes, you read that right. Marty’s mother, Lorraine, pursues him more actively in the show than in the movie.
That said, the production does have some cool moments. The effects used in the DeLorean and time travel sequences are impressive and creative.
The stage and special effects teams clearly put in a lot of effort to make these scenes dynamic and fun. It’s a shame that the rest of the pieces don’t quite hit the same level of creativity.
Then there’s the music. Oh, the music. As someone who grew up with a father who was deeply involved in musicals, I think I have a pretty good ear for good music, and music is Back to the Future: The Musical Very rough. Maybe there was a good song, but even that one was forgotten.
None of the charm or energy of the original film translates into the musical numbers, which are bland at best and cringe-worthy at worst.
Another issue is tone. Everything about this musical feels too cartoony, as if the production can’t decide if it’s a spoof or a sincere adaptation. The result is an odd mix of zany humor, over-the-top acting and awkward storytelling that never quite clicks.
Ultimately, this show made me think that just because you can adapt a classic movie into a musical, that doesn’t mean you should. original back to the future is a masterclass in storytelling, pacing and character development – qualities musicals strive to capture.
For fans of the film, it might be worth watching out of sheer curiosity, but don’t expect to leave the theater feeling like you’ve been transported back to the future.
You’re more likely to be left scratching your head and wondering, “What did I just watch?”
