John Rando, who directed the “Back to the Future” musical, hired Likes for his youth, his amiability, his soulful rock tenor. Once previews began, he was also impressed with the confidence that Likes brought to the role and his effortless engagement with viewers. Likes knows that he has to get the audience on his side, smile by smile, note by note. This week the “Back to the Future” team, the Pinheads, would play the “Kimberly Akimbo” team, Pinberly Akimbowl. Asked if his co-star Roger Bart (who plays Doc Brown) was on the team, Likes shook his head and laughed.

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Persons: John Rando, ” Rando, Patrick Fugit, Michael J, ”, “, Kimberly Akimbo ”, Pinberly Akimbowl, Spareolines, Roger Bart, Doc Brown, Likes, Bart, “ He’s, don’t Organizations: Fox, Broadway Locations: “ Moulin Rouge