'Back to the Future: The Musical' making Philadelphia debut at the Academy of Music

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- "Back to the Future: The Musical" is bringing 1.21 gigawatts of nostalgia to the Academy of Music for its Philadelphia premiere.

Great Scott! It's been 40 years since "Back to the Future" became an instant cult film classic.

It's the story of Marty McFly, the teenager who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown.

They turned the film's storyline into a musical.

"If you're a fan of the film, if you're a fan of the franchise, it's got all the things that you want in there," says Nathaniel Hackmann, who plays Biff Tannen. "Adding music to it really makes it larger than life."

He says playing Biff made him think of "the quintessential bully."

"I think we all have known someone that reminds us of Biff in our past," says Hackmann. "I always pay the biggest homage to Tom Wilson, who did it originally in the movie. I mean, it was super formative for me. I grew up on those movies. I wore out the VHS tape."

Hackmann originated the role on Broadway.

"I did the whole run on Broadway," he says. "I've been playing the part well over 750 times now."

And he's now taking the show to fans across the country.

Hackmann lives in New Hope, Bucks County, and can't wait to take the stage at the Academy of Music.

"I'm thankful because I'm going to be at home during the week of Thanksgiving," he says. "It couldn't be better for me!"

"Back to the Future: The Musical" is at the Academy of Music from November 18-30.

For tickets and more information, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org.