In recent years, musical theater and film have become intertwined in a way that nobody could have imagined even a few years ago. From Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster movie musical Hamilton to Disney’s adaptation of its classic animated films into live-action Broadway plays, the integration of music and film has created some of the most amazing pieces of theatre in recent memory.
Two actors at the forefront of this trend are Liana Hunt and Casey Likes, stars of the upcoming musical adaptation of the classic 1985 science-fiction/comedy Back to the Future. Hunt and Likes bring their own distinct styles and personalities to the production, and their first fandoms as performers show why they may be two of the most exciting performers in musical theatre today.
Hunt got her start in musical theatre in Austin, Texas before making her way to Broadway. Her first fandom was the musical Fiddler on the Roof, which she saw when she was just 10 years old. Hunt said that seeing Fiddler on the Roof made her fall in love with musical theatre. Hunt has gone on to be a star in a number of well-known musicals, including Cats, Ragtime, and most recently, Back to the Future.
Casey Likes’ first fandom was The Who’s critically acclaimed rock opera, Tommy. He was 15 years old when he saw the 1975 film adaptation of Tommy, and he said that the story and the music left a lasting impression on him. Since seeing Tommy, Likes has been involved in a wide variety of musicals, including Rent and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. He is now performing in Back to the Future and is loving the challenge of playing a role that was made famous by actor Michael J. Fox.
The collaboration between Hunt and Likes on Back to the Future has been incredibly exciting for both performers, and they are excited to share their passion for music and theatre with audiences. With Hunt and Likes bringing their own unique style and talents to the show, Back to the Future: The Musical is sure to be a hit with fans of both the movie and the vintage musical style.
