BACK TO THE FUTURE On Broadway - News & Discussion Thread — Page 8

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "This is just an observation: in this evolving world it is interesting which shows have leaned into an incredibly diverse company and which haven’t. There’s space for every type of cast on Bway, but nowadays it’s kind of surprising to see 5/6 white principals of a big musical."

I was thinking about this as well. Honestly, I’m guessing its nothing malicious but rather due to the fact that they aren’t trying to “reinvent” the source material, but rather put as close to a carbon copy as possible of the movie on stage.

Cast is out!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Liana-Hunt-Jelani-Remy-Nathaniel-Hackmann-More-Complete-the-Cast-of-BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE-THE-MUSICAL-20230322

seaweedjstubbs said: "There are references to race within the show since the story largely takes place in the 1950s. This isn’t really a show where colorblind casting would make sense. As a Black actor, I don’t need EVERY show to have a certain quota of Black/POC leads if it wouldn’t make sense to the story."

This is an interesting point. I remember reading an oral history of the casting of My Cousin Vinny and how for a while, Will Smith was a contender for one of the “youth” leads. But the filmmakers ultimately decided that the politics/optics of having a Black man unfairly arrested in the south would be too hard to ignore and not really compatible with the movie they were making.

I think the strides Broadway has made casting-wise have been great but making the McFly parents an interracial couple in the 50s would definitely add additional layers to Biff bullying, attempted sexual assault of Lorraine, etc. And that doesn’t seem to be what the makers are going for in this musical.

Updated On: 3/22/23 at 03:06 PM

I know the official playbill design won't be unveiled until closer to the show starting previews, but I hope they make it something like this.

Updated On: 3/22/23 at 03:39 PM

Ensemble1689040654 said: "Why didn't Olly Dobson transfer from London?"

I believe the creative team wanted Marty to be played by an American for Broadway. I think had COVID not intervened and delayed the show by 15 months, Olly could’ve done Broadway cause he was younger back then. He probably outgrew the role cause I think he’s in his 30’s now? To me, it’s weird to see any actor in their 30’s play a teenager. Casey may only be in his early 20’s, but he’s a lot closer to resemble a teen than Olly. That’s just me. Olly is a great actor and singer, I’m sure he will have another musical opportunity in the future. No pun intended!

Dylan Smith4 said: "Ensemble1689040654 said: "Why didn't Olly Dobson transfer from London?"

I believe the creative team wanted Marty to be played by an American for Broadway. I think had COVID not intervened and delayed the show by 15 months, Olly could’ve done Broadway cause he was younger back then. He probably outgrew the role cause I think he’s in his 30’s now? To me, it’s weird to see any actor in their 30’s play a teenager. Casey may only be in his early 20’s, but he’s a lot closer to resemble a teen than Olly. That’s just me. Olly is a great actor and singer, I’m sure he will have another musical opportunity in the future. No pun intended!"



I'd say his unreliability was a big factor too

Did anyone see the show on Sunday? What was Merritt David Janes (Roger's understudy) like?

scripps said: "Was this Roger's first time out?"

I believe so. He doesn't seem to miss many shows, from what I can gather.

Hi!

Visiting from the UK in December and just wondering if anyone knew if Roger or Hugh had any scheduled dates out? Wasn’t sure where too look for where holidays would be posted.

Thanks.
Helen

LuckyDipster said: "

I've just watched this. I found it surprising, and a little disappointing, that they introduced every cast member (right down to the swings) except Roger. What's that about then?"



Evidently Bart may not have been there. He jokingly bangs on Bart's dressing room door right at the beginning.

Finally saw the show last night & thought it was fantastic! - True! It's not the next great piece of musical theater. (It's a very good move-to-stage show.) - No, none of the songs are the next "Music Of The Night" or "Defying Gravity". (But, I did think songs like "A Matter Of Time", "My Myopia" & especially the Grease ripoff that was "Something About That Boy" were quite enjoyable & memorable.)

But, I do have one question about the finale's big car "stunt". - Since I was seated rather centrally in row E of the mezzanine, I had a great view of it all, and could see the actors inside of the car perfectly. BUT, I really couldn't tell how far out it jutted over the crowd. (It didn't seem that far out.) - About how far does the Delorean extend?

Jordan Catalano said: "Saw this again the other day after not having seen it on Broadway since previews. I still enjoyed it but Casey and Roger have now devolved into almost a Laurel and Hardy bit wheneverthey’re onstage together which is ridiculous. They now seem to turn every two lines into a “bit” and keep it going and going and going, seemingly trying to make each other laugh and I just sat there waiting for a scene where they weren’t together. It’s the kind of behavior where the teacher would separate the two kids in the classroom."

I saw the show last week because Roger was on vacation and I wanted to see his understudy, Merritt David Janes. I hadn't seen the show since September and for a random February weeknight it was full cast (and good energy) and I have to admit, I preferred the show without Roger. There was some playful improv between Merritt and Casey but it wasn't as drawn out as I had previously seen with Roger nor was there an attempt at a Christopher Lloyd-esque character voice (only a reference to Shatner briefly) and much less yelling in general. I'm not a fan of trying to make scene partners "break" so hopefully these two can be reigned in.

Updated On: 2/16/24 at 12:52 PM

For my the Roger and Casey stuff was far and away the best part of the show. For once it didn’t bother me that they were trying to break each other.

As someone who isn’t very familiar with the movie, I couldn’t get with the dad’s performance. Maybe it makes more sense if you know the movie better.