Eugene audiences embarked on a thrilling journey through time during the eagerly awaited run of “Back to the Future: The Musical” at the Hult Center from Dec. 4–8, 2024. After over a decade of development, with production beginning in 2012, the long-anticipated show finally made its way to Eugene.
This $23.5 million production delivered an experience that captured theatergoers’ imaginations. Set in a small California town, the story follows teenager Marty McFly, played by Casey Likes, who is unexpectedly hurled back to the 1950s after a time-travel experiment by his eccentric scientist friend, Doc Brown, played by Roger Bart, goes awry. Using a modified DeLorean to navigate the past, Marty must repair the timeline after accidentally interfering with his parents’ first meeting, portrayed by Evan Alexander Smith and Leana Hunt. Ensuring their love story unfolds is critical not only to preserve Marty’s existence but also to pave the way for his return to the present and the rescue of Doc Brown.
From the moment the lights dimmed, this Broadway in Eugene production captivated the audience with its larger-than-life performances, seamless choreography, and gravity-defying stunts. The music, featuring original songs and classic hits like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode,” added depth to the narrative and paid homage to the original 1985 film.
The production design was exceptional. Seamlessly integrated props, stunning visuals, and a set that felt almost 3D delivered an immersive experience. From Doc Brown’s iconic DeLorean to the thrilling time-travel effects, every detail showcased meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. The opening scene was particularly captivating, with Marty McFly strumming a powerful chord on his guitar, causing surrounding boxes to explode outward in a visually stunning display. In a seamless transition, the scene transformed into the town hall, highlighting the impressive technical execution.
The heartfelt performances added layers of emotion to the narrative, particularly in moments that highlighted the musical’s core theme: “The Power of Love.” originally performed by Huey Lewis & The News The show blended humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments to deliver a well-rounded theatrical experience.
Directed by Tony Award winner John Rando and featuring original compositions by Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, the musical honored the film’s legacy while elevating it to a new artistic level. Back to the Future co-writer Bob Gale and filmmaker Robert Zemeckis adapted the film for the stage, preserving the charm of the original while reimagining it for live performance.
The final scene featured the iconic time-traveling DeLorean lifting into the air, displaying lifelike movements that were groundbreaking for a live performance. Without CGI, the DeLorean soared near the crowd with such realistic motion that it almost appeared to be truly floating.
“The show runs from December 6–8, 2024, at the Eugene Hult Center. Tickets start at $39 and are available at hultcenter.org.”
