Atlanta actor ‘steals the show’ in national tour of ‘Back to the Future’
In 1985, when “Back to the Future” hit theaters starring Michael J. Fox as the charming underdog Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as the zany, wild-haired Doc Brown, no one could have predicted its trajectory.
The film rocketed into cultural consciousness as thunderously as the DeLorean it made famous.
Since its release four decades ago, the film has grossed roughly $400 million and spawned theme park rides, multiple sequels, fashion trends (puffy red jackets and Nike Bruins) and catchphrases (“flux capacitor” and “Great Scott!”).
In 2007, the film was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
And now, it’s on national tour as a Broadway musical, coming to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre as part of the Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season from Sept. 23-28. It will be the first time the touring show has stopped in Atlanta.
The film’s original co-writer and producer, Bob Gale, first began adapting the film for the stage back in 2012. After a series of delays slowed progress, “Back to the Future: The Musical” premiered in the U.K. in 2020 and on Broadway in 2023.
Critics praised the production’s high-tech staging (particularly noting the flying, time-traveling DeLorean on stage) and celebrated the production’s original music by Glen Ballard, scored by Alan Silvestri (who also composed the original film score).
After seeing the show in London in 2020, a friend phoned Cartreze Tucker, an actor born and raised in Fulton County, who was living in New York at the time.
Tucker had seen quick success as a young actor. Fresh out of college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, Tucker had been cast as a member of the ensemble of the touring production of “Hair.” He laughs that his first production put him on stage completely naked as a singing, peace-loving hippie.
After “Hair,” he played Stevie Wonder in “Motown: The Musical.” Then Buster in “The Color Purple.”
All throughout, it was Tucker’s rich, bold and high-falsetto voice that got him noticed.
It was his voice, Tucker’s friend told him over the phone, that would make him the perfect fit for the role of Goldie Wilson, the busboy-turned-mayor in “Back to the Future: The Musical.”
Plus, the role is dually cast as Marvin Berry — the fictional cousin of Chuck Berry and lead singer of the Starlighters, the band that sings “Earth Angel” during a pivotal moment in the story (when George McFly finally finds the courage to kiss Lorraine Baines).
Tucker was confused by his friend’s suggestion.
“I said, ‘Whatcha talking about? There are Black people in ‘Back to the Future?’” Tucker laughed. “But once he put the idea in my brain I sort of had to make it happen.”
Tucker set out to land the role.
He watched the films again and again, bathing in nostalgia. He had grown up watching “Back to the Future” and its sequels on television. He had been enamored with the hoverboard and self-lacing shoes in Part II. His favorite ride at Universal Studios Orlando had been the DeLorean ride.
Tucker repeatedly called agents and casting officials to no avail. He was disappointed to learn the 2023 Broadway roles had already been cast. After the Broadway run wrapped and he learned of a national touring show, his hope was restored. But then time passed and he heard nothing.
Finally, out of the blue, the production announced an open casting call for union actors (called an equity chorus call). Tucker went through six rounds of auditions and callbacks.
Two days before Christmas, Tucker was at the gym doing chest flies on a cable machine when he got a call from a California area code. Thinking it was a telemarketer, he answered begrudgingly.
“It was Bob Gale, calling me to congratulate me and tell me he was very excited for me to come do the thing,” Tucker recalls.
From there, rehearsals proved just as surreal. Gale was in the room every day, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, cracking jokes, revising lines and even encouraging Tucker to keep an ad-lib line he’d improvised on stage. That quip, once nearly cut by another producer who didn’t like it, lives on.
It’s since been added to Gale’s official script and is now performed not only on the U.S. tour but in productions overseas.
The national tour launched in June 2024.
In spite of Tucker’s relatively minor role, he has been praised by name in multiple reviews.
After the Kennedy Center performance, Maryland Theatre Guide’s critic Teniola Ayoola praised Tucker’s “splendid vocals.” David Taffet, writing for the Dallas Voice, noted how his performance of “Gotta Start Somewhere” earned an early rousing ovation.
Tina Kong from Roc City Mag wrote, “Cartreze Tucker could have five more numbers and the audience wouldn’t get tired of listening.” And in Rhode Island, Broadway World critic John McDaid wrote, “Cartreze Tucker steals the show.”
For Tucker, who once thought he’d pursue a career in medicine before discovering theater at South Paulding High School, the reception has been affirming. He credits his high school drama teacher, Eddie McPherson, and chorus teacher, Donald Weaver, with giving him the initial courage to pursue theater.
Now 34, Tucker said he still suffers from bouts of impostor syndrome from time to time.
“ (But) every time I get to step on stage and play Goldie Wilson and play Marvin Berry, I get to remind myself that I am exactly where I belong,” he said.
Tuesday night, Tucker will return home to Atlanta to perform at the Fox Theatre. Tucker’s guest list is packed.
“My mom has literally invited anyone who will listen. If a person on the street walks by, she’ll invite them. I’m already exhausted,” Tucker joked. “To bring this show back home, to the place that first gave me my voice, that’s surreal.”
If you go
“Back to the Future: The Musical.” Sept. 23-28. Fox Theatre. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. $50-$165. foxtheatre.org.
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