the mommy avenger

As a lifelong fan of Back to the Future, the mere thought of seeing the beloved film reimagined on stage filled me with both excitement and trepidation. Could the magic of Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and the DeLorean truly translate to live theater? Would the iconic moments I hold so dear be lost in adaptation? These were the questions swirling in my head as I settled into my seat at the Buell Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where the National Tour of Back to the Future: The Musical is playing until February, 9, 2025. But let me tell you—those worries evaporated faster than 1.21 gigawatts coursing through a flux capacitor. Back to the Future: The Musical is an electrifying, joyful ride that honors the spirit of the film while becoming something uniquely its own.

For those unfamiliar with the story (seriously, where have you been?), Back to the Future follows high schooler Marty McFly, who accidentally travels from 1985 to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his eccentric friend, Doc Brown. Stranded in the past, Marty must ensure his parents meet and fall in love or risk erasing his own existence. Along the way, he dodges the bumbling bully Biff, inspires a rock ‘n’ roll revolution, and helps Doc harness the lightning needed to send him back to the future.

The musical stays true to this framework but adds fresh layers through a fantastic new score, dazzling visuals, and a clever reimagining of key scenes.

From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear that this was more than a simple retelling. The creative team has expertly blended nostalgia with innovation, making the show feel both familiar and brand new. Yes, the classic lines and moments are there (because honestly, it wouldn’t be Back to the Future without “Great Scott!”), but the musical also isn’t afraid to take risks and forge its own identity.

The special effects deserve a standing ovation all on their own. Watching the DeLorean come to life on stage was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say that this production has raised the bar for what live theater can achieve. The combination of lighting, projections, and stagecraft makes the time-travel sequences feel larger than life, and the audience gasped in awe multiple times throughout the night.

What really elevates Back to the Future: The Musical is its talented cast, who bring energy, heart, and humor to every moment. Caden Brauch shines as Marty McFly, effortlessly channeling Michael J. Fox’s charm while making the character his own. His comedic timing, vocal chops, and boundless energy had the audience rooting for him from start to finish.

Don Stephensen’s Doc Brown is equally fantastic. He captures the character’s lovable quirks and manic energy while delivering some of the show’s funniest moments.

The musical numbers were a revelation. Lorraine Baines’ cheeky song “Pretty Baby,” hilariously performed by the talented Zan Berube, had the entire audience in stitches. Meanwhile, Kiara Lee as Jennifer blew me away with her powerhouse vocals during “Wherever We’re Going,” a tender and heartfelt song that adds depth to her character.

And of course, there are plenty of nods to the original film’s iconic music. The renditions of “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” had the audience clapping and wanting to sing along, creating a communal sense of joy that only live theater can deliver.

Ultimately, Back to the Future: The Musical succeeds because it captures the heart of what made the movie so special while finding its own voice. If you’re a die-hard fan or someone experiencing the story for the first time, this production has something for everyone. It’s a delightful blend of humor, heart, and mind-blowing stagecraft that left me grinning from ear to ear.

So, was I nervous about seeing one of my favorite films brought to life on stage? Absolutely. But those nerves quickly turned into awe and admiration. Back to the Future: The Musical isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s one of the most enjoyable nights at the theater I’ve had in a long time.

Trust me, this is one journey you don’t want to miss. I, for one, can’t wait to go back to see it again. Grab your tickets while there is still time for performances in Denver online.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}