The original Doc Brown, Christopher Lloyd has welcomed the news that a stage musical version of the classic movie Back To The Future will debut in Manchester early in 2020 ahead of a West End run.
The brainchild of producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and the creators of the much-loved time-travelling film series, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, Back To The Future The Musical will speed into the Manchester Opera House on 20 February 2020 for a strictly limited 12-week season, ending on 17 May.
Commenting on the plans for the stage debut of the wildly eccentric scientist he first played on screen in the blockbuster movie in 1985, Lloyd said: “Ever since Bob Gale told me about this, I’ve been eagerly anticipating it and, in particular, wondering what it will be like to hear Doc Brown sing. So I’m really looking forward to attending the opening in Manchester to experience our wonderful movie as a musical. I’m only sorry I don’t have a real time machine so that I could see it tomorrow!”
With the musical’s Doc Brown yet to be revealed, the producers have confirmed Bat Out of Hell and Matilda original cast member Olly Dobson has won the coveted role of Marty McFly. Further casting will be announced at a later date.
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, the new musical will boast a book by Gale and new music and lyrics by the film’s Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard along with songs from the film including ‘The Power of Love’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’.
Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On the Town) will head a creative team that includes the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Hugh Vansone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video). Choreography will be by Chris Bailey, with illusions by Paul Kieve, musical supervision and vocal arrangements by Nick Finlow, orchestrations by Ethan Popp and dance arrangements by David Chase.
Confirming plans for the production, Gale said: “Bob Zemeckis and I have been trying to get this project off the ground for years, but good things take time and finally, the time is right. Our cast is outstanding, the songs are fantastic, and director John Rando is doing an amazing job ensuring the show truly captures the magic of the movie.
“We’re thrilled that we can retell our story on stage in a brand-new way, and we’re certain that Back To The Future fans all over the world will share our enthusiasm. In the words of Marty McFly, ‘your kids are gonna love it’ – and so will you and your parents. There’s truly no better way to celebrate the movie’s 35th anniversary, and we’re happy to say ‘The Future’ is coming back!”
Ingram added: “This show has been six years in the making and we are delighted to be showing it to the people of Manchester first before the rest of the world gets to see it. As I did with Ghost – The Musical, Manchester gets it first, so synchronise your watches because, when this musical hits 88 mph, you’re going to see some serious…entertainment!”
Angela Thomas
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