It is December in New Orleans, and our Back to the Future: The Musical at the Saenger Theater Review begins under the bright lights of Canal Street. The Saenger Theatre glows with Christmas decorations, and you can feel the excitement before the curtains even open.
If you have ever wished you could go back to 1985 or just wanted to see a DeLorean fly, your time machine has arrived. It really does fly.
We got to see it on opening night (December 9, 2025) of its very limited run in New Orleans.
We went as media guests, but we are also two history‑teacher nerd parents curious about how a time‑travel story might connect across generations. We searched for every small reference to how much the world has changed since Marty McFly’s first ride through time.
Before the show, I was nervous. I wondered if it would feel repetitive. Was it going to be a movie scene, then a song, then a movie scene again? And how could live theater possibly match the movie’s effects?
I was completely wrong.
The songs were entertaining, and the dancing added some nostalgia and humor, but man, were the special effects special.
The Show: Where Movie Magic Meets Stage Spectacle
The DeLorean is the true star here. Its first appearance is jaw‑dropping. Lights flash, fog fills the stage, and then it lifts off. Everyone in the theater gasped. It was one of the coolest theater experiences I’ve ever seen, and judging from the faces next to me, I was not alone.
Each scene flows easily with big musical numbers, bright sets, and quick transitions between 1955 and 1985. The choreography keeps everything moving without slowing the story.
The crowd was full of both longtime fans and kids seeing the story for the first time. When “Johnny B. Goode” started, the applause was instant, especially for the opening lines that mention our city.
Performances That Hit 88 MPH
David Josefsberg, as Doc Brown, is wild (in a way distinct from Christopher Lloyd) and endearing, always on the edge but full of heart. Lucas Hallauer’s Marty McFly has perfect comic timing and natural energy that keep every scene moving. His performance was a lot closer to Michael J. Fox’s, but in a way that felt more like a loving tribute to a hero than an impression.
Mike Bindeman was exceptionally nerdy and used all of his 6’2″ frame for amazing comedic effect. And Cartreze Tucker’s vocals brought the house down every time he was given the chance. The rest of the cast definitely brought their A game.
We are not Broadway critics, but we know fun when we see it. We were not expecting Les Misérables. We wanted to laugh, be amazed, and see how movie magic could work live. We got all of that. Even a crummugdon would walk away smiling.
The DeLorean effects are a marvel of stagecraft. You find yourself whispering, “How did they do that?” more than once. The show also uses smaller effects, intentionally, for silly slapstick moments that work almost as well as the big stunts.
Nostalgia Done Right
This Back to the Future: The Musical at the Saenger Theater Review would not be complete without talking about nostalgia. The show is a love letter to long‑time fans.
The man behind us turned into a kid the moment the lights dimmed. He clapped and cheered throughout the entire play, quoting lines he knew by heart and sang along to the Huey Lewis and the News songs that ended the show as if he were back in time.
Easter eggs fill every corner. There are famous quotes, movie props, and clever jokes about things the characters have not experienced yet, including a quick reference to 2020.
“The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode” were the clear crowd favorites. Some critics call the musical faithful to a fault, but that faithfulness is exactly what made it fun. It could have played some parts with a wink on how things have gotten better (or worse) since the movie came out, but that would change the tone.
This musical wasn’t designed for anything but having a good time. If you want serious drama or a clever critique on the real world, you might need to look elsewhere. But sometimes, after all the stuff we have been through, collectively and individually, in the last couple of years, we need to smile.
A Time-Traveling Experience for All Ages
One reason we enjoyed writing this Back to the Future: The Musical at the Saenger Theater Review is that the production appeals to audiences of all ages.
We did not bring our daughter because it was a school night, but she would have loved it. She would also have been disappointed that there is no streaming version, especially because she loves singing and dancing. She is a musical-theater girl who has been to more Broadway shows than I have. Now that I think of it, we probably should have sent her to review it.
The 1950s Hill Valley scenes feel sharp and detailed. History lovers will notice the set design, costumes, and commentary about progress. There is even a deep‑cut reference in the encore to the 1984 film Teachers with Nick Nolte. That kind of humor is made for teacher nerds like us.
If flashing lights are difficult for you, be warned that the time‑travel scenes are very bright. Or if you know nothing of the movie, you might be a little put off about some of the “romances” (but to be fair, so are the characters). Otherwise, it is family‑friendly, easy to follow, and pure colorful fun.
Why You Should See Back to the Future: The Musical at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans
This kind of stage magic is meant to be seen in person. Seeing the DeLorean fly above the stage feels like a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Make a night of it. Have dinner nearby, stop by the Roosevelt Hotel to see the Christmas lights, then walk over to the Saenger for a holiday night full of local pride and pop culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Back to the Future: The Musical about?
It is the 1985 movie reimagined as a live show with comedy, music, and a flying DeLorean. Yes, it flies.
Where is Back to the Future: The Musical playing?
At the Saenger Theatre on Canal Street in New Orleans from December 10 to 14.
Is Back to the Future: The Musical family friendly?
Yes. It is upbeat, funny, and great for kids and parents. Take them to the weekend evening shows or the matinees on Saturday and Sunday!
Final Thoughts: This Baby Hits 88 MPH, and You Will See Some Serious Fun
To close this Back to the Future: The Musical at the Saenger Theater Review, we can say with confidence that this show was far better than we expected.
It does not try to change the story. It celebrates it.
Some songs are stronger than others, but many are genuinely funny and touching. The early number where Marty’s mom sings to him in her bedroom had everyone laughing. The dancing ranged from polished Broadway style to clever physical comedy.
The stage effects left the entire audience stunned. I’m still thinking about how amazing they were.
A side effect is that I’m now looking at the Broadway New Orleans site. We used to be regular season ticket holders until around covid. Then life starts getting in the way, because that is what it always does. But seeing Back to the Future surpass my expectations makes me want to start doing this more often.
Bring your family, your love of time travel, and maybe a “Save the Clock Tower” shirt. New Orleans deserves this level of joyful theater, especially during the holidays.
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Quick Facts
- Show: Back to the Future: The Musical
- Venue: Saenger Theatre, Canal Street, New Orleans
- Dates: December 10–14
- Runtime: Two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission
- Age Range: Family-friendly, but contains bright lights
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