Unlike its subsequent sequels, 1985’s Back to the Future didn’t promise self-tying shoelaces or hoverboards. (Come on, scientists, you still have a year to make that happen). Rather, it’s the most pure entry in the series, using the unlikely occurrence of time travel to springboard into a tale of personal responsibility and the power of self-actualization. Proving there’s still juice in the old Flux capacitor, the Associated Press reports that a musical adaptation of the iconic film will be staged on London’s West End next year.
Set to coincide with the film’s 30th anniversary celebration, the adaptation will be written by the original screenwriters, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, alongside British director Jamie Lloyd (The Pride, Company). It will also feature new music from the trilogy’s original composer, Alan Silvestri, with lyrics by Grammy-winning songwriter Glen Ballard (Alanis Morrissette, Michael Jackson). Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment will serve as the show’s executive producers.
In a statement, Lloyd promised that the musical will emphasize the film’s sense of sci-fi quirkiness, adding, “The production will include illusions, skateboarding and many other surprises that will capture the spirit of the film but freshly interpret it for a new audience.”
If the West End production fares well, the Associated Press mentions that a Broadway run could follow soon after.
In addition to rewriting the history of the Delorean, Back to the Future featured several iconic music moments. Among them, the use of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” in the prom scene and helping to launch Huey Lewis and the News’ theme song “The Power of Love” to the top of the charts. Relive both instances below.
