BACK TO THE FUTURE - West End

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/11/21 at 6:07pm

This was an interesting one. I really had no clue what to expect waking into the Adelphi tonight. The best way can describe this show is if you were ever a little movie geek and went to MGM Studios and rode The Great Movie Ride and got to be inside your favorite movies for a few minutes. Because thats what this is - and I in NO WAY mean that as a bad thing.

Does it need to be a musical? Maybe not. Or maybe, Ill let you know when I see it again in a couple days to hopefully catch Olly Dobson (Marty) who was out tonight. I think they use every single song from the film, either in the show or played during intermission. So as good (or bad) as the score may be, its 100% overshadowed by Huey Lewis and The Power of Love which is sung a couple times. The musical utilizes most of (I believe) the films gorgeous underscoring to really bring it to life and add to the emotional impacts of serval key scenes and I couldnt have been happier with that decision.

The only time I ever rolled my eyes at the show was the opening of Act Two when Doc Brown has a dream sequence imaging the future that exists solely (to me) to set up a joke about 2020. I had enjoyed Act 1 so much, those first 5 minutes really scared me - luckily the show gets right back on track after that. Several events from the film were altered but only to fit the show on stage, most notably the ending. And while it was a little cheesier than I would have preferred it was one of the only moments I would alter if I could.

The cast is basically perfect and by that, I mean they perfectly embody the characters we all know. Hugh Coles is so good as George McFly, Im still not 100% sure that wasnt Crispin Glover onstage tonight. Roger Bart is the only one who really doesnt try 100% to embody their film counterpart and it works for him because, well, hes Roger Bart and hes just so much fun.

The effects for this one are honestly some of the best Ive seen. Screen/film/video is used in truly ingenious ways to simulate the car driving and time traveling. You really do feel like youre seeing your money put to use here.

Look - if the show comes to New York, certain people are gonna HATE IT because not everyone thinks Back to the Future is one of the greatest films ever made and was an enormous part of their life. I get that. But Gen X-er here who grew up with everything I got to see live right in front of me, it was like being inside the movie and I never knew thats exactly what I wanted from it until tonight. And the thousand or so people in the audience seemed to agree with me. But I cant imagine anyone not getting a tear in their eye when George punches Biff and kisses Lorraine as that music swells and Marty is brought to life. Its movie magic live on stage in the best possible way.

[Alessio2]

Posted: 10/11/21 at 6:10pm

Based on the clips I have seen, and your description of the show, it sounds absolutely PERFECT!!  This is one of my favorite movies, and I so wish I could get to London to see it!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/11/21 at 6:14pm

And here’s the thing. Another of my favorite films is “Pretty Woman” and using the film script so closely there just didn’t work for me and I believe I even said something to the effect of “You could just watch the movie at home and save $100”. So on the ride back to my hotel I was thinking about why I was so ok with that tonight and not with the other. And… I don’t know. I’m gonna really have to sleep on that because I want to understand it.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 6:01am

The cast recording is out, and it’s a lot of fun. Not perfect, but a lot of fun. Really hoping we hear something about a transfer soon!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 7:01am

Hmmmm.....I'm still not sure that I want to see this, but your review and enthusiasm but me a tad closer to it.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 10:15am

Fun is a good word to describe the album. I haven’t seen the show yet so it’s difficult to really judge the production itself but the songs are indeed fun. 

It sounds like they dropped the Libyan terrorist plot but I’m surprised George is still a peeping tom.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 12:41pm

I didn’t realize “It’s Only a Matter of Time” is the Back to the Future theme music until the second listen. That’s clever.

[windowwaving]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 1:02pm

Jordan Catalano said: "And here’s the thing. Another of my favorite films is “Pretty Woman” and using the film script so closely there just didn’t work for me and I believe I even said something to the effect of “You could just watch the movie at home and save $100”. So on the ride back to my hotel I was thinking about why I was so ok with that tonight and not with the other. And… I don’t know. I’m gonna really have to sleep on that because I want to understand it."

Maybe because Pretty Woman barely has a set?

[pmensky]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 2:23pm

This would probably do well on Broadway this fall and for the holidays with tourists looking for a good piece of nostalgic escapism.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 2:42pm

windowwaving said: "Jordan Catalano said: "And here’s the thing. Another of my favorite films is “Pretty Woman” and using the film script so closely there just didn’t work for me and I believe I even said something to the effect of “You could just watch the movie at home and save $100”. So on the ride back to my hotel I was thinking about why I was so ok with that tonight and not with the other. And… I don’t know. I’m gonna really have to sleep on that because I want to understand it."

Maybe because Pretty Woman barely has a set?"

They are  two different beasts. One is clearly going for spectacle. Pretty Woman might be the worst musical I've seen in 10+ years. Not one good song. Terrible design and direction. Clunky cheesy book. Awful. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 3:08pm

The cast recording plays MUCH better than i thought it would! 
If this were to come to Broadway, there’s such a small number of theaters that would be good for it. It needs a space like The Broadway or The Marquis -it’s a very unique looking show.  

[starlightlocamotion]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 4:47pm

After having seen the show, I actually think the long acre would be a great fit for BTTF. Or…reopen the palace…?? 👀

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/11/22 at 5:18pm

 

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 12:51pm

First off, let me say that Back to the Future is my favorite movie of all time and I can't wait to eventually see this musical.  That being said, I listened to the cast recording Friday and MY GOD those lyrics are horrendous.  I don't understand why it's so hard to find a good lyricist nowadays.  Also, and this is a big pet peeve of mine with movies being made into musicals - they take whatever camp factor there is in the original movie and amp it to 11 and I have no clue why.  Even though the events in the movie are fantastical, the characters themselves are fairly grounded into reality.  I know I shouldn't judge a show based off it's cast recording, but I don't know what Roger Bart is doing with him being SO over the top in his line deliveries.

Like I said, I can't wait to see the musical live and will be first in line.  But, that cast recording really didn't do much for me (except for a couple of songs and the inclusion of bits of the score). 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 1:22pm

Roger Bart starts at an 11 and only goes up from there. I do wish he’d take it down to a 6 or so because it got quite annoying at times. 

[pmensky]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 2:00pm

I think it’s a given that Roger Bart would do it on Broadway, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Norbert Leo Butz take it on.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 2:20pm

He didn't get an Oliver nominee, right? Which is kind of crazy given the part and his status. So he might be up for replacement when it eventually comes over.

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 3:01pm

Listened to the album- I thought it was forgettable trash that all sounded like riffing on Silvestri’s soundtrack and Power of Love.

I’m sure seeing it is fun, but super bland middling musical theatre music.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 3:21pm

The lyrics could be better and I wouldn’t have thought to give Doc a line of chorus girls but I applaud the creators for having the balls to lean into the camp aspects.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 4:08pm

Yes, it seems like producers assumed that RB would be the perfect American Doc Brown to bring the musical over, but he’s too much for me. Now that he didn’t get an Olivier nom, I’d like to see someone else in the role, but I bet they’ll keep him. We’ll see!

[Huckster2]

Posted: 3/13/22 at 5:11pm

Show is getting rave reviews in London, and includes a Best new Musical Olivier nom. It already took home the award for best new musical in a fan online vote (Whats on stage awards) beating Frozen and the Disney fans.

Hugh Coles is outstanding George and he too won the fan vote for supporting actor on the Whats on stage awards. Next up for him was a Olivier award nom. 

The soundtrack. i been listening to this since Friday. it does take a few listens to enjoy more than just the hits from the movies (like 20+ songs written for the show). But the songs i guess were written with the visuals in mind, so they may not work as stand alone songs. "For The Dreamers" has the potential to become "the" song from this show. I think they just released as a single, well, at least it now has a music video. 

But if it comes to NY, I will be there. From what i have read, the Special Effects and technology are something to see in person.

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 3/21/22 at 5:04pm

Just returned home to the US after a week of theatre in London.  BACK TO THE FUTURE was one of the first shows I saw during the week and thought it was great fun and had amazing effects.  Olly Dobson, who stars as Marty Mcfly, was out that evening and we had one of the understudies in the role, I believe it was Ryan Heenan who was excellent.  Roger Bart was definitely channeling Christopher Lloyd in his portrayal of Doc Brown.  The entire cast was fantastic.  Since I had enjoyed the show so much and wasn't sure when I'd have a chance to see it again, short of another trip back to London, I decided to book tickets to see it again  on Saturday night the last night I was in town.    Shortly after the start of the 2nd Act the show was stopped and an announcement was made apologizing for the delay and asking the audience to please remain in their seats and the show would resume shortly.  Several other announcements apologizing for the delay were made and the audience was told they could leave their seats if they desired, that the bars were re-opened.  Another announcement was made that the delay was "Due to a medical issue and that the show would resume shortly".  Finally after over half an hour they made the announcement apologizing that the show would not be able to continue and was over for the evening.  As we were leaving the theatre we were given a letter from the management of the theatre instructing us to contact our original point of purchase for the tickets in regards to re-booking, requesting a credit voucher or a refund.  All of Sunday was spent in transit back home to the US.  I had purchased the tickets thru TKTS so this morning I sent off an email explaining what had happened along with a copy of the letter the theatre had given us as we left and copies of my actual ticket and receipt.  In less than a half hour I had a reply back from them telling me they had looked up my booking and had cancelled my order and issued a refund back to my credit card.  I cannot say enough good things about the staff at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.  They are very friendly and knowledgable when it comes to pointing you in the right direction for what you are looking for.  As the week progressed we would often times get the same person that had helped previously and they would always ask how we enjoyed the shows.  Anyway, I'm just curious if anybody has heard what actually happened last Saturday night to end up cancelling the show?  I've tried to find any posts on Facebook or Twitter to see if any mention has been made but so far have not found anything.   One of their announcements indicated that it was a "medical issue" but not sure what that would mean.  Since Act Two had already started was it too late to put in an understudy to finish out the performance?  Please share if you've heard anything.

P.S. The rest of the week was filled with other great shows that I would recommend as well worth seeing if you have the chance ... DEATHDROP, ALW'S CINDERELLA, LIFE OF PI, MOULIN ROUGE!, THE DRIFTERS GIRL and TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD

Updated On: 3/21/22 at 05:04 PM

[Tkristop]

Posted: 3/23/22 at 12:15am

New to the West End arena here, but going in May. If I only can pick 2-3 shows, any advice on which ones must see? 
Was thinking C*ck, glass menagerie, back to the future but open to others! Please advise…thanks!

[binau]

Posted: 4/3/22 at 4:31am

I have been putting off seeing this for so long but managed to get an extremely cheap ticket and I think I overall enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. They really have tried to make a full-flown, big budget musical with very impressive staging, genuine characters, a (somewhat mostly) original score and an interesting story. It really did feel that Delorean was actually moving (at least from so far away). The whole thing to me oozes like a 21st century British mega-musical but more in the tradition of an American Broadway musical. Going back in time to the 50s and suddenly being able to change the tone/style of the songs and writing did give me a glimpse of 'why' this should be a musical. It's not a cheap money grab to cash in on the title - there is a lot of heart to it. 

I really think this show has potential but I think what it really needs before a New York run is a very heavy handed show doctor to come in and cut and/or rewrite songs, cut lines, rewrite lyrics and think about if the structure can be improved. It could maybe elevate the material from mediocre/average to decent and coupled with the often amazing staging make it more of a sure bet. Right now it just feels like a bloated draft to me. The tone is also edging a little towards too cheesy and has Be More Chill vibes at times. I think it can be fixed it just feels a little sloppy for me. 

Updated On: 4/3/22 at 04:31 AM