David Josefsberg and Lucas Hallauer Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

The musical, based on the 1985 film, premiered in the UK in 2020 and played for a year and a half on Broadway starting in 2023. The musical follows the popular film plot and characters closely, with only a few variations. In 1985, inventor Doc Brown invents a time machine, and through an accident, his teenage friend Marty McFly gets sent back to 1955. Marty encounters his parents as teenagers and accidentally interferes with them falling in love. With his future existence in jeopardy, Marty works to repair the damage and to find a way back to 1985 with the help of a young Doc Brown.

The book for the show is by Bob Gale, who along with Robert Zemeckis, wrote the screenplay for the movie. Many of the great lines and moments from the film are intact on stage, and the humor, excitement, and tension of original are replicated. The unique and fun characters remain, with a few fleshed out a bit further.

The score for the musical is its primary weakness. Many of the songs by Alan Silvestri (music) and Glen Ballard (lyrics) contain generic, instantly forgettable tunes. The lyrics are better, but focus a bit too much on theme as opposed to plot or character development. The show is not without some stronger numbers, however. Several of the pastiche 1950s songs such as the soulful "Gotta Start Somewhere," sung by future mayor Goldie Wilson, and "Pretty Baby" are quite effective. "Cake" is a funny take on things from the era that the world thought would have positive impacts, such as powerful pesticides, asbestos, filtered cigarettes, and super leaded gasoline, but which did not. The best song in the show may be Doc Brown's touching "For the Dreamers." Several songs from the film, including "The Power of Love" and "Back in Time," are incorporated. Still, overall, the score is not a strong one by Broadway standards.

The cast of the national tour features many multi-talented actors. Lucas Hallauer embodies the character of Marty without being an imitation of Michael J. Fox. His singing seems effortless, and he displays a strong stage presence and well-nuanced acting choices. Broadway vet David Josefsberg provides showbiz razzamatazz as Doc Brown, nailing all of the humorous moments and shenanigans with great skill; he is a delight throughout. Mike Bindeman is aptly off-kilter and nerdy as George McFly. Understudy Alyssa Carol excels as Marty's mother Lorraine, showing off wonderful vocals and getting many laughs as she hilariously fawns over her future son. Cartreze Tucker (Goldie), Nathaniel Hackmann (Biff), and Sophia Yacap (Jennifer) all have moments to shine in song and scenes and deliver splendidly, and the ensemble members give high-energy and first-rate performances.

Director John Rando supplies smooth transitions and has staged several numbers with especially fun and unique blocking. The characters and story are clearly conveyed as well, though a few of the characters are presented a bit too broadly to feel fully authentic. It is unfortunate that several of Doc Brown's songs utilize backup dancers who don't belong and are acknowledged as such, breaking the fourth wall and distracting from the otherwise straight-forward presentation style. The choreography by Chris Bailey is active and apt. Musical director Matt Doebler leads a tiny four-piece band.

Back to the Future has one of the most interesting scenic designs in recent memory, almost seamlessly integrating the staging with set pieces by Tim Hatley, projections by Finn Ross, and illusions by Chris Fisher, all interacting together to brilliant effect. The initial appearance of the DeLorean time machine and the other visuals with the car create a spectacle in the best sense of the word. The costumes, also by Hatley, are sufficient, but some of the '80s outfits are too cliche. The lighting by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone is varied and complement the other design elements well.

Though possessing a score that's undistinguished and with a few other bumps along the way, Back to the Future: The Musical has much to offer in this national tour production. The beloved story and characters, talented performers, and eye-popping visuals are enough to make for an enjoyable time. The plethora of audience members, young and old, dressed as either Doc or Marty demonstrates the cultural impact and following of this now forty-year-old movie.

Back to the Future: The Musical runs through September 21, 2025, at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on the tour, visit https://www.backtothefuturemusical.com.