Back to the Future on Broadway in New York Brings Back an Iconic Classic in a New Way
Get ready to fasten your seat belts and journey back in time as the beloved ’80s phenomenon Back to the Future speeds onto the Broadway stage! This transformation into a spectacular musical serves as an exciting field trip for students, giving them the chance to step out of the classroom and into the vibrant world of Broadway.
So gather your group, leave your textbooks behind, and step into the heart of Hill Valley. Join Marty McFly and Doc Brown, the iconic time-traveling duo whose creative inventions and daring adventures made science seem so much cooler. The Winter Garden Theatre is our destination, where the tale of Marty, his rollercoaster ride through adolescence, endearing family complexities, and thrilling time expeditions come alive on stage. The show offers a glance into the comically ambitious imaginations of the past; their fascinating projections of today serve as a reflection of the ’80s era.Â
Beyond being an excellent opportunity for students to appreciate the art of live theater, it’s an experience that sparks creativity and encourages broadened perspectives–perfect for student travel planners eager to have an enriching experience!
Back to the Future Broadway show in New York – Casey Likes, Liana Hunt and BTTF Cast
Embark on the Timeless Journey of Back to the Future
Whether you’re planning an educational activity for students or a fun outing for a youth group, Back to the Future is one engaging cultural touchstone you should not miss. Holding its head high as a pillar of popular culture, this iconic film ruled the ‘80s and ‘90s. A delicious cocktail of science fiction, humor, and family relationships endeared it to moviegoers of all ages globally, leading to its crowning as one of the top-earning films of 1985. Its craze led to two equally engrossing sequels, thus transforming it into an admired trilogy.
Perhaps the film’s timeless success can be attributed to the relatable protagonist, Marty McFly. Audiences rooted for the courageous Marty, who exhibited a clever sense of humor and faced challenges familiar to any teenager – managing high school life, dealing with family, and yearning for a glorious future. Despite his fantastical time-traveling escapades, it was his universal experiences – friendships, love, and human connections – that made viewers resonate with him.
Adding to the film’s distinct flavor is the quirky Doc Brown. His unique blend of madness and genius, topped with his tangent-ridden monologues on ‘jigowatts,’ have established him as one of the most unforgettable scientist characters in film history. But it was Doc’s genuine friendship and mentorship with Marty that tugged at the heartstrings of viewers and transformed ‘Back to the Future’ from just another sci-fi flick into a heartwarming tale about courage and companionship. So get ready to witness the thrill of this enduring masterpiece on our nostalgic revisit of Back to the Future!
Back to the Future Broadway show – Casey Likes
The Magic Behind the Curtain: Navigating Obstacles and Making Choices
Powering this trip down memory lane are none other than the dynamic duo Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard. Silvestri, the talented composer behind scores for hit films like Forrest Gump and The Avengers, as well as the original Back to the Future trilogy, joined forces with Ballard, the Grammy-celebrated maestro who penned immortal tunes like Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’ and Alanis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill,’ to create an unmatched creative team.
The Broadway production was brought to life by a completely new score created by this formidable team. This fresh collection of songs not only augmented the story but also presented audiences with a new way to experience the world of Back to the Future. Now, alongside fan favorites like ‘Back in Time,’ ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ and ‘Earth Angel,’ audiences will discover a lineup of new songs that shed light on different aspects of the story. For example, in a song titled ’21st Century,’ Doc unveils his vision of the potential future during the opening of the second act.
The original co-writer of the Back to the Future movie trilogy, Bob Gale, crafted the book for this musical iteration. His part was crucial in ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the beloved trilogy, while also refreshing it to provide a delightful and natural fit for the Broadway style.
Back to the Future in NY – Merritt David Janes and Casey Likes
John Rando, a celebrated director who secured a TonyⓇ Award for his superb direction of the offbeat and critically praised Urinetown: The Musical, took on the daunting task of directing this adaptation. Rando’s track record of inventive vision and impeccable comedic timing made him the perfect choice to steer this iconic story’s path from movie to stage musical.Â
One of the greatest hurdles in this journey to the stage was the transformation of a narrative that leans heavily on cinematic tactics and special effects into a stage-friendly format. The concept of time travel, pivotal to the story, required a novel approach to staging and design in order to make it feasible and believable on stage.
Back to the Future: The Musical showcases an unforgettable spectacle for the audience with the stage transformation of the famous DeLorean, synonymous with the iconic film. Upon its first stage appearance, the audience is left spellbound, their enthusiastic cheers harmonizing with the revving engine, while the stage lights flash and smoke billows out. Far beyond a simple stage prop, the DeLorean emerges as a character itself, mesmerizing the crowd with its exquisite details and hidden treasures, appealing vastly to the ardent admirers of the original film.
Back to the Future in New York – Liana Hunt, Amber Ardolino, Daryl Tofa, Casey Likes and Hugh Coles
Planning to See a Broadway Show as a Group
When arranging a student group outing to see Back to The Future: The Musical, we have a few tips and tricks to make the planning process as smooth as possible.Â
Choosing a show that matches the interests of the group is paramount. With Broadway’s eclectic mix of shows, making the right choice can sometimes be overwhelming. Fortunately, Broadway Inbound provides an extensive list of shows with recommended audience ages. Thorough research into the themes of potential shows will help ensure your group gets the most out of the experience. Back to The Future: The Musical, for instance, is an excellent choice for any group with a bent for adventure and a love for the timeless tale of the original movie.
Broadway Inbound also offers the convenience of varying ticket prices based on the show, date, and seat location. So, you can always find something that matches your group’s budget. To get the best deals for your group, consider going for weekday performances and seats in the rear orchestra or mezzanine sections. These are usually less pricey compared to weekend shows or the front section of the orchestra.Â
Do remember to consider the age range of your students when selecting a show. Some shows are more suitable for adult audiences, while others are great for younger viewers. If your group consists mainly of high schoolers, Back to The Future: The Musical, with its combination of humor, adventure, and nostalgia, is a perfect choice.
Before or after the show, consider incorporating additional activities to enhance the overall theatre experience for students. Some groups enjoy pre-show dinners or post-show discussions where they can discuss characters, plotlines and themes that resonated with them. Some might even enjoy a meet and greet with the cast to get a taste of the magic behind the scenes, or visit some iconic New York landmarks.
Broadway Inbound has a host of resources to help with comfortable planning. Check out our site for information on group tickets, age recommendations, and even dining options, making it easy to plan a memorable student outing on Broadway. You can also Subscribe to Student Travel Planning Guide for FREE and get more student travel ideas and information
