Back to the Future: The Musical is an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, trip through time. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
Back to the Future: The Musical has come to St. Louis, playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from September 24th through October 6, 2024. Back to the Future: The Musical is the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award®-winner John Randowith original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
Back To The Future: The Musical Parents Guide Review
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When Back to the Future hits 88mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.
COMPANY Musical Age Rating Parents Guide Review
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know in this parent’s guide and the age rating of the musical before letting their younger children watch Back to the Future: The Musical.
Language: Back to the Future: The Musical contains some strong language that is used throughout the show. Lookout words include crap, damn, hell, a**, and implied sh*t, although the entire word isn’t said
Mature Content: Aside from the language, parents should be mindful of some mature content in the musical. There are instances where Marty appears in his underwear while another character persistently tries to grope him. Additionally, there are scenes depicting a male character attempting to force himself on a female character, echoing moments from the original film. The show stays true to its source material, which means themes of bullying, physical altercations, and school fights are also present. These elements might be worth considering for younger audiences. This production uses flashing lights, strobe effects, smoke/haze and pyrotechnics.
Back to the Future: The Musical runtime: 2 and 40 minutes with an intermission.
Overall Thoughts
The 2024 Back to the Future: The Musical is a nostalgic and visually spectacular adaptation of the beloved 1985 film. Fans of the movie will appreciate how faithfully the stage version follows the original storyline, complete with iconic moments like the DeLorean time machine and Marty McFly’s adventures through the 1950s. However, the musical is not without its challenges.
The technical elements of Back to the Future: The Musical are nothing short of jaw-dropping, adding a thrilling layer of spectacle that heightens both the drama and fun throughout the show. The iconic DeLorean undeniably steals the spotlight, delivering the most memorable moments for the audience. As soon as it rolls onto the stage, viewers are instantly transported back to the 80s. This magic is made possible through Chris Fisher’s ingenious illusions, paired with Finn Ross’s brilliant use of projections. Together, they create a flawless and fluid illusion of the car racing through time, evoking gasps of amazement as it zips between eras. The immersive technical experience pulls the audience along on the time-traveling journey, making them feel as if they’re right alongside the characters on their wild adventure.
The cast performances in Back to the Future: The Musical are strong across the board, with Burke Swanson standing out in his portrayal of George McFly. Swanson brings a delightful mix of physical comedy, charm, and just the right amount of eccentricity to the role, making George McFly a memorable and endearing character. The chemistry between Caden Brauch as Marty McFly and Don Stephenson as Doc Brown is also a highlight, evoking a sense of familiarity that closely mirrors the dynamic between Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd from the original film. Their on-stage rapport brings a nostalgic warmth to the show, pleasing longtime fans of the movie.
However, not everything lands perfectly. The costume design leaves something to be desired, with one of the more distracting elements being Marty McFly’s less-than-convincing wig, which can pull focus at times. Despite these small drawbacks, the cast’s performances remain true to the heart of the original story, delivering a faithful and engaging adaptation that resonates with both newcomers and die-hard fans alike.
While the technical elements of Back to the Future: The Musical truly dazzle, captivating the audience with every scene, the music itself doesn’t quite reach the same heights. Iconic tracks from the film like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” make welcome appearances, but most of the new musical numbers fail to leave a lasting impression. However, there are a few standouts, such as Goldie Wilson’s energetic and fun number, which perfectly captures the spirit of self-confidence and ambition. Unfortunately, other songs feel somewhat out of place or veer into campy territory, diluting the overall musical impact. While the score has its moments, it doesn’t quite match the visual spectacle that defines the production.
If you love the original movie and want to experience it through a different medium, Back to the Future: The Musical offers an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, trip through time.