NEW YORK (AP) — Casey Likes, a rising stage star, has found himself in an extraordinary position – he now portrays the iconic Marty McFly on Broadway, a role made famous by Michael J. Fox in the beloved 1985 sci-fi comedy “Back to the Future.”
Throughout his childhood, Casey’s mother would often draw comparisons between him and Michael J. Fox when they watched “Back to the Future” together. It seems like fate has aligned with her observations as Casey steps into the shoes of Marty McFly for the musical adaptation of this time-traveling adventure. The Broadway production takes audiences on a thrilling journey to the 1950s in a souped-up, gull-winged DeLorean.
“Growing up, I had a deep affection for the film. It belonged to that magical era of movies like ‘E.T.’ and ‘Close Encounters’,” says the 21-year-old actor. “With our Broadway rendition, I hope we can evoke a similar sense of wonder and nostalgia among the audience.”
The highly acclaimed show, which earned the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Musical in London last year, is now making its way to the Winter Garden Theatre this summer. The story behind the musical is crafted by Bob Gale, the same creative mind who co-created and co-wrote the original “Back to the Future” movie alongside Robert Zemeckis. True to its roots, the Broadway adaptation remains incredibly faithful to the original, complete with an actual DeLorean featured on stage and the iconic catchphrase “Great Scott!” that fans have come to love. Get ready to relive the magic and excitement of this beloved sci-fi comedy in a whole new dimension on the Broadway stage.
Renowned Broadway actor and Tony Award-winner, Roger Bart, is stepping into the shoes of the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, a role originally portrayed by Christopher Lloyd in “Back to the Future.” Bart fondly remembers watching the film during his early 20s when it first hit the movie theaters. He shared this experience with three close friends from theater school, and despite their familiarity with each other, none of them, including his own mother, ever suggested that he might be a perfect fit for the role of Doc Brown. They all secretly envied Michael J. Fox’s portrayal of Marty McFly.
The musical adaptation follows the storyline of the film, revolving around Marty McFly’s time-travel journey back to his hometown in 1955. Once there, he becomes entangled in the dramatic lives of his teenage parents, including his own mother, who unexpectedly develops feelings for her future son. To ensure his own existence, Marty must reunite his mom and dad, a critical task to avoid erasing himself from history. The musical promises to capture the same thrilling and heartwarming essence of the original film on the Broadway stage.
“We feel it’s incredibly important – and I’m certain Casey would concur – that the audience comes to the show and recognizes that they’ll experience the same captivating story but presented in a fresh and unique form, while still retaining all of its endearing qualities,” says Bart, who boasts an impressive Broadway resume with credits like “The Producers,” “Disaster!,” and “Young Frankenstein.”
The musical has received an infusion of new songs, skillfully crafted by the film’s original composer, Alan Silvestri, and the talented songwriter and producer, Glen Ballard. Alongside these fresh additions, some iconic tunes from Huey Lewis and the News, such as the theme song “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time,” have also been included. The audience can look forward to Marty McFly’s futuristic rendition of “Johnny B. Goode.”
“We venture back to the ’50s, presenting songs reminiscent of classics like ‘Grease’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ And then, we’ll have some exciting ’80s moments, akin to the vibe of ‘Footloose’,” explains Likes. “It feels like a compilation of the greatest hits, not only from rock ‘n’ roll but also from musical theater.”
Despite their admiration for the original films and a recent opportunity to meet the original stars at a gala, both Bart and Likes aim to bring their unique interpretations to their respective roles. They don’t want to be confined to replicating the performances of Fox and Lloyd but instead add their own flair to the characters. The result promises to be an exhilarating and fresh take on the timeless story audiences already know and love.
“I don’t aim to impersonate the movie; my goal is to evoke the essence of the film,” emphasizes Likes, who previously made his impressive Broadway debut as the lead character inspired by Cameron Crowe in the musical “Almost Famous.”
He continues, “Roger and I might have similarities in certain aspects of our performances, and I hope there are echoes of Michael J. Fox’s brilliance in my portrayal. But ultimately, our intention is to remind you of the original characters while still taking you on a fresh journey with our version of Marty and Doc.”
“Back to the Future” holds significant cultural significance, with the Library of Congress choosing it for preservation in the National Film Registry, and the American Film Institute ranking it as the No. 10 best science-fiction film. According to Bart, the movie’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to straddle multiple genres and themes.
“It’s a time travel story, a tale of discovering your parents as peers, and a captivating love story between Marty’s parents. At the same time, it’s a heartfelt buddy movie, with Marty and Doc showcasing the power of friendship,” explains Bart. “With all these elements combined, the film encapsulates the magic and storytelling charm of that era, which is why it has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences.”
Absolutely, the enduring appeal of “Back to the Future” is its ability to resonate with audiences of different ages and life stages. Children can be captivated by the excitement of time travel and the mesmerizing special effects, while adults may find themselves emotionally moved by the notion of connecting with their own parents in a unique way. As Bart points out, part of the movie’s staying power lies in the fact that it can hold different meanings for individuals at various points in their lives.
Likes highlights another compelling aspect of the story’s evolution. At the beginning of the narrative, Marty’s main motivation is to return to his own time to reunite with his girlfriend. However, as events unfold, his priorities shift and he becomes driven by a growing list of reasons – saving Doc, safeguarding his family, and even saving the world. This progression mirrors the complexities of life and decision-making that we all face.
“As the show progresses, Marty faces a mounting array of reasons to get back to his current life,” Likes explains. “It’s a thought-provoking aspect to consider in our own lives: What are the reasons that would compel us to return to our present circumstances if we had the chance to time travel?”
In this way, “Back to the Future” touches on universal themes that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, making it a timeless and enduring classic that continues to charm and engage generations of viewers.