Pictured (L-R): David Josefsberg (Doc Brown) and Lucas Hallauer (Marty McFly) in The First National Touring Company of BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade, 2025
I’ll be honest, walking into Back to the Future: The Musical, I was a bit skeptical (as I usually am when beloved movies that hit the stage with brand-new music). Some movies are perfect the way they are. Some adaptations feel like they’re just cashing in on nostalgia (cough cough Mrs. Doubtfire).
But about twenty minutes into the show, I found myself thinking: Great Scott… this works!
The National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but reinforces it. The story is slightly adjusted to make sense on stage, but all the references you love are still there. The chocolate milk bit, the Darth Vader inclusion, and even the “Johnny B. Goode” moment. It’s all intact, just streamlined for live theatre in a way that actually makes sense.
And then there’s Doc Brown’s first number, played by the hilarious David Josefsberg. That’s the moment I really stopped questioning the show and embraced it for what it is: pure fun!
It’s theatrical in the best way and makes you realize this adaptation understands its assignment. The score, with original music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, smartly weaves in those iconic cinematic themes, keeping you tied to the original film. And while the songs aren’t something I’d necessarily add to my Spotify playlists, they do showcase the sheer vocal and comedic talent on stage – especially for Lucas Hallauer, who plays our favorite time-traveling teenager, Marty McFly. He hits some truly wild high notes, which didn’t always get the audience reaction they deserved, but don’t worry, Lucas… I definitely clocked them.
And visually? This show is insane.
The special effects are some of the coolest I’ve seen on a touring production. The DeLorean appearing out of thin air drew an audible gasp and applause from the audience. And the first time-travel sequence? Absolutely sick! Flashing lights, smoke, and precise choreography make this a full-body experience. For the theatre kids and sci-fi nerds alike, this show is pure eye candy.
I also loved the little touches that made this stop in Baltimore feel personal, like when Doc tossed in local ad-libs, such as rhyming “Capacitor” with “Baltimore” and joking about eating too many crab cakes. That stuff matters and creates a connection that reminds you this production is both alive and present.
I walked in, wondering if they needed to sing.
I walked out completely convinced it does.
If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll definitely get the hit of nostalgia you’re looking for. If you’re a theatre lover, you’ll appreciate the technical wizardry and talent of this cast. Go see this show before it leaves town on March 1!
For more information, visit www.backtothefuturemusical.com/northamerica.
Final Grade: A
About The Author
More Stories
