Pittsburgh CLO takes audiences back in time with ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’
Courtesy of the Pittsburgh CLO
A comedian once joked that you know you’re getting old when you still think the 1980s were just 20 years ago.
If you were born before the era of big hair and rock ballads immortalized in commercials claiming “they taught us how to live, they taught us how to love,” prepare for a dose of nostalgia – “Back to the Future,” the blockbuster film starring Michael J. Fox as time-traveling teen Marty McFly, turns 40 this year.
The classic movie has been reimagined as a Broadway musical. It is making its way to the Benedum Center thanks to the Pittsburgh CLO and will be there through Sunday.
The duo of Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard joined together for the music and lyrics that are such a big part of the Broadway production. Silvestri has composed scores for more than 140 films, earning him two Oscar nominations, two Emmy Awards and three Grammy awards over his 50-year career. Ballard’s background is equally impressive. The six-time Grammy Award-winning producer and songwriter has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson and Katy Perry to the Dave Matthews Band and Ringo Starr. Perhaps most notably, Ballard co-wrote and produced Alanis Morrisette’s “Jagged Little Pill.” He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023.
Point Park University Grad
Returning to the Pittsburgh area for the tour is Point Park University alum Brittany Bohn, who majored in dance and minored in musical theater. She joins the cast as a swing and dance captain. In the role, Bohn not only covers multiple ensemble tracks, but also helps maintain the show’s choreography and performance quality.
Bohn, who used to sing along to the radio in her younger years while riding in the car with her dad, said that she always knew music would be in her life. Bohn grew up watching Judy Garland and was inspired by the star’s performance in “Meet Me in St. Louis” and other films. “I admired just how genuine she was; that’s how I got the bug,” said Bohn.
Bohn went on to attend a performing arts high school in Atlanta where she studied acting, singing and dancing.
She continued to excel in the performing arts and later made her Broadway debut at age 35. She landed her current role after auditioning in New York and earned the coveted call from the choreographer.
“It’s a huge responsibility, but such an honor to be trusted with that caliber of a job,” she said.
Bohn’s favorite song in the musical is titled, “Gotta Start Somewhere.” “It’s about bringing the community together and keeping a dream alive,” she said.
Her favorite aspect of the production, however, is the dancing.
“It’s one of the most fun shows I could do, dance-wise-it’s all about big hair and authentic swing dancing,” she said.
To aspiring performers, she’d offer this advice: “I would tell them to remember what first sparked your joy and to remember that it’s always going to be a lot of work and ups and downs and sacrifices. Stay focused on why you want to do it. For me it’s the community and humanity and the joy of it all. If something tells you that you don’t need to do it, keep looking and find out what speaks to you,” said Bohn.
Touring, she admits, does come with its challenges-especially working with new crews in each city.
“We travel with up to 10 trucks and every stop brings in new local crews,” she explained. But for Bohn, the rewards are clear: “What I love about touring is bringing musical theater to audiences across the country. Not everyone can make it to New York, so we’re thrilled to bring Broadway to them,” she said.
Showtimes are Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. To learn more and to order tickets, visit the website at: https://trustarts.org/production/96027/list_performances.
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a freelance writer.