Back To The Future previews- Page 4

[ACL2006]

Posted: 7/1/23 at 9:52pm

It's hard to believe this beat out MOULIN ROUGE in London for Best Musical.

[blaxx]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 12:08am

RippedMan said: "If it won the award in London I doubt they’re even thinking about tweaking anything unless their is some backlash."

The lack of competition won them the award. 

[binau]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 6:47am

I didn’t even realise it won that award lol. But in general just another case example of why I consistently find the standards of musical theatre in London particularly new musicals to be lower than NYC (still the 2nd best in the world and amazing too at times but it’s just not equivalent). 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 6:58am

I’m not saying it deserves it or should win. Just saying from a producers standpoint they think they’ve got a hit so why tweak it. I think the score is laughably bad. 

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 10:04am

starlightlocamotion said: "The show won Best Musical at the oliver awards last season. Beating out the likes of FROZEN & MOULIN ROUGE. While that might seem a low bar to some, I find it to be a pretty encouraging sign that this show has legs."

I don't think this really means anything. Broadway is a lot different from the West End. It's far more likely that this show won't even be open next spring come awards time. Not to say anything about it being good or bad (I don't know) but it's a long haul through the winter here.

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 12:04pm

binau said: "I didn’t even realise it won that award lol. But in general just another case example of why I consistently find the standards of musical theatre in London particularly new musicals to be lower than NYC (still the 2nd best in the world and amazing too at times but it’s just not equivalent)."

Agreed!

I would also say that, in an era where mass audiences are afraid to take risks on unknown properties, people here have been gravitating towards big classic revivals, while those on the other side of the pond have been totally on board the nostalgia-fueled movie musical train. Back to the Future has been all the rage, Pretty Woman was definitely better received, and I'm sure Doubtfire is about to be a big hit there. 

[starlightlocamotion]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 2:32pm

Definitely think this is leagues better than PRETTY WOMAN & DOUBTFIRE. Not to mention I believe this IP has broader reach in terms of who it will appeal to, and no controversy around the property itself. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 3:26pm

It has much more mass appeal that Doubtfire and Pretty Woman. Those were also absolute garbage while this is fun and "family friendly". 

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 3:58pm

I was also at the first preview on Friday and really enjoyed it. I saw both Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri seated in the audience. There were definite logistical issues. The house opened at 7:45 so the show started at 8:19. And intermission ran close to 30 min. I somehow still managed to catch my 11:17 train out of Penn though but doors were closing as I got there.

Anyway, I thought the show itself was in great shape for a first run through with an audience. Casey, Roger, and Hugh are the standouts but everyone else was really good too. The show is pure spectacle but also entertaining and it is definitely nice to have another show that families with kids can enjoy together. Most of the original songs are pretty forgettable but the spectacle and acting more than make up for it. Looking forward to going again after opening.

I was seated in the Rear Orchestra and there was SRO. Not sure if that has been announced officially or if was just for Friday night. There is also a gift shop next door to the theater so you don't need a ticket to shop. Lots of great merch at this one.

 

 

 

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 6:21pm

RWPrincess said: "I was also at the first preview on Friday and really enjoyed it. I saw both Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri seated in the audience. There were definite logistical issues. The house opened at 7:45 so the show started at 8:19. And intermission ran close to 30 min. I somehow still managed to catch my 11:17 train out of Penn though but doors were closing as I got there.

Anyway, I thought the show itself was in great shape for a first run through with an audience. Casey, Roger, and Hugh are the standouts but everyone else was really good too. The show is pure spectacle but also entertaining and it is definitely nice to have another show that families with kids can enjoy together. Most of the original songs are pretty forgettable but the spectacle and acting more than make up for it. Looking forward to going again after opening.

I was seated in the Rear Orchestra and there was SRO. Not sure if that has been announced officially or if was just for Friday night. There is also a gift shop next door to the theater so you don't need a ticket to shop. Lots of great merch at this one.





 


How does the finale car effect look from the orchestra?
 

When we saw the show last month in London, we were in the mezzanine and so it was about eye level with us. The illusion was incredible from up there, very curious how it plays from below? 

[RWPrincess]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 8:12pm

Luminaire2 said: "RWPrincess said: "I was also at the first preview on Friday and really enjoyed it. I saw both Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri seated in the audience. There were definite logistical issues. The house opened at 7:45 so the show started at 8:19. And intermission ran close to 30 min. I somehow still managed to catch my 11:17 train out of Penn though but doors were closing as I got there.

Anyway, I thought the show itself was in great shape for a first run through with an audience. Casey, Roger, and Hugh are the standouts but everyone else was really good too. The show is pure spectacle but also entertaining and it is definitely nice to have another show that families with kids can enjoy together. Most of the original songs are pretty forgettable but the spectacle and acting more than make up for it. Looking forward to going again after opening.

I was seated in the Rear Orchestra and there was SRO. Not sure if that has been announced officially or if was just for Friday night. There is also a gift shop next door to the theater so you don't need a ticket to shop. Lots of great merch at this one.








How does the finale car effect look from the orchestra?

When we saw the show last month in London, we were in the mezzanine and so it was about eye level with us. The illusion was incredible from up there, very curious how it plays from below?"

My seat was extreme side in the back so I thought the view was great but walking out, I wondered if I should get a mezzanine seat next time. Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri were not seated together in the Orchestra but Bob was about halfway back and Alan was a bit closer to the stage, maybe about 7 or 8 rows back. 

 

 

[bk]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 8:27pm

RWPrincess said: "I was also at the first preview on Friday and really enjoyed it. I saw both Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri seated in the audience. There were definite logistical issues. The house opened at 7:45 so the show started at 8:19. And intermission ran close to 30 min. I somehow still managed to catch my 11:17 train out of Penn though but doors were closing as I got there.

Anyway, I thought the show itself was in great shape for a first run through with an audience. Casey, Roger, and Hugh are the standouts but everyone else was really good too. The show is pure spectacle but also entertaining and it is definitely nice to have another show that families with kids can enjoy together. Most of the original songs are pretty forgettable but the spectacle and acting more than make up for it. Looking forward to going again after opening.

I was seated in the Rear Orchestra and there was SRO. Not sure if that has been announced officially or if was just for Friday night. There is also a gift shop next door to the theater so you don't need a ticket to shop. Lots of great merch at this one.





"

Is this now a thing, opening the house at 7:45? They do that regularly in community theater and now regional houses and I find it completely obnoxious.

[Alex M]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 8:38pm

bk said: "RWPrincess said: "I was also at the first preview on Friday and really enjoyed it. I saw both Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri seated in the audience. There were definite logistical issues. The house opened at 7:45 so the show started at 8:19. And intermission ran close to 30 min. I somehow still managed to catch my 11:17 train out of Penn though but doors were closing as I got there.

Anyway, I thought the show itself was in great shape for a first run through with an audience. Casey, Roger, and Hugh are the standouts but everyone else was really good too. The show is pure spectacle but also entertaining and it is definitely nice to have another show that families with kids can enjoy together. Most of the original songs are pretty forgettable but the spectacle and acting more than make up for it. Looking forward to going again after opening.

I was seated in the Rear Orchestra and there was SRO. Not sure if that has been announced officially or if was just for Friday night. There is also a gift shop next door to the theater so you don't need a ticket to shop. Lots of great merch at this one.





"

Is this now a thing, opening the house at 7:45? They do that regularly in community theater and now regional houses and I find it completely obnoxious."

It was opening preview and there was some technical stuff still being worked out. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 10:38pm

What’s the set do that’s so impressive and the car? Is it more interesting than the magic carpet in Aladdin because I’d imagine it’s the same type of tech. 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 7/2/23 at 10:38pm

bk said: "Is this now a thing, opening the house at 7:45? They do that regularly in community theater and now regional houses and I find it completely obnoxious."

This was a first preview. This is what happens at first previews. If you don't like it, see the show after it opens.

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 2:40am

I also saw this in London so can't really comment on the NY cast or production.

I guess if you like the movie, and you like a little spectacle in your musicals as someone else put it.  Or if you are looking for something to take the kids to, a la Disney on Broadway, then it's worth some consideration.

Personally I didn't find the music memorable, and for me it just came off as another movie to Broadway production.  As one who needs a little more than a couple of "cool" and "impressive" effects to make a show "go" for me, it wasn't among my top theatrical experiences. 

I'm glad I saw it, it had some entertaining moments, but it's a one timer for me.  

[perfectpenguin]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 4:48am

RippedMan said: "What’s the set do that’s so impressive and the car? Is it more interesting than the magic carpet in Aladdin because I’d imagine it’s the same type of tech."

Some of the lighting branches out into the audience. Maybe that’s impressive? From the pictures I’ve seen it does look neat. I haven’t seen the show though so I don’t know how neat it actually is. 

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 7:57am

"Is this now a thing, opening the house at 7:45? They do that regularly in community theater and now regional houses and I find it completely obnoxious."

Yes, because they usually have things to run or fix before then. These are real people working to keep things safe. 

I'm surprised you're dragging community and regional theaters in particular, who are usually underfunded and dealing with the resources they have. Every second counts, including the half hour you apparently want to stare at the empty stage to feel comfortable. 

Go to the movies instead if you want that kind of precise schedule. 

[pagereynolds]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 8:03am

R. GreenFinch said: ""Is this now a thing, opening the house at 7:45? They do that regularly in community theater and now regional houses and I find it completely obnoxious."

Yes, because they usually have things to run or fix before then. These are real people working to keep things safe.

I'm surprised you're dragging community and regional theaters in particular, who are usually underfunded and dealing with the resources they have. Every second counts, including the half hour you apparently want to stare at the empty stage to feel comfortable.

Go to the movies instead if you want that kind of precise schedule."

You do realize it takes more than 15 minutes to load a huge theatre with people, seat them, allow them to use the restroom, etc, right?

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 11:31am

Luminaire2 said: "How does the finale car effect look from the orchestra?

When we saw the show last month in London, we were in the mezzanine and so it was about eye level with us. The illusion was incredible from up there, very curious how it plays from below?"

Not sure if the term is just being used loosely but I thought it was more of a practical effect rather than an illusion?  I was sitting side orchestra (or stalls, rather) in London, and while you could see some of the mechanics behind it, pulling it off on stage still felt very impressive.  To answer RippedMan's question in a spoiler box:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

The ending has Doc coming back to call Marty into the car again, when they start up the car and drive, it goes off stage into the audience (suspended above the orchestra so it's eye level with the mezzanine), and then it also rotates so the two actors in the car end up upside down at some point (basically it does a stationary barrel roll).  So definitely a bit different than the Aladdin carpet.  The other effects during the show are a combination of the physical car and projections on a scrim

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 12:45pm

R. GreenFinch said:

Yes, because they usually have things to run or fix before then. These are real people working to keep things safe.

I'm surprised you're dragging community and regional theaters in particular, who are usually underfunded and dealing with the resources they have. Every second counts, including the half hour you apparently want to stare at the empty stage to feel comfortable.

Go to the movies instead if you want that kind of precise schedule."

Love 

 

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 7/3/23 at 3:37pm

chrishuyen said: "Luminaire2 said: "How does the finale car effect look from the orchestra?

When we saw the show last month in London, we were in the mezzanine and so it was about eye level with us. The illusion was incredible from up there, very curious how it plays from below?"

Not sure if the term is just being used loosely but I thought it was more of a practical effect rather than an illusion? I was sitting side orchestra (or stalls, rather) in London, and while you could see some of the mechanics behind it, pulling it off on stage still felt very impressive. To answer RippedMan's question in a spoiler box:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

The ending has Doc coming back to call Marty into the car again, when they start up the car and drive, it goes off stage into the audience (suspended above the orchestra so it's eye level with the mezzanine), and then it also rotates so the two actors in the car end up upside down at some point (basically it does a stationary barrel roll). So definitely a bit different than the Aladdin carpet. The other effects during the show are a combination of the physical car and projections on a scrim

"


I say illusion, as from the mezzanine could not see at all how they do it. It was insanely magical and impressive. 
 

I have to imagine if you were under it you’d see how it’s done? 

[Alex M]

Posted: 7/7/23 at 12:02am

Just got back from the show. I must say, as a huge "Back to the Future" fan (one of my top 4 films), I had relatively low expectations. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed myself. It's not Sondheim, but it's a delightfully goofy and entertaining experience that should be a must-see for fans of the film. It definitely has one too many songs and some... interesting lyrics, but it's just a great time overall. The entire cast gives their all, and the last two minutes alone are worth the price of a ticket. and to answer the question above-

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

I was in the right orchestra in the fourth row and had 0 clue how they did the car effect. Completely blown away.

 

Updated On: 7/7/23 at 12:02 AM

[Skip23]

Posted: 7/7/23 at 12:49am

Wants to be Hairspray but it comes off as Tootsie.  Little charm, warmth or surprise.  Clunky, odd old-style musical comedy songs which add nothing but stopping the action for little reason.  Another example of musicals that never should have been made from movies.  Heavy on video which makes it all seem like a Disney 3D ride.  Hugh Coles as George McFly comes off the best.  All the rest are doing some heavy lifting against big odds.  And what the hell is Roger Bart doing up there. (And saddled with the worst of the sappy, stupid songs.)  Waste of time and ticket price.  And the big reveal at the end is just kinda meh.

 

[tinmanic]

Posted: 7/7/23 at 10:58am

Back to the Future is my all-time favorite movie. I'm also a veteran NYC theatergoer. What happens when these two interests collide...?

I saw it last night and it was not good. It seemed like a parody of a screen-to-stage musical. If the TV show "30 Rock" had an episode that included excerpts from an imaginary Back to the Future musical, this is what it would be like.

The best thing about it was Hugh Coles, who does a dead-on recreation of Crispin Glover's movie performance. On the other hand, his performance seemed mostly imitative and I would have liked to see him put more of his own spin on the role. I thought Casey Likes did a decent job as Marty, I guess.

It was also cool to see the car on stage.

The climatic scene near the end was really well done.

I did not like Roger Bart as Doc Brown at all. Mugging, overacting, awful. He made Doc seem like an idiot. And he used this raspy voice like Alex Brightman in Beetlejuice. There were a couple of times where he and Casey Likes volleyed the same lines back and forth to each other, for way too long. I guess that was supposed to be funny.

The music was unmemorable. The Act II opening number was a truly WTF moment.

Plot-change spoiler regarding the moment when Marty goes back in time:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

For some reason they changed "Doc gets shot and killed by terrorists" to "Doc suddenly gets plutonium poisoning and dies." It was a ridiculous, comical-in-a-bad-way moment. Instantaneous radiation poisoning and death? Really? Prompting Marty to hop in the car to drive to a hospital?

I wonder if they eliminated the terrorists to make it more child-friendly. But it's a show where incestuous romance is a main plot point, so that ship has kinda sailed...

 

I can't believe this thing won the Olivier. I need to wipe it from my memory so I can go back and just enjoy the movie trilogy again.