BACK TO THE FUTURE On Broadway - News & Discussion Thread- Page 9

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 2/16/24 at 8:23pm

Yeah I have never seen the film either.  The sounds he does got a big laugh so I’m assuming it was in the movie.  That actor, Hugh Coles, won an Olivier award for playing that role. I saw it for the first time last week, I didn’t think Roger and Casey were trying to break each other.   They gave good strong performances.  Maybe they were more professional cause it was a Saturday night ?

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 2/16/24 at 8:55pm

willep said: "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."

Having not seen the film either, I totally agree.  i can see how it would be an award winning role, since Hugh Coles is certainly doing a lot, but it just feels like he's in a completely different show from everyone else.

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/16/24 at 9:37pm

Hugh Coles is delivering a masterful recreation of Crispin Glover's performance from the film, and he was the highlight of the show, for me. Obviously, the spot-on impersonation will mean more to those who know the reference well.

Also, my reaction to people saying they've never seen the movie:

Updated On: 2/17/24 at 09:37 PM

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 2/29/24 at 9:57am

Roger Bart and Casey Likes were on Morning Joe today, promoting the show. 

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 3/1/24 at 6:09am

Dylan Smith4 said: "Roger Bart and Casey Likes were on Morning Joe today, promoting the show."

I very much enjoyed their bit on their bit.  "We never go off script."

🤥😄

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 3/1/24 at 8:55am

TaffyDavenport said: "Hugh Coles is delivering a masterful recreation of Crispin Glover's performance from the film, and he was the highlight of the show, for me. Obviously, the spot-on impersonation will mean more to those who know the reference well."

I've not seen this show, but a bit ironic considering how famously Crispin Glover did not take kindly to being mimicked by another actor made up to look like him when he didn't return for Back to the Future Part II. (He was unhappy with what he perceived to be the message of money=happier life at the end of the first film, and though it's a great movie I think he has a point.)

[pathman2]

Posted: 3/11/24 at 12:40pm

Any seating recommendations (without giving too many spoilers)? I see that the first row of the center orchestra is cheaper than the others, but I assume that is too close. Thoughts?

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 3/11/24 at 6:14pm

My general rule of thumb for this show is that front row is wonderful for subsequent viewings and especially if you want interactions with the cast during the curtain call, but the effects work much better when you are able to see the full stage (and sides) like it was a cinema screen.  It is a VERY cinematic show.  The $40 rush seats I had near the back of the orchestra were ideal for that.

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 9/20/24 at 6:36am

I like how he addressed issues some people have with the show such as Doc and Marty breaking the fourth wall.

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 5:29am

Congratulations to Roger Bart who last night reached the milestone of 1000 performances as Doc Brown.

Instagram

[BETTY22]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 11:29am

Let’s be clear from the outset: Back to the Future is less a theatrical production and more a blatant cash grab aimed at tourists and theme park enthusiasts. The irony? This cynical attempt to rake in money is bleeding millions—a testament to how far off the mark it truly is.

This isn’t theatre. It’s bad, cynical entertainment, designed not to inspire, provoke, or captivate, but to exploit nostalgia for profit. The creative team appears to have thrown their weight behind flashy effects and a recognizable brand, leaving little room for genuine artistry or heart.

Yes, the DeLorean flies, and yes, the iconic lines are dutifully trotted out. But strip away the gimmicks, and what remains? A hollow shell of a story that offers none of the wit, charm, or warmth of the original film. The performances, while competent, are hamstrung by a script that feels like it was written by committee, designed to tick boxes rather than tell a compelling story.

The music, forgettable at best, does nothing to elevate the experience. Instead of enhancing the narrative, the songs feel shoehorned in—a desperate attempt to justify this production’s existence as a "musical." Worse, the pacing drags, making even the most ardent fans of the film long for an escape.

This production represents the troubling trend of commercialism overtaking creativity in theatre. It’s not about pushing boundaries or delivering memorable performances—it’s about squeezing every last drop out of a beloved franchise, regardless of whether it fits the medium.

If you’re a die-hard fan of Back to the Future or simply looking for a theme-park-style spectacle, this might scratch that itch. But if you’re seeking theatre that challenges, moves, or entertains in a meaningful way, steer clear.

The verdict? Save your money. Watch the film instead—it’s timeless. This production, on the other hand, is an embarrassing misfire that ironically proves you can’t go back in time and recapture the magic.

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 12:43pm

Betty, this is why I don't post very often.  Needless negativity in response to a post celebrating one of the performers in the show.  You are welcome to your opinion of BTTF, but that doesn't take away from Roger's achievement.  Why are people STILL sniping at this show anyway?  You've got your wish for it to close.  There's no need to dance on its grave.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 1:02pm

Her review had nothing to do with you or Bart's achievement. You taking any criticism of this show as a personal attack is just wild. And we (us on BWW?) as a group do not have the power to close a show. It was too expensive to be on Broadway forever and it will do great on tour.

It's a fun, garbage show that has nothing to do with art. It's a theme park ride on stage. That's the general consensus and that's okay. No one has ever tried to take away your enjoyment of this show. 

Thanks for your great reviews today, Betty. You are a beautiful writer, especially in the Gypsy thread. 

 

Updated On: 12/22/24 at 01:02 PM

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 1:12pm

Sutton Ross said: "Her review had nothing to do with you or Bart's achievement. You taking any criticism of this show as a personal attack is just wild. And we (us on BWW?) as a group do not have the power to close a show."

I didn't say you had the power to close a show.  I said she was dancing on its grave.  I'm not taking the criticism as a personal attack.  I am questioning the timing of the criticism.  Would it kill this person to say "I'm not a fan of the show, but well done, Roger"?  

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 1:27pm

I'm sure it wouldn't kill anyone to say that but if that's not how they feel about it why should they? Trying to control people on the internet must be exhausting. 

 

[LuckyDipster]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 1:38pm

Sutton Ross said: "I'm sure it wouldn't kill anyone to say that but if that's not how they feel about it why should they?"

Because my post was about the actor, not the show.  Why dump on my celebration of a moment with a negative essay?  

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 2:43pm

Um, broheim, I will say it again: Her post had nothing to do with your post. She was reviewing the show she saw. That is what we do here. The timing of her seeing the show and reviewing it and your "celebration"? Not remotely related. This ain't about you. When this closes, I have no idea what you will do with your life but suggesting someone's review of a show has anything to do with you is weird, paranoid, and bizarre as hell. 

This show is Deep Fried Garbage. Cruise ships and Midwest Basics will love it tho ;)

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 12/22/24 at 7:16pm

''That actor, Hugh Coles, won an Olivier award for playing that role.''

Just for the record: Coles got an Olivier Award nomination for Supporting Actor in a Musical, playing George McFly in ''Back to the Future,'' but he lost to Elliot Levey, who played Herr Schultz in ''Cabaret.'' And no offense to Casey Likes, but I would've liked to have seen Olly Dobson, who originated the role of Marty McFly, on Broadway; Dobson was Olivier-nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, but lost to Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee in ''Cabaret.'' 

[MezzoDiva47]

Posted: 12/23/24 at 6:00am

BETTY22 said: "Let’s be clear from the outset: Back to the Future is less a theatrical production and more a blatant cash grab aimed at tourists and theme park enthusiasts. The irony? This cynical attempt to rake in money is bleeding millions—a testament to how far off the mark it truly is.

This isn’t theatre. It’s bad, cynical entertainment, designed not to inspire, provoke, or captivate, but to exploit nostalgia for profit. The creative team appears to have thrown their weight behind flashy effects and a recognizable brand, leaving little room for genuine artistry or heart.

Yes, the DeLorean flies, and yes, the iconic lines are dutifully trotted out. But strip away the gimmicks, and what remains? A hollow shell of a story that offers none of the wit, charm, or warmth of the original film. The performances, while competent, are hamstrung by a script that feels like it was written by committee, designed to tick boxes rather than tell a compelling story.

The music, forgettable at best, does nothing to elevate the experience. Instead of enhancing the narrative, the songs feel shoehorned in—a desperate attempt to justify this production’s existence as a "musical." Worse, the pacing drags, making even the most ardent fans of the film long for an escape.

This production represents the troubling trend of commercialism overtaking creativity in theatre. It’s not about pushing boundaries or delivering memorable performances—it’s about squeezing every last drop out of a beloved franchise, regardless of whether it fits the medium.

If you’re a die-hard fan of Back to the Future or simply looking for a theme-park-style spectacle, this might scratch that itch. But if you’re seeking theatre that challenges, moves, or entertains in a meaningful way, steer clear.

The verdict? Save your money. Watch the film instead—it’s timeless. This production, on the other hand, is an embarrassing misfire that ironically proves you can’t go back in time and recapture the magic."


looks like u completed your fall semester theater 101 performance review assignment just in the nick of time

u must be fun at parties

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/23/24 at 7:09am

Im guessing they wouldn't care to go  to your parties, anyway. 

 

I 100% agree with the assessment. Just let people have their opinions 

[bdn223]

Posted: 12/23/24 at 6:27am

dramamama611 said: "Im guessing they wouldn't care to go to your parties, anyway.



I 100% agree with the assessment. Just let people have their opinions"

But Theatertok says we cannot critic shows otherwise we are potentially putting performers and back of house staff out of work. We can only talk about the good aspects of shows otherwise we are terrible people who hate theater and should be banned from attending Broadway shows.