ALUMNI NEWS

with the Sinfonia of London and conductor John Wilson.

“I knew I had a single evening off, and I saw ‘Back to the Future’ was onstage,” Hackmann said, describing himself as “desperate to see it.”

He went to the TKTS booth in London in search of last-minute tickets for that night and went to see the show.

Nate Hackmann is going ‘Back’ to Broadway

CMU alum cast as iconic bully Biff in new ‘Back to the Future’ musical

BY ROBIN MINER-SWARTZ

When Nate Hackmann talks about “Back to the Future,” you might think you’re listening to a 12-year-old describe his favorite movie.

“I wore out my VHS copy!” he gushed, as he launched into a deep dive of the film’s mythology and meaning.

The iconic sci-fi comedy adventure from 1985 that starred Michael J. Fox has everything — awkward teens, a wacky scientist, Huey Lewis hits and a timetraveling DeLorean.

And now, it has a stage musical version. “Back to the Future: The Musical” premiered in London’s West End in 2021, where it went on to win the Olivier Award (the British equivalent of a Tony) for best new musical. It begins previews on June 30 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theater before an official opening on Aug. 3. And Hackmann, ’04, ’06 MA, will be centerstage as the story’s legendary bully, Biff Tannen.

“I pinch myself every day,” he said. The opportunity to audition for the role emerged rather serendipitously. Hackmann was in London last summer working on a recording of “Oklahoma”

“When I got there, I realized the creative team is the same team I worked with off-Broadway half a dozen years ago on ‘Jerry Springer: The Opera,’ ” he said. While he was giving the show a standing ovation at the end, Hackmann turned his phone back on and sent a text to the show’s director, John Rando, and the choreographer, Chris Bailey.

“I said, ‘I’m having such a great time seeing this show and when it comes to New York you have to see me for Biff,’ ” he said, laughing.

Hackmann said it’s important for people working in theater to know how to market themselves, to know how you’re perceived in the business.

“I’ve been lucky to get to work in this business and part of the reason is because I’ve identified that I’m a giant man who screams high notes and can easily be perceived as evil,” he explained.

In other words, he knows his type. And that type aligns with Biff.

When Hackmann was in the final stages of casting for the show, he was performing as the Beast in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Minneapolis. It was also when the film’s other iconic car — a 1946 Ford Coupe convertible driven by Biff — went up for auction. It was purchased by Dan Felice, another big fan of the movie. Hackmann found Felice on Facebook, told him about his upcoming callback for Biff, and asked if he could drive five hours to come visit the car. Felice was happy to oblige.

“I went the week before my birthday, as a present to myself, to meet him and see the car,” Hackmann said. “It was so great to sit in it.”

He wore his audition outfit — an homage to what actor Tom Wilson wore in the original film — and took some fun pictures. Then, he landed the role. Also notable about this opportunity: It’s the first time Hackmann will originate a role on Broadway.

“It’s so surreal. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of,” he said. “I’ve been very lucky to get to do it.” •

First-generation student awarded prestigious Fulbright teaching grant

Annabelle Fortine is living and working in Bulgaria for 10 months

BY MAUREEN HARKE

Annabelle Fortine, ’23, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant to teach English as a second language in Bulgaria.

Fortine, who majored in elementary education with focus on integrated science and reading, was inspired to apply for a Fulbright award after serving as a summer migrant education teacher for Northwest Education Services in Michigan.

“I enjoy the challenge and rewards of teaching English language learners, and I especially love those ‘lightbulb’ moments when a student finally understands information in a new language,” she said.

During her Fulbright grant, Fortine is looking forward to learning about

Central alumni sweep Michigan parks honors

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association named its 2023 mParks Awards, and all four individual honors went to CMU alumni!

Recreational Leadership Award: Marcella Post, ’02, M.A. ’07, Midland Parks and Recreation

Marcie Post has been an active professional with mParks starting with her first full-time job in 2003. Post joined the City of Livonia Parks and Recreation Department at a time of great change and growth. She brought creativity, energy, and an overall enthusiasm for the field. Now, almost 20 years later, she has the same creativity, energy, and enthusiasm, plus much more experience.

Bulgarian culture and the education system.

“I am hoping to find that no matter where you are, children want to learn,” she said. “I also hope to learn from my students in the process.”

Upon returning to the U.S., Fortine plans to teach at an elementary school where a high percentage of the students are English language learners. Ultimately, she would like to pursue a graduate degree in English as a second language.

“I feel that I can have the greatest impact by training new teachers how to best meet the needs of students whose first language is not English,” she said. Approximately 2,000 U.S. students, artists and young professionals receive Fulbright U.S. Student Grants annually to pursue graduate study, conduct research and teach English abroad in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Fortine is living and teaching in Bulgaria for 10 months, but she is not a stranger to being in unfamiliar settings. She is the first in her family to go to college.

New Professional Award: Ethan Engel, ’12, City of Livonia Parks and Recreation

Ethan Engel has been an active member of mParks over the past four years. He was instrumental in developing the mentorship program and has presented at many mParks conferences. As athletic coordinator for the City of Livonia Parks and Recreation Department, Engel continues to improve facilities and add programs.

Park Resources

Leadership Award: Coe Emens, ’97, Ingham County Parks

Coe Emens has been an active member of mParks for the past 20 years and specifically he has been an active participant in the

“As a first-generation college student, I am proof that education and determination can help you thrive. When I began my first year at CMU, I quickly realized that universities have their own culture, and I was unfamiliar with how that culture worked,” she said.

“I asked questions, I made mistakes, but most of all, I grew in confidence with each semester. I now find fulfillment in helping others successfully navigate unfamiliar situations. So, it is not surprising that I am studying to be a teacher.” •

Parks Resource Committee and later the Parks Resources Focus Area. Emens’ leadership and his willingness to always volunteer, organize, host and participate has kept the parks resource focus area relevant and vital for other park professionals to learn and network.

Fellowship Award: Brett Kaschinske, ’93, City of Lansing Parks and Recreation

Brett Kaschinske has been an active member of mParks since he was a student at CMU. He is a past president of mParks, and he constantly gives to the profession, sharing what has learned through the years and looking for new ways to better serve his community. Kaschinske is a mentor to many in his profession, and he always leads by example. •