The Back to the Future: The Musical National Tour is Great (Scott)! by Makenzie Bounds

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Energetic, corny, and nostalgic for many: the stellar musical adaption of the 1985 film Back to the Future arrives at The Orpheum on its North American tour. From the iconic DeLorean car to Marty McFly’s red puffer vest, the stage version has everything fans would expect and more. 


Songwriters Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard succeed in creating memorable, vocally dynamic music. Caden Brauch (who plays rockstar teen “Marty McFly”) and Don Stephenson (who plays the scatterbrained “Doc Brown”) have plenty of opportunities in the score to show off their vocal talents. Both actors also have incredible range, fluctuating brilliantly between comedy and emotion. However, many times my eye was drawn to the ensemble, who are incorporated in some way in almost every number. Joy and energy radiate from each performer, so much so that as I was watching I wanted to leap from my balcony seat and go join in on the fun of “Something About That Boy.”


Yet, the most impressive number of all has to be “Gotta Start Somewhere”, performed by Cartreze Tucker in the role of aspiring mayor “Goldie.” Within his limited time, he completely commands the stage by belting magnificent and powerful high notes, making the supporting actor unforgettable.


Another wonderful performance belongs to Burke Swanson, who plays Marty’s geeky father, George McFly. Swanson is instantly able to create a loveable and easy-to-root-for character through his awkward voice and mannerisms. A standout moment of Act Two is the song “Put Your Mind to It”; Swanson and Brauch easily play off each other’s physicality, and the two actors look like they’re having the time of their lives. 


Perhaps the most jaw-dropping aspect of Back to the Future: The Musical is its technical elements; digital projections allow for the car to appear like it’s speeding across the stage at 88 mph, and Brauch races in front of the pit like he’s straight out of Grand Theft Auto. And (to my disbelief on opening night) the automobile even lifts off the stage and flies.


This hilarious and wholesome Back to the Future adaptation breathes fresh life into an already beloved franchise. As I scanned the crowd, I noticed many children accompanying parents who most likely grew up with the film. I find it so incredible how musical revivals provide ample opportunity for new generations to experience classics; it is great to see that the iconic story remains cherished almost 40 years later by a new crowd.


Back to the Future: The Musical will be touring at The Orpheum until September 22nd. Don’t miss your chance to go see it; you probably don’t have a car that can turn back time.

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