Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Roads

Great Scott!

He’s done it again. Scott(y) staged a rollicking performance of “Back to the Future at Owego” earlier this evening. Jump in the Delorean and let this blog’s 1.21 Gigawatts of power transport you back in time to around 8:00 pm on July 30, 2024.

Before we dive into the musical stylings of your favorite Owego campers and staff, you need to know that Scotty writes the entire script for his shows. The way he weaves together story and song, and then adds Owego as a backdrop, is unique and simply delightful. Tonight’s show was no exception. With Marty McFly and Doc Brown as his anchor, he let his imagination run wild. What resulted was part film tribute, part dance party, and part talent showcase. The audience couldn’t get enough!

The show opened with the iconic scene of Marty (costumed in a red puffer vest, of course) wailing on the electric guitar at Doc’s house. The arc of the story mirrored much of the beloved 1984 film and current Broadway hit. Marty uses Doc’s Delorean time machine to travel back to the year 1985, where he encounters his Dad as a young camper at Owego. There’s Biff, the gruff bully who threatens to beat up Marty if he doesn’t hand over his Canteen treats, young Emmet Brown who sings about dreamers, and the infamous lightning strike that sends Marty back to present-day Owego.

But there was so, so much more.

Scotty used the concept of a talent competition at Timber Tops to tap into the world of 1985. With musical tributes to the likes of Michael Jackson, Tears for Fears, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Joan Jett, and more, the show highlighted the talent and heart of everyone on stage — from the smallest campers to numerous counselors (one played guitar and another did a Moonwalk that would make MJ proud) to two Unit Leaders, who sang a spirited version of  “Jack and Diane” that began “Little ditty about Kyle and Freedo…”

Peppered throughout the script were quotes from and references to some of the most notable 80’s films ever: Stand By Me, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Airplane, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, and Indiana Jones — just to name a few! If your camper comes home saying, “I know you are, but what am I?” you can thank Scotty.

Following the climactic lightning strike, Marty’s return to 2024, and Doc Brown’s plea to Marty to return to the future, there was a curtain call set to Huey Lewis’ “Power of Love.” Scotty himself (as Doc Brown) took center stage and directed the audience to “Celebrate!” As Kool and the Gang’s hit blasted from the speakers, everyone got up and started to dance. The joy was infectious, and all of Owego caught the bug.

Bravo to the cast and crew of “Back to the Future at Owego!” And Bravo to our very own Scotty Myers!

 

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