Review: Buckle Up for a Great Ride in Back to the Future: The Musical

Review by Liz Eichler

Buckle up, Cincinnati—Back to the Future: The Musical has roared into the Aronoff, hitting 88 mph with dazzling visuals, clever illusions, and enough neon nostalgia to transport you straight back to the 1980s. Think Tron, Pac-Man, and vintage Mac graphics brought to life onstage. With energetic performances and a time-traveling DeLorean, this is a must see for all ages.

The Story

The story largely mirrors the film: Marty McFly, stuck in a family of underachievers, dreams of something bigger. His girlfriend Jennifer and eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown believe in him—even if his school principal doesn’t. When Doc’s time-travel experiment goes awry, Marty lands in 1955, where he must ensure his teenage parents kiss at the dance, outwit bully Biff, and race against the clock to get “back to the future.”

Performances

Lucas Hallauer nails Marty’s mix of charm and chaos. David Josefsberg’s Doc Brown is all charisma—he knows exactly how to pull the audience in. Mike Bindeman is a standout as the gawky George McFly, all elastic limbs and awkward hilarity. Alyssa Carol (understudy) gives teenage Lorraine a sultry sparkle. Sophia Yacap lends Jennifer a crystalline voice and warmth. Nathaniel Hackmann’s Biff is every bit the muscle-bound menace, finally unleashed in song (once his mic cooperates). Cartreze Tucker, as Goldie Wilson, all sass and swagger, is an audience favorite.

Music and Spectacle

The music blends new material with familiar favorites—Huey Lewis’s “The Power of Love” and Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode”—plus fresh numbers like “It’s Only a Matter of Time” and “Future Boy.” The pit band delivers them with vibrant, era-spanning flair.

But it’s the technical wizardry that makes this production unmissable. The projections, lighting, and illusions transform the stage into a living video game. The DeLorean’s big moment will leave you gasping. Under John Rando’s direction, and with Tim Hatley’s set and costume design, you will be transported to your favorite movie. Finn Ross’s video projections and Chris Fisher’s illusions make this a must see theatrical spectacle as inventive as it is nostalgic. It exceeds expectations.

Overall

Overall, this is pure theatrical fun: a mix of movie magic, stagecraft wonder, and ‘80s heart. Take your sweetheart or the kids, wear your jean jacket, and prepare for a wild ride—because Back to the Future: The Musical is a blast from the past worth every minute.

Tickets

Back to the Future: The Musical runs through September 21 at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. The show is close to selling out–as it should be. Get your tickets now at THE ONLINE BOX OFFICE.

This Broadway in Cincinnati show is presented by TriHealth.