Murieta Dance Company Heads ‘Back to the Future 2023’
Feb 20, 2024 02:03PM ● By Gail Bullen, River Valley Times Reporter, photos by Gail Bullen
With a cast of 120 dancers ranging in age from 2 to 17, the Murieta Dance Company converted an empty supermarket into a time traveling spectacle for its 2023 recital Dec. 9 and 10 at Murieta Plaza
The performances attracted 500 attendees on Saturday and about 420 on Sunday, marking the culmination of the dance company’s 11th year in operation.
The young dancers showcased their skills in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop dancing, musical theater, and acting in the musical production “Back to the Future 2023 – The Next Generation.”
Company Artistic Director Doreen Zimmerman penned the original script featuring seven characters and integrating 36 tunes from diverse composers such as Cindi Lauper to John Williams.
In the storyline, when Doc Emmett Brown writes his notes about his discovery of time travel, he has no idea that his granddaughter, Doc Emme, will find his notebook. With the help of her friends Marty, Jenn, Einstein, and Tiff, she decodes a note her grandfather left behind. Using a magical telephone, they travel back to Hill Valley in 1955.
In the storyline, Doc Emmett Brown unknowingly leaves behind notes about time travel, later discovered by his granddaughter, Doc Emme. With her friends Marty, Jennifer, Einstein, and Tiff, they decipher the notes and use a magical telephone to journey back to 1955 Hill Valley.
After an exhilarating musical experience, the kids realize they are stranded in 1955 with no idea how to return to 2023. Fortunately, the older Doc and older Marty who are still traveling in the DeLorean connect with them. Together, they find right combination to get the kids back to their own time.
Zimmerman conceived the “Back to the Future” adaption a long time ago, waiting for the opportune time to stage it. Song selection came first, followed by the creation of characters and scenes. Drafting the script proved challenging due to the incorporation of two sets of time travelers.
The production featured more dialogue than usual to convey the story, with rehearsals for the acting parts beginning in September. “It was a lot of work and extra time…I’m so proud of them,” she said.
Her favorite dance performance was the Senior Elite Team's rendition of "Trying," addressing the pressure young people face on social media.
After Sunday's show, Zimmerman presented a trophy to graduating student Katarina Hartmann, who portrayed the older Doc in the musical and performed a senior dance solo. “What a way to graduate,” Zimmerman said.
Commenting on the varied costumes, Zimmerman mentioned the challenges of sizes and costs, crediting Pamela Broussard for successful modifications.
The most poignant moment occurred post-show as Zimmerman thanked the audience for their support, revealing doubts about holding the recital after her husband Soeren Zimmerman's severe motorcycle accident in July. Dance instructor Maddy Carges enlisted past students to cover Zimmerman's classes, allowing her and their daughter Sierra to stay with him at the hospital.
“I will be forever thankful for all of our friends and family who got us through this,” she said.
Zimmerman directed and choreographed this year's production, alongside choreographers Maddy Carges, Tava Anderson, Rylie Hartman, Sienna Zimmerman, and Sabrina Chase along with vocal coach Laurel Robbins Goodson. Jeremy "JT" Turner emceed the production, with Wyatt Gaylor, James Doran, Scott Rau, and Soeren Zimmerman handling lights, sound, and stage props.
Before the recital and during intermission, attendees could enjoy beer, wine, and other refreshments, place a bid in the silent auction or purchase flowers and Murieta Dance merchandise.
Zimmerman began teaching with 18 students 11 years ago at the Murieta Health Club. Now she has 120 students. She now runs her own studio in Murieta Plaza, with students participating in competitions throughout the year, earning first-place wins and recognitions.
