Back To The Future previews- Page 8

[JSquared2]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 12:03pm

JeffDaEgg2 said: "I was there last night (won lotto, got orchestra S11), and Lorraine had some sort of added weight on her in the 1985 scene (it was really bad pillow-y stuffing, from what I could tell....so not an actual fat suit, but think Regina George's clearly-this-is-a-pillow-on-her-butt moment from the Mean Girls film). Not sure if that's different from what was used before.

Was anyone else there last night? I'm 99% sure the final big car effect didn't happen at all but I want to make sure I'm not hallucinating. The car was impressive, but I have NO recollection of the final effect that was previously mentioned in spoilers. and I'd be worried for my wellbeing if I somehow repressed it."

 

You're not crazy -- I was there too last night and the car didn't fly.  I had already seen the show a few weeks ago, but it was my friend's first time, so I was pissed (these were full priced tickets).  I wrote to Telecharge this AM and they got back to me an hour later with an offer to come back and see the show again (for free).  

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 12:07pm

^glad you were able to get new tickets! I wonder how many others thought to do the same, considering the effect is basically the only reason to go see the show. I wonder what happened and I wonder how they plan to achieve the same effect on tour.

[JeffDaEgg2]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 12:12pm

JSquared2 said: "JeffDaEgg2 said: "I was there last night (won lotto, got orchestra S11), and Lorraine had some sort of added weight on her in the 1985 scene (it was really bad pillow-y stuffing, from what I could tell....so not an actual fat suit, but think Regina George's clearly-this-is-a-pillow-on-her-butt moment from the Mean Girls film). Not sure if that's different from what was used before.

Was anyone else there last night? I'm 99% sure the final big car effect didn't happen at all but I want to make sure I'm not hallucinating. The car was impressive, but I have NO recollection of the final effect that was previously mentioned in spoilers. and I'd be worried for my wellbeing if I somehow repressed it."



You're not crazy -- I was there too last night and the car didn't fly. I had already seen the show a few weeks ago, but it was my friend's first time, so I was pissed (these were full priced tickets). I wrote to Telecharge this AM and they got back to me an hour later with an offer to come back and see the show again (for free)."

Thank you for confirming this!  Not sure if they'll honor this for a lotto winner, but I'll reach out and see.  I mainly went for the effects, so it was rather disappointing!

[signorafosca2]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 12:14pm

jkcohen626 said: "JeffDaEgg2 said: "I was there last night (won lotto, got orchestra S11), and Lorraine had some sort of added weight on her in the 1985 scene (it was really bad pillow-y stuffing, from what I could tell....so not an actual fat suit, but think Regina George's clearly-this-is-a-pillow-on-her-butt moment from the Mean Girls film). Not sure if that's different from what was used before.

Was anyone else there last night? I'm 99% sure the final big car effect didn't happen at all but I want to make sure I'm not hallucinating. The car was impressive, but I have NO recollection of the final effect that was previously mentioned in spoilers. and I'd be worried for my wellbeing if I somehow repressed it."

I guess we have the evolution of a Wicked no-fly show!"

I took my niece and nephew last night (previously I saw the show in London and promised them I’d take them on Broadway) and there was indeed no effect at the end! I was massively disappointed as it really is the reason to see the show. As in London it was well produced but has the insurmountable hurdle of a deeply unmemorable score.

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 12:14pm

JSquared2 said: "JeffDaEgg2 said: "I was there last night (won lotto, got orchestra S11), and Lorraine had some sort of added weight on her in the 1985 scene (it was really bad pillow-y stuffing, from what I could tell....so not an actual fat suit, but think Regina George's clearly-this-is-a-pillow-on-her-butt moment from the Mean Girls film). Not sure if that's different from what was used before.

Was anyone else there last night? I'm 99% sure the final big car effect didn't happen at all but I want to make sure I'm not hallucinating. The car was impressive, but I have NO recollection of the final effect that was previously mentioned in spoilers. and I'd be worried for my wellbeing if I somehow repressed it."



You're not crazy -- I was there too last night and the car didn't fly. I had already seen the show a few weeks ago, but it was my friend's first time, so I was pissed (these were full priced tickets). I wrote to Telecharge this AM and they got back to me an hour later with an offer to come back and see the show again (for free)."


What was the plan b? Did the car just sit on the stage? 

[JeffDaEgg2]

Posted: 7/21/23 at 2:55pm

Luminaire2 said: 

"What was the plan b? Did the car just sit on the stage?"

I'm sure someone who has seen the "normal" version of the show can give more info, but from my impression it seems they just cut it off abruptly right before the scene that would involve the effect.  

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

There was the town event where they give the check for the tower, and I can't quite remember what else happened, but the ending seemed super abrupt, going to the "The End" projection.  Not knowing that this was different than usual, my immediate reaction was that the book's ending is so abrupt that they literally have to tell us it's over, lol.

I'm going to assume that in the real version Doc comes out, potentially says "Roads?  Where we're going we don't need roads," then the car flies out.  None of this happened - Doc didn't even come out, and there was no car. 

Looking forward to hearing from someone who was there last night and has seen the normal version to get more details, though!

[Claudia Draper]

Posted: 7/22/23 at 11:37am

I have seats in the last row of MEZZ  - F center - how bad are they... 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/22/23 at 11:42am

Claudia Draper said: "I have seats in the last row of MEZZ - F center - how bad are they..."

You should be fine. The Winter Garden mezzanine is shallow, but wide. The key is to just be centered. The extreme sides of the Winter Garden (orch and mezz) present sightline issues.

[Luminaire2]

Posted: 7/22/23 at 2:54pm

JeffDaEgg2 said: "Luminaire2 said:

"What was the plan b? Did the car just sit on the stage?"

I'm sure someone who has seen the "normal" version of the show can give more info, but from my impression it seems they just cut it off abruptly right before the scene that would involve the effect.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

There was the town event where they give the check for the tower, and I can't quite remember what else happened, but the ending seemed super abrupt, going to the "The End" projection. Not knowing that this was different than usual, my immediate reaction was that the book's ending is so abrupt that they literally have to tell us it's over, lol.

I'm going to assume that in the real version Doc comes out, potentially says "Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads," then the car flies out. None of this happened - Doc didn't even come out, and there was no car.

Looking forward to hearing from someone who was there last night and has seen the normal version to get more details, though!"


Got it. How odd. 
 

in the normal version:

 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

My memory from the production in London, which I saw in June… I thought Marty was playing with his band. Doc interrupts, the “concert” set rises, car is on the stage, basically Doc says the line you mentioned, they both get into the car, car flies into the audience, does a barrel role, turns around and goes back into the stage, as the ensemble sings off stage, and music swells, car passes the proscenium, that front scrim comes down, projection “The End”.

 

My memory is already iffy, but I thought it was the clock tower check scene, then concert, into car finale. Maybe it’s the reverse? … maybe I can’t remember anything anymore 

 

[terrilovesNY]

Posted: 7/23/23 at 6:36pm

Saw this on Friday, 7/21 via lottery. There were technical issues, right after the first big scene with the car where Marty arrives back in Hill Valley. Show was stopped for about 5 minutes. Cast came back and started “Cake” from the top. No other issues after that and the DeLorean did fly in the final scene. 
For those who missed it on Thursday, nice to hear Telecharge is inviting you back for free. 
It was a fun night of theater and I’m glad I got to see it at the lottery price. 

[kwoc91]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 9:23am

Saw this via lottery win on Saturday night (excellent seats btw, more info in the other thread). My bf and I had an absolute blast! Was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but I left the theater smiling from ear to ear.

The only technical mishap I noticed was a curtain failing to drop all the way, which was fixed during the scene. No glaring issues otherwise. The car did take flight and it was a thrilling moment!

I thought the cast was extremely talented (wow Casey Likes has some pipes on him) but thought Roger Bart's portrayal of Doc Brown was a bit too over the top, to the point where I chuckled to myself when we were suddenly meant to take him seriously as he started to sing For the Dreamers.

I'd happily recommend this to friends who aren't big theater goers, folks visiting from out of town, etc. and I'm glad I was able to see it! Very curious to read the reviews, but I think this show could prove to be review-proof.

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 10:21am

Going to see this show and not getting the effect at the end is like going to a restaurant famous for its dessert but that makes you eat three courses of wood chips first, and then being told they're out of dessert. Stuff happens, but bummer.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:03pm

I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one.

 

 

 

[Huss417]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:06pm

jayinchelsea said: "I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one.





"

I'll make sure to let the producers know you aren't coming.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:10pm

jayinchelsea said: "I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one.



Sorry dude -- you don't get to have "opinions" on things you haven't seen (and I'm assuming you didn't see the other shows you are badmouthing either)? I'm also assuming you didn't see NY, NY (which you seem to consider a "quality show"  ) !

 

 

Updated On: 7/24/23 at 01:10 PM

[BETTY22]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:12pm

Fantastic feature in New York Times. It's so interesting how these shows come together. 

[Popular]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:13pm

Came for information, staying for the snark lol jayinchealsea sounds like a lot of fun.

[jpbran]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:14pm

“Sorry dude -- you don't get to have "opinions" on things you haven't seen (and I'm assuming you didn't see the other shows you are badmouthing either)? I'm also assuming you didn't see NY, NY (which you seem to consider a "quality show"!”

Yeah, the “I didn’t see it but it’s crap” followed by an *extremely* flawed & bloated (yet gorgeous) misfire as the counterpoint made me chuckle a bit too…

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:18pm

I'm very sorry to say that I thought this was a pile of garbage. I absolutely adore the original film (it's probably in my top 5 most rewatched films ever), but this adaptation was completely pointless. I was thoroughly disappointed by the score which added absolutely nothing to the plot or character development; it was just filler sound and noise, through and through. Moreover, aside from the car effect at the very end of the show, I honestly wasn't impressed by much else of the design.

I'm a huge advocate of having silly, light escapist romps available on Broadway. (Most of you will probably remember how much I championed & Juliet throughout Tony season—perhaps one of the silliest, lightest shows of all.) I certainly don't believe everything needs to be Hamilton or Shakespeare. But if you're going the light, escapist route, the production needs to feel clever or special in some way. Nothing about this show felt special or inventive to me. It felt like a generic cash grab.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 1:43pm

jayinchelsea said: "I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one.

You lost me at calling NY, NY a "quality show".




"

 

[Alex M]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 3:10pm

jayinchelsea said: "I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one."

Very cool, jayinchelsea! Thanks for sharing! :) 

 

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 7/24/23 at 5:57pm

Welp, saw the show this past Wednesday. Car was in the finale, so sorry to anyone that does NOT get the car because... why else would anyone make themselves sit through this show when they could save the money and just watch the movie?

I have seen my fair share of movie to musical adaptations but they usually have something of value to add or add something to the plot to make it it's own special thing. Some new plot, some great songs, etc. But when the only thing of value to add to a show is some really neat tech, I just don't think it's enough to balance the ticket price. I was lucky enough to win the lotto for this one so I didn't pay full price so I would have been even more let down if I had because no show on Broadway has ever felt more like a glorified theme park stage show than this. And I've seen Frozen.

I could not hum you a single tune in this show other than the two added from the movie days later. Even HOURS later if you had asked me then.

The tech is, of course, amazing. Not a shock. The performances were all good though I feel like I might be in the minority here that did not like the performance of the actor playing his father. I know it won awards but it's just a copycat of the movie actor's take on the character ramped up for camp, which worked against the show as it was so tonally out of place with all the other performers who were giving far less camp performances. Even knowing the plot of the movie, I found it such a dumb choice to show us, the audience, that Doc saw the video of himself in the future yet still went on with the subplot of Marty trying to warn Doc about that night so desperately. Yes, I knew from knowing the movie he was gonna be fine, but the fact the show shows up even before Marty's attempts to warn him start that Doc KNOWS kill ALL the dramatic tension leading up to that reveal.

However, this would be a very good potential gateway show for families. I saw so many dads with their kids in the audience and the dads were eating it all up. If a show can provide a bonding experience between a theatre kid and their macho man dad... it can't be ALL bad.

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 7/25/23 at 8:19pm

Delete 

Updated On: 7/25/23 at 08:19 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 7/25/23 at 8:34pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "Is this opening tonight instead of August 3?
I must have missed that change - unless it’s a promo and they’re opening in the past, lol. "

Reviews come out on August 3. They decided to do the red carpet and afterparty for tonight’s gala performance instead. 

[Speed]

Posted: 7/25/23 at 10:44pm

jayinchelsea said: "I'v just spent (make that "wasted" 30 minutes reading about this latest pop-film-to-Broadway-show piece, and I'm firmly convinced that this former New Yorker, who returns to NY several times a year to catch up on theatre, will not be wasting his time or money on this piece of crap. Haven't we had enough of these lousy film "adaptations" in recent years (TOOTSIE, MRS DOUBTFIRE etc.) to bring this "disease" to an end? Most of them fail dismally, both quality and profit wise, but there seems to be no end in sight. It's a shame that a quality show like NEW YORK, NEW YORK, barely (but not really) a film adaptation, has failed to find its audience, even with Lin-Manuel helping along, but shows like BTTF keep coming in a never-ending stream.

I'm saving my money on this one.





"

You’ll be missing out on something very good.  I’m 49.  I’m a theater actor and director,  I’ve been going to Broadway shows for 31 years.  BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is fantastic.  Great story, great ensemble, great music (not just the songs but the scoring), and a GREAT orchestra.  Go on and bitch about a show you haven’t seen.  Your loss.