SALT LAKE CITY — If Broadway had a category for pure fun, Back to the Future: The Musical would be a serious contender for the top prize. Packed with nostalgia, laugh-out-loud comedy, beloved characters, and some of the most astonishing special effects ever seen on a touring production, this stage adaptation of the 1985 classic delivers exactly what audiences want: a wildly entertaining night at the theater.
Now playing at the Eccles Theater, this Olivier Award-winning musical recreates everything audiences love about the movie while adding dazzling theatrical spectacle that simply cannot be experienced on a television screen. Adapted by original film creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis, with music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, the production delivers a perfect blend of nostalgia, comedy, and jaw-dropping special effects.
The story remains largely unchanged from the film. Marty McFly accidentally travels from 1985 back to 1955 in Doc Brown’s time-traveling DeLorean and must make sure his parents fall in love or risk erasing himself from existence. Along the way, he dodges the unwanted romantic advances of his own mother, helps transform his nerdy father into a confident hero, and races against time to harness a bolt of lightning that can send him home.
Fans of the movie can relax—virtually every iconic moment, beloved character, and memorable line make it to the stage. The production remains remarkably faithful to its source material while making only a handful of small updates. The result feels like a love letter to one of the most beloved films of the 1980s.
The biggest star of the evening isn’t a performer—it’s the spectacular technical design. The combination of scenic elements by Tim Hatley, lighting by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone, illusion design by Chris Fisher, and video design by Finn Ross creates some of the most impressive visual effects I have ever seen in a touring production.
The DeLorean itself is a marvel. Complete with glowing plutonium chambers and the iconic flux capacitor, the famous time machine becomes the centerpiece of the production. Through a brilliant combination of stagecraft and video effects, audiences genuinely feel like the car is racing toward 88 miles per hour. The graphics often resemble an immersive video game, placing viewers directly into the action.
The climactic clock tower sequence is worth the price of admission alone. Between the thunderstorm effects, flashing lightning, pouring rain, and breathtaking visuals, it creates one of the most thrilling finales I have witnessed on a stage. The audience erupted in applause throughout the sequence.
Director John Rando keeps the action moving at a brisk pace while leaning heavily into the comedy that made the film such a classic. There are laugh-out-loud moments throughout the evening, and the grin never left my face.
Lucas Hallauer (Marty McFly) captures the spirit of Michael J. Fox‘s iconic performance while making the role his own. His acting is superb, particularly in scenes opposite Doc Brown, George McFly, and Lorraine Baines. Hallauer’s vocals are strongest when Marty gets to embrace his inner rock star. “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” and “Back in Time” become crowd-pleasing highlights, allowing him to unleash a powerful rock voice while recreating many of the dance moves fans remember from the film.
David Josefsberg (Doc Brown) wisely avoids imitating Christopher Lloyd too closely while still delivering all the eccentric charm audiences expect. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his performance of “21st Century” becomes one of the evening’s most entertaining production numbers. He also reveals the character’s softer side in the heartfelt “For the Dreamers.”
Mike Bindeman (George McFly) provides the show’s emotional center. Watching George evolve from an awkward, bullied teenager into Lorraine’s confident hero remains one of the story’s greatest pleasures. His interactions with Marty are consistently funny and heartfelt, particularly during “My Myopia.”
Kathryn Adeline (Lorraine Baines) earns some of the night’s biggest laughs. Lorraine’s enthusiastic pursuit of “Calvin Klein” is every bit as hilarious onstage as it was in the film, and Adeline perfectly captures the character’s larger-than-life personality.
Nathaniel Hackmann (Biff Tannen) is a near-perfect recreation of the movie bully. His imposing presence and comedic bravado make him both intimidating and entertaining, particularly during “Teach Him a Lesson.”
The vocal standout of the evening, however, is Cartreze Tucker. As Mayor Goldie Wilson, Tucker delivers the powerhouse “Gotta Start Somewhere,” earning some of the strongest applause of the night. Later, as Marvin Berry, he brings down the house with a sensational rendition of “Earth Angel.”
The score contains several clever and entertaining new songs. “Something About That Boy” closes Act One with infectious energy and sharp choreography by Chris Bailey, while the ensemble number “Cake” hilariously satirizes 1950s culture with intentionally outdated praise for everything from filtered cigarettes to asbestos.
Ironically, the musical’s biggest weakness may be its music. While every song is clever and entertaining, few feel like the kind of showstopping Broadway numbers audiences leave humming on the drive home. The score serves the story well, but it rarely gives the cast opportunities to fully showcase their considerable vocal talents. Fortunately, the production’s humor, nostalgia, and spectacle more than compensate.
Back to the Future embraces the comedy, heart, characters, and iconic moments that made the movie a cultural phenomenon while enhancing them with state-of-the-art theatrical technology.
Come for the nostalgia. Come for the DeLorean. Come for the spectacular special effects. Whatever your reason, you’ll leave entertained.
Great Scott! There may not be a funner show in town.
MORE INFO: Back to the Future: The Musical plays at the Eccles Theater through June 14 with weeknight shows at 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM shows on Friday and Staurday. Staurday and Sunday matinees begin at 1:00 PM and the run ends with a 6:30 PM show on Sunday, June 14. Tickets start at $87.83 and can be purchased here: https://my.arttix.org/events.
