The Bushnell, Hartford, CT
through June 8, 2025
by R.E. Smith
How can something so high-tech be so charming? How can something one audience member at intermission called “so meta” still feel so sincere? Probably because, like the plot which bounces 30 years back and forth in time, it embraces the most entertaining parts of both time periods and eschews cynicism.
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| Photo by McLeod9 Creative |
The show’s script is by the original movie’s co-creator Bob Gale and produced by director Robert Zemeckis. They understand what makes the film so beloved and they are not afraid to recreate much of that narrative scene for scene and word for word.
Do the performers very much embrace the mannerisms and the delivery of the original stars, Michael J. Fox and Christopher Llyod and Lea Thompson? Yes, they do. But die-hard fans would be sorely disappointed if they didn’t. Do they give them enough of a spin to make things just different enough to entertain an audience not intimately familiar with the movie, yes they do!
Appreciated is the idea that the characters are given songs native to the styles of their day, like “Pretty Baby”, sweetly sung by Zan Berube as Lorraine Baines (all sugar and spice) in ‘50s girl group fashion. Lucas Hallauer’s Marty (flummoxed but determined) gets the well known 80’s pop-hits like “Power of Love”. “Cake” allows the ensemble to extol the virtues of leaded gasoline and DDT while “21st Century” goes full Styx to help Doc solve his time-traveling puzzle. Alan Silvestri’s movie score (a highlight of the film) is layered throughout and helps drive the momentum of the narrative.
The entire cast is top rate, doing excellent work, vocally, physically and with impeccable timing. Nathaniel Hackmann, who originated the role of bully Biff on Broadway, set his own gold standard, but still clearly relishes every minute of his malaprop burdened blowhard.
To speak too much of the special effects, lighting and sound design would spoil an impactful part of the show. At times, the audience feels like it’s in a real-life video game, but since you are invested in the outcome of these sympathetic characters, the razzle-dazzle heightens the dramatic tension rather than distracts.
Musical adaptations of well-loved movies can be a mixed bag. For every “The Producers” there is a “Carrie”. “Back to the Future” has the benefit of source material that strongly relied on music as an important element, and solid structure that was already teetering to the melodramatic. Therefore, perfect for a big, exciting, brightly colored Broadway musical!
Try to arrive early to the Bushnell and enjoy the outdoor recreation of an 80’s dance party, complete with a chance to get a selfie with the “real star” of the show (Hint: it has four wheels)
Personal note from the reviewer: So anyway. . . .this will be my last review for “In the Spotlight”. Over 30 years ago, publisher Shera Cohen sent a young engaged couple off to review “My Fair Lady” at the Bushnell. It is only appropriate that our last show was at this venue, and the show is one that speaks to both the past and the future. Between Bravo Newspaper and In the Spotlight, I’ve had the opportunity to see and comment on more theatre than I ever imagined we would and I feel very lucky to have done so. I want to thank Shera Cohen for trusting my words to contribute to people’s discovery and enjoyment of the arts.
