BACK TO THE FUTURE Press Reviews

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 9:56am

The Olivier-winning production of Back to the Future: the Musical officially opens on Broadway August 3 after beginning previews June 30 at the Winter Garden Theatre. 

Based on the 1985 Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, Back to the Future: the Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy winner Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy winner Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film, including "The Power of Love" and "Johnny B. Goode."

The West End transfer production celebrated a gala benefit performance July 25, with original film stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and more hitting the red carpet. Tonight's official opening, however, will be met with reviews.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 10:06am

Like I said in the other thread, I’ve never been more unsure of what critics will say, than I am with this one. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 10:12am

VERY curious to see the reviews tonight. I really enjoyed the show for what it was - just a fun spectacle.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 11:01am

And that’s exactly what it is. It’s a spectacle where you see every penny you spent, up on that stage working to entertain the audience. I don’t think I can even remember the last show I saw that held an audience like this show does. And yes I know it’s already become a tourist trap show (as evidenced by the talking, dancing in seats etc I saw last night) but it still held the audience’s complete attention and the rapturous response it got shows me that whether people on this online forum like it or not, the public is eating it up and I predict it’s going to have a very healthy life on Broadway.
Is it perfect? Far from it. But do I have an absolute blast each time I go? Hell yes, I do. And yes, I’m even going to see the new cast in London this month to see how they compare. 

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:10pm

Replying to Jordan Catalano:

Jordan, you've been on this board for a really long time and from my perspective you've established a significant degree of credibility. It doesn't always mean that we see eye to eye on everything, but I always respect your points of view. So, your post re BTTF has me looking forward to seeing it in September.

I think I've expressed this before, but based on everything I've read about this production both here and its run in London, I expect the reviews to be decidedly mixed, because there are critics who I'm sure will have a hard time writing something like: "Although the score leaves a lot to be desired, I loved the show from start to finish because I found every minute highly entertaining". or something like that. I think that some critics will fear saying something like that because it would "reduce" them in the eyes of some readers and/or fellow critics. 

I guess we'll find out in eight hours or so.

Updated On: 8/3/23 at 12:10 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:15pm

It’s just gonna be interesting to see what they do with it. I’ve taken two friends to see it whom I would have put money on them hating it but they had an absolute blast. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:17pm

I'm happy to see the show is finally open on Broadway, but I am a bit nervous about how the critics will view this. Especially Jesse Green (NYT) as well as Olensinski (NYPOST). Those two recently have had some harsh words for shows they don't particularly like. We will just have to wait and see. Hoping to rush this next week! Definitely wanna see the changes between London and Broadway!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:19pm

There’s virtually no change in the show from London. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:20pm

Jordan Catalano said: "There’s virtually no change in the show from London."

Good to know! Thanks, Jordan!

 

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I cannot wait to see that Delorian Fly again! That just BLEW MY FREAKING MIND!!!

 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 12:45pm

Compared to the return to 1955 (storm, clock tower, etc.), which I thought was incredibly dynamic, 

 

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I thought the DeLorean flying at the end was slow and clunky, and not nearly as exciting as it should have been. Actually, I was wondering if they might have been experiencing technical difficulties, since it seemed really awkward to me.

 

Updated On: 8/3/23 at 12:45 PM

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 4:02pm

So since they did the gala red carpet, tonight is basically a regular performance and waiting for reviews?

[Dom P]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 5:44pm

I don't know if any reviewers attend the red carpet gala benefit for the Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Foundation. I'm assuming (although we know what assumptions lead to) that critics are going this week and the cast is jazzed and doing thier foremost best in anticipation of reviewers attendance. Somehow this being the official opening night, I doubt it will be anything but a regular performance. 

 

And I agree with Jordan. There is a place on Broadway for a show where audience can let all inhibitions go, lose themselves in the show and have a blast!!

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 8/3/23 at 7:49pm

jacobsnchz14 said: "So since they did the gala red carpet, tonight is basically a regular performance and waiting for reviews?"

I think Casey said there was a special button tonight too

Updated On: 8/3/23 at 07:49 PM

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 8/4/23 at 5:23pm

Dom P said: ...And I agree with Jordan. There is a place on Broadway for a show where audience can let all inhibitions go, lose themselves in the show and have a blast!!"

 

And that show is....SIX