Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale from Feb 3-15. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four Whats On Stage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back to the Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award-winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”
When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When Back to the Future hits 88mph, it changes musical theatre history forever.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Luke Anthony Neville (Strickland/ Lou Carruthers/Mayor Red Thomas/Sam Baines, u/s Doc Brown) and Dylan Pass (Assistant Hair and Makeup Supervisor and former actor), who also happen to be a couple, for this exclusive Hotspots Interview.
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
Luke – I didn’t start until I was like 16 or 17 and that was after a lot of trial and error with my parents trying to find something for me to do. A local production of Les Miz was looking for actors and I auditioned and got the part. That was the beginning of my journey.
Dylan – I was performing in high school and immediately after high school I auditioned for companies in Southern California. I was working from that point until the Pandemic. After the Pandemic hit, I pivoted to wigs and all that stuff.
What was your first professional gig acting (a gig you got paid any amount of money for)?
Luke – Like a lot of brits my first paid gig was a pantomime. I was 17 and I was hired locally and I got paid $115 pounds to do 48 performances.
Dylan – My first gig out of high school was a 99-seat equity waver theater and I got paid $100 for 10 weeks of work. First Wig gig was in 2019, and I got called into a show cause the wig person didn’t show up.
When did you know performing would be your career?
Luke – I knew before college, as I had a very serious conversation with my parents when I was 18 and I decided I was going to study it in college, which I did for 2 years in UK and then I came to New York and studied for another 3 years.
Dylan – I have pivoted, but acting is still in my blood.
Other than this show, what has been your favorite role so far?
Luke – I was a part of the original off Broadway production Of Titanique – I was the associate Choreographer and covered 3 different roles. So, to sing Celine Dions song book every night and taking on different roles was just so good.
Dylan – I did a production of Bright Star, and I was Daryl Ames in the show and it was so fun to have a comedic role.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
Luke – I love doing new work as there is so much freedom to create something, but I would love to be Miss Trunchbull in Matilda or King George in Hamilton.
Dylan – Seussical. I was in that shoe before and I love how whimsical it is, so I would like to get another chance to perform in it.
Since this is such an iconic movie, is there extra pressure?
Luke – I think you have a responsibility to give the audience the story they are familiar with. It’s recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and I feel we take care of the nostalgia and memory of the movie in a new and exciting way.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Luke – quick, talkative and sarcastic
Dylan – Pragmatic, fun, and Optimistic
Describe each other in 3 words?
Luke describes Dyan as Caring, intelligent and Hilarious
Dylan describes Luke as funny, smart and thoughtful
What do you do for fun?
We have picked up the most random hobbies on this tour. We have both picked up climbing, and we love vintage shopping. Dylan is a big foodie, so he likes to cook and to try out different restaurants in the cities we tour.
Finally, what should our readers expect from this touring company of “Back to the Future”
It’s the show that you can bring your dad to and it’s so much fun. If you want to see Broadway scale tech effects that are reminiscence of old Hollywood and see a story that is heartwarming, this is the show to see. In addition, there is a lot of incredible choreography. Everyone who sees the show loves it.
For more information on Luke and Dylan, follow them on Instagram.com
@Lukeantonyneville or @Madeofdylan
