The Shiki Theatre Company is set to thrill audiences with its upcoming production of "Back to the Future," opening on April 6, 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of the beloved film. The musical promises to bring to life the iconic tale of Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they navigate time travel aboard the futuristic DeLorean.
During the first rehearsal press event held this week, three key scenes from the musical were unveiled, giving journalists and attendees their first glimpses of the show's vibrancy. One highlighted moment occurs during Act 1, Scene 9, set in 1955, where Goldie Wilson, working at the diner, inspires George with the song "Gotta Start Somewhere." This number captures the essence of ambition and hope, setting the tone for the adventure to come.
Shiki Theatre's Managing Director, Tomoyuki Yoshida, shared insights on the creation of this musical. He mentioned, "Before deciding to stage 'Back to the Future' here in Japan, we commissioned market research to assess how the film is received within our society. The findings revealed its remarkable recognition and broad appeal across various demographics, making it truly special."
Yoshida also expressed his desire to reach male audiences with this production, stating, "There appears to be slightly fewer male fans within the Japanese musical scene, which tends to attract more women. So, I see this content as a potential catalyst to inspire more men to visit theatres." With a smile, he acknowledged the challenges this presents, joking about the logistics of accommodating male restroom needs but emphasizing the importance of welcoming new patrons to the theatre experience.
"Back to the Future" holds not only cultural significance but also much sentimental value. The production utilizes cutting-edge technology to vividly portray the tale’s twists and turns, especially as Marty and Doc use the DeLorean for their daring time travel escapades. The musical’s script has been penned by Bob Gale, who co-wrote the original film. Joining him on the project is Robert Zemeckis, the film's director and one of the producers, adding authenticity and depth to the stage adaptation.
Further exploring the show, the rehearsal revealed another captivating scene: Act 2, Scene 4, where Doc Brown refuses to give up on his quest to send Marty back to the future, encapsulated by the touching number "For the Dreamers." This moment resonates deeply with the audience, illustrating the tenacity and passion present throughout the narrative.
Cast member Tetsuro Kasamatsu, who plays Marty McFly, expressed his anticipation for the musical, stating, "I truly cannot wait to immerse myself within the world of this amazing piece through the stage. I feel fortunate to enjoy such detailed attention to character development by our director, John, making this experience incredibly fulfilling!" Kasamatsu also humorously touched upon the aspect of time travel, sharing, "If I could time travel, I would go back and start playing the guitar early. I’ve never played, but after learning I got the role, I started practicing, and let me tell you, it’s been quite challenging!"
Meanwhile, Yoichiro Akutsu, who portrays Doc Brown, urged audiences to pay attention to the interactions involving the DeLorean. He said, "Everyone thinks of the DeLorean when they think of 'Back to the Future.' There’s some entertaining work within those dynamics that's carried through to our musical presentation, and we hope it sparks your interest!"
"Back to the Future" has enjoyed successful runs previously, both on stages in London and Broadway, and now, it's ready to take on Japan's vibrant theatre scene. With its fresh take on beloved characters and stimulating soundtrack, the musical aims to capture the hearts of new and long-time fans alike.
April's opening is not merely just another date, but rather, it's expected to be a remarkable event as the Shiki Theatre Company strives to make this production accessible to all audiences. The anticipation is palpable as fans await this splendid theatrical rendition of their nostalgic cinematic experience.