The Zig’s ‘Back to the Present’ a parody twist on famous film
OGDEN — Fans of the popular movie, “Back to the Future” know that 2015 is significant for the film because that’s when characters Marty and Doc arrive in the future. It’s been almost 30 years since the film’s release and it is that 2015 time now. Bryan Dayley and Rick Rea have always been fans of the film, so the idea of bringing the film to life on stage was appealing.
Dayley, who is known for his original plays written for the Desert Star Theater in Salt Lake City, makes his writing debut for the Ziegfeld Theater with his original parody, “Back to the Present.”
Rea said the Ziegfeld is excited to bring Dayley’s talents to Ogden area audiences.
IF YOU GO
What: ‘Back to the Present'
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 18-Oct. 3
Where: The Ziegfeld Theater, 3934 S. Washington Blvd., Ogden
Tickets: $12-$15 online, $2 more at the door
Rea, who also directed original Ziegfeld shows, “Fairly Potter” and “May the Mouse be With You,” is the director of the eight-member cast. The first half of the play is dedicated to telling the story of “Back to the Future” but the second half takes a new twist, opening in today’s 2015, not the 2015 featured in “Back to the Future” sequels.
“The first half follows “Back to the Future” one, but the second half is set in 2015 as it now with a really cool plot twist,” Rea said.
Dayley wanted to create a follow up with how 2015 is now and how Marty McFly would handle it. There will be no hover boards or flying cars in this version.
“Audiences love parodies and they also love ‘Back to the Future,’ we grew up with it,” Rea said. “We know people will identify with it,” Rea added.
The humor of the plot exists in the fact that the future Marty and Doc arrive in is not the future they were expecting.
Part of the allure of the play is in the fact that those nostalgic for “Back to the Future” will get to experience that part of the show, and those who like something new will also be entertained. Rea said the comedic timing of the cast is impeccable and will be entertaining for all audiences.
The Ziegfeld is known for its quality musical theater, but Rea said the theater also wants to stay true to plays, which is why a parody works well for “Back to the Present.”
“Our actors and writer have a keen eye for comedy and have chosen people who understand how to execute jokes,” Rea said. “We really have a lot of great local talent. We will continue to add plays to our line up because it is an important part of the theater and so this parody fits in nicely.”
Aaron Gordon stars as Marty with Quinn Kapetanov as Doc.
“Everybody loves the characters in “Back to the Future” and it’s exciting to bring them to the stage,” Rea said.
The show opens Sept. 18 and plays on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through Oct. 3. Cost is $15 for adults online, $12 for students, seniors and children online. All tickets are $2 more if purchased at the door. The Ziegfeld is located at 3934 S. Washington Blvd., in Ogden. The show is approximately 75 minutes with an intermission. It has a rating of PG for occasional mild language and innuendos. For more information on “Back to the Present” or to purchase tickets visit the Ziegfeld Theater’s website.