Back to the Future: The Musical

When the DeLorean revved up at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, audiences were in for an electrifying ride. Back to the Future: The Musical, adapted from the beloved 1985 film, takes viewers on a nostalgic journey intertwined with innovative theatrical elements. This production stands out thanks to its electrifying performances, catchy songs, and mind-blowing special effects.

Marty McFly is a teenager who is accidentally transported to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean created by Dr Emmett Brown. To return to 1985, Marty needs to ensure that his parents, who are still in high school, take their first kiss at the high school dance so that he can secure his own future existence.

After playing for four years in London and winning the Olivier and What’s on Stage awards for Best New Musical, the production opened on Broadway, and quickly rolled out a US tour. Now, on the 40th anniversary of the film, Australian audiences are next to be served up all the nostalgia and fries with that at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.

Fans of the film will not be disappointed. This musical adaptation of the much-loved pop culture phenomenon has been thoughtfully reimagined, with the original creator and writer, Bob Gale, at the helm. Every detail has been meticulously crafted—from the cereal packets and skateboards to Marty’s iconic guitar and the precise times displayed on the clocks (all 32 of them). Most of the show's sound effects, including all DeLorean engine sounds, are also sourced directly from the original movie sound files.

The production is packed with so many hidden references and nods to the films that even the Easter Bunny would be impressed by the sheer number of Easter Eggs waiting to be discovered. Attentive viewers will delight in spotting these clever touches, making the experience more rewarding for dedicated fans.

There is a strong theme about believing in yourself in this show, which is empowering and an excellent message for all ages. It is no wonder, given that Back to the Future (the movie) was rejected by every studio, production company and producer over 40 times in Hollywood all those years ago. Fans were treated to this story firsthand last night when Bob Gale took to the stage during the bows. Perhaps there is a little McFly in Gale; McFly eventually becomes a celebrated author after never giving up despite the Biffs of the world. 

The heart of the show undoubtedly lies in its charismatic leads. Playing Marty McFly is Axel Duffy, who bursts onto the stage with the same energy that made the character iconic in the original film. Duffy has boyish charm and boundless energy, capturing Marty’s quick wit and rebellious spirit (he also sounds a lot like beloved Michael J Fox). As a time-travelling teenager, his mix of bewilderment and guts translates effortlessly into catchy musical numbers and dynamic choreography. His chemistry with Roger Bart, who plays Doc Brown, is magnetic, and their banter is spot-on, reminiscent of the original beloved duo. 

Bart, who originated the role of Doc Brown in the UK and on Broadway, is a show-stealer. He is lovable and eccentric, serving as a comedic genius and the story's heart. His uncontainable enthusiasm for science infuses his solo numbers with an infectious energy and even comes with backup dancers. Bart lights up the stage with every swing of the lab coat, while retaining the essence of Christopher Lloyd’s original role and introducing innovative nuances that keep audiences entertained and deserve the laughs. 

George McFly, played by Ethan Jones, is the quintessential underdog who experiences a transformative journey from awkwardness to self-assuredness. His early scenes provide both comedy and sympathy, capturing the struggles of a young man trying to find his voice. The musical takes his transformation beyond the screen, with songs that highlight his growth and newfound confidence. George's evolution is heartfelt and humorous, creating a character arc that transforms from timid to daring and leaves the audience cheering.

Biff Tannen remains the quintessential bully to George’s underdog, but Thomas McGuane’s portrayal in the musical amplifies his boorish charisma with a lively performance that perfectly balances menace and humour. His over-the-top antics are accentuated by spirited musical numbers and offsiders that capture his brash, larger-than-life persona. Biff's comedic villainy adds a delightful contrast as the character keeps the audience engaged with his relentless antics and boofhead unpredictability. 

Ashleigh Rubenach goes from bored housewife back to a young woman navigating her teenage years in the 1950s. Rubenach has excellent comic timing, mixed with sass and vulnerability. The musical underscores Lorraine's vitality and yearning for love with her songs exploring her vulnerability and strength, ultimately crafting an enchanting and multi-dimensional character. 

Javon King as Goldie Wilson is the spirit of optimism and ambition, offering a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of self-improvement and determination. His vibrant and aspirational character is a charm-filled highlight with upbeat energy and infectious enthusiasm. Watch out for his musical number, which had the audience cheering! 

While adding a musical score composed by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is both a tribute to the film and a step on its own as a fresh addition to the theatre world. Sixteen new songs in the show, like "It’s Only a Matter of Time" and "Put Your Mind to It", infuse the show with an irresistible energy, with catchy melodies and lyrics. At the same time, familiar tunes like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” evoked nostalgia, triggering applause from original movie fans and of course, there is still that overture. 

The special effects push the boundaries of what’s possible on stage. Producer Colin Ingram is no stranger to creating illusions on stage, having worked on the development of Ghost. The use of projection mapping and intricate lighting design creates seamless transitions between 1985 and 1955. The stage DeLorean is a 90% scale, screen-accurate replica of the original car. Much of the production's technology is inspired by open-world games like Grand Theft Auto, using immersive visuals and sound for realism. Special lighting, projection, smoke, and pyrotechnics bring moments like the DeLorean’s time-travel sequence to exhilarating life, drawing audible gasps that turn into cheers from the audience. The innovative use of props and stage mechanics makes scenes such as the iconic clock tower sequence truly unforgettable. It’s a visual masterpiece that complements the story and transports audiences into the heart of Hill Valley. An entire audience is on the edge of their seats, waiting for that final time to travel into the future to see how it’s done. 

The musical features dance styles and costumes from the 1950s and 1980s. It includes various dance forms such as break dancing, the jive, and Lindy Hop. There are over 400 costumes and over 100 wigs in the show. The costumes and hairstyles featured for 1955 and 1985 faithfully represent their respective eras. For instance, the 1985 scenes include aerobics participants inspired by Jane Fonda’s workout videos, while the dresses worn by the 'cigarette ladies' in 1955 were designed based on authentic catalogues from that period. The production successfully recreated notable character looks, such as Doc's signature orange trainers and Marty's denim, parka and aviators, ensuring accuracy and recognisability from the original film.

Back to the Future: The Musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre is a must-see for new and old fans. It captures the original film's magic while delivering a unique theatrical experience. Whether you're a lifelong Back to the Future fan or new to its charms, this production promises an adventure that pushes the space-time continuum—a journey you don’t want to miss. Like all good albums, stick around for the bonus track at the end. 

Nicole Smith 

Photographer: Daniel Boud

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