Words From The Wings: Nathaniel Hackmann of BACK TO THE FUTURE Shares Backstage Moments, Must-Haves, and More!

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Nathaniel Hackmann from Back to the Future! Nathaniel told us all about his favorite backstage moments, must-haves and more!

Check out his answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

I say hello to our extraordinary doormen: Matt and Eric!

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

I make sure to check that my zipper is up.

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

Liquid IV (for hydration)

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

That I do not have any ritual at all!

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

Air conditioning, a mirror, drinking water, music, and a door.

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

The entrance of the DeLorean! It is always incredible to watch.

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

Meeting Huey Lewis! I have been a fan since I was a child.

About Nathaniel Hackmann

Nathaniel Hackmann (Biff) (he/him) has emerged as an actor/singer of international renown. He has been seen on stage in some of the most demanding roles and alongside many of the world’s greatest orchestras. He has portrayed Jean Valjean and Javert on Broadway in Les Misérables, as well as the titular roles in Jekyll and Hyde and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. For the internationally televised BBC Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall, he appeared as Curly with the John Wilson Orchestra in the acclaimed production of Oklahoma and portrayed Gaby in On The Town for Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Birthday Celebration. It is impossible to overstate the influence of Back to the Future in Hackmann’s formative years. Having memorized the films, line by line and shot by shot by wearing out the used VHS tapes he bought with his childhood lunch money at Blockbuster, it is an incredible honor to step into this iconic role and help tell this story for new generations! Following his recording as Steve in Paint Your Wagon, his Curly in Oklahoma will be available soon on all music streaming platforms, followed next year by his Billy Bigelow. Hackmann’s past favorite roles include both Gaston and the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Quasimodo in Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, and many of Frank Wildhorn’s and Stephen Sondheim’s antagonists. In the operatic repertoire, Hackmann is an alumnus of the prestigious Merola Opera Program at the San Francisco Opera. He has also appeared with Virginia Opera, Michigan Opera Theater, Opera Theater Saint Louis, San Francisco Lyric Opera, and others. On the concert stage, he has appeared with the John Wilson Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Hong Kong Symphony, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Springfield Symphony, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Sun Valley Opera, Central Michigan Orchestra, Northern Arizona Symphony, and Northwest Indiana Symphony. Nathaniel Hackmann holds a Bachelor and Master of Music in vocal performance from Central Michigan University. Humble thanks to the creatives, God, A & PP, and Thomas F. Wilson. Twitter: @n8hackmann. Instagram: n8hackmann

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