‘Oh My God….that car was amazing!’ ‘The backdrops were eye-popping!’ ‘I loved the tongue-in-cheek musical numbers!’
‘Back to the Future’ at the Schuster, is a free-wheeling tribute to the beloved movie, and a lot more! Although the songs, which at times can feel a little bit karaoke, are full-on fun and silly, you often lose focus on a cast that is giving it their all throughout the romp. I couldn’t help but notice that folks were anxious in the first act to see the ‘legendary’ DeLorean and its magical entrance. Meanwhile, a story is being told for all of us as well. Through hi-tech staging…and reminders of days gone by (1985 was 40 years ago….WTF!)….we are thrown into a land of the McFly family which remains true to the form as created for the film. There are some fun, if not over-the-top, intros to each of the family members. Lucas Marty does a good job of maintaining the look and vibe for movie fans. Mike Bindemann‘s George is funky and endearing. Fisher Lane Stewart gives 110% to the Dave role, and Abbey Freidmann‘s Linda foots the bill. Perhaps the McFly to watch in this performance is Zan Berube‘s Lorraine. She seamlessly does it all…gives you the frump, the fabulous, and ‘freaky’ sides of the mom figure!
The energy picks up in the theatre when David Josefberg‘s take on Doc Brown, hits the stage. Throughout the show, he makes his moments, HIS MOMENTS! Also of note, Cartreze Tucker belting ‘Gotta Start Somewhere’ and the devilish performance by Nathaniel Hackmann as Biff. And yes, the car. The CAR! I didn’t want to like it…almost was dead-set on not liking it…just to be contrary. But the truth is, it’s pretty astounding to watch. Blended with backgrounds that look alive and real (the high school gym scene is a mind-trip!)…the car is, in its own way, another star of the show!
Advice…go into the theatre looking to have a good time. A fun, funny, fantastic frolic awaits….
that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Ticket info at http://daytonlive.org
