From Fifth Avenue Shopping to Stunning Stagecraft: Our Unforgettable Trip to Broadway.

I’m the first to admit…I like to take fun, adventurous trips when I can. Typically, I shy away from the “touristy” stuff. But when I do find the time to remember that I actually have vacation days, I work hard to plan a vacation that I would enjoy while also giving my son an experience to cherish.When I was his age, I didn’t experience much of the “real world.”

That’s exactly why I try my hardest to expose him to new things all the time. Recently, one of those new experiences involved heading to “The Big Apple.” It worked out perfectly since I’d been planning a trip to Broadway to watch my favorite movie transformed into a Broadway show.

Back to the Future: The Musical at Winter Garden Theatre

Seeing “Back to the Future: The Musical” at the Winter Garden Theatre was the perfect show for me, and it did not disappoint!

Having never been to a Broadway show, my only reference came from what I’d seen on TV. I remembered Seinfeld dressing up in tuxedos to attend Broadway shows. Seriously, I thought it involved a bit of class and elegance. So, I consulted my co-host Natalie about this. She used to live and work in Manhattan and, admittedly, she’s far classier than I am. She assured me it’s not the norm. But hey, it’s New York—anything goes.

Still, I wasn’t about to show up to a Broadway show in shorts and t-shirts. Off to Fifth Avenue we went for shopping.

Fifth Avenue: A New York Shopping Experience

Now, I know what you’re thinking…why Fifth Avenue? Beyond the experience, it was an opportunity to get my son to wear something other than sweatpants. Decked out in our classy new attire, we took an excited 15-minute walk to the theatre.

Navigating the city was much easier than Boston; New York’s grid system really helps. Boston, on the other hand, is like a bowl of spaghetti.

At the Theatre: A Blend of History and Modern Marvels

Upon arriving at the theatre, Natalie’s advice rang true. People were dressed in everything from formal wear to shorts and t-shirts. It didn’t matter; everyone was there to enjoy the same show.

I checked with an usher to confirm we had the right seats. Once seated in surprisingly comfortable chairs, I soaked in the history and architecture of the theatre. It was fascinating how the historic elements blended seamlessly with the modern set design.The set was awe-inspiring, especially for someone who had never experienced a Broadway show before. The special effects were designed to envelop the audience, making the stage come alive in a way I had never seen.

People Watching and Pre-Show Anticipation

As you might imagine, I’m quite the people watcher. Sitting behind us were two young ladies approximately my son’s age, buzzing with excitement about the lead actor, Casey Likes.

One of them mentioned, “He’s the lead in my second favorite show, ‘Almost Famous’.” They continued to discuss various shows and actors with impressive sophistication—nary a Kardashian or YouTuber mentioned.

The Show: Striking a Balance Between Nostalgia and Novelty

While the show took some liberties with the storyline, die-hard fans of the franchise would understand why. The musical focuses on the first “Back to the Future” movie.

Occasionally, it threw in jabs at current topics like climate change and woke concepts—noticeable but not off-putting. Casey Likes nailed the Marty McFly character, staying true to Michael J. Fox’s iconic portrayal while adding depth. This Marty is more aware of his family’s misfortunes, speeding along the storyline smoothly. They also omitted the Libyan subplot, giving Doc’s fate a believable twist.

Making her Broadway debut, Mikaela “Va Va Voom” Secada brought a lot of heart to the character of Jennifer, Marty’s love interest. Mikaela added much-needed depth, transforming what could have been a one-dimensional role into something more meaningful.

Liana Hunt played Lorraine Baines McFly, bringing more “realness” to the character. While the 1950s were more innocent, teenage hormones have always been a thing, and Liana captured this essence perfectly.

The deviations from the main storyline were short-lived. Notable additions included a sweet number where Marty teaches his dad how to be cool, a ballad for Marty as he longs for his ’80s girlfriend, and a heartfelt song by Doc, “For the Dreamers.”

This song, destined to be a graduation day staple, actually brought tears to my eyes—it was that relatable.

Roger Bart’s Dr. Emmet Brown: A Delightful Surprise

Initially, I wasn’t sure I’d appreciate Roger Bart’s take on Dr. Emmet Brown. His version is a blend of Christopher Lloyd’s original portrayal, with hints of Rick from “Rick and Morty” and a bit of Beakman from “Beakman’s World.” While I thought it was too goofy at first, his performance quickly grew on me, adding an extra layer of comedic relief.

The DeLorean

In both the 1985 movie and this musical adaptation, the DeLorean is a star that the team of designers dazzle the audience. Featuring cool effects and looking like it’s driving on real roads, the car’s movement is expertly staged. To create the illusion of speed, they installed an LED wall at the back of the stage and a scrim in the front, with the car sandwiched in between. Projected video, lights, sound, and music made it appear as though the car was truly hurtling from 0 to 88 mph. The car speaks, leaves fiery skid marks, and even appears out of nowhere early in the show.

The Show-Stopping Finale

The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the car flying at the end. How does it work? No one was telling. But it’s quite the trick—it’s amazing.

Wrapping Up: An Experience to Cherish

Is “Back to the Future: The Musical” a Broadway masterpiece? That might be up for debate.

But my son and I left feeling very impressed with the whole experience. And trust me, my son doesn’t impress easily!For an unforgettable experience on Broadway, especially if you’re a fan of the original movie, “Back to the Future: The Musical” is a must-see. Our adventure, from Fifth Avenue shopping to the final bow, made for memories that will last a lifetime.