Marietta Theatre Company To Premiere FIRST DATE

Marietta Theatre Company is pleased to debut its third production of the 2017-2018 season -- First Date. A romantic musical comedy written by Austin Winsberg, First Date will run from February 9 through February 24 at the Lyric Studio on the Square. The award-winning play wittingly depicts the desires and desperations of dating, starting from the awkward first date -- all put to the score of Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.

When a casual drink at the bar evolves into a full blown dinner, Aaron, a novice to blind dating, and Casey, a serial bad-boy dater, try to persevere to the end of the night. Unexpected visits from voices of their critics and ghosts of past lovers sing and dance Casey and Aaron through the rollercoaster evening. Through first impressions, uncomfortable conversations and refreshing twists, can the couple spark a new flame, or are they both romantically burnt out?

Since its original production at Seattle's A Contemporary Theater in 2012, First Date has brought the all-too-real challenge of looking for love in the city to commiserating audiences around the world. Starring Ashley Prince as Casey and Chris Saltalamacchio as Aaron, both making their Marietta Theatre Company debuts, hopeful and hopeless romantics alike will revel in this relatable off-Broadway show.

First Date marks the third of five productions in Marietta Theatre Company's inaugural season. The remaining 2017-2018 productions include the following:

• First Date: February 9 - 24, 2018
• The Marvelous Wonderettes: April 13 - 28, 2018
• [title of show]: June 8 - 23, 2018

Performances will be held at the Lyric Studio on the Square Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. from February 9 - February 24. Tickets for First Date start at $25 and are available for purchase now. Subscriptions for their remaining three shows, VIP tables and individual tickets can be purchased by visiting https://mariettatheatre.tix.com.

Throbbing hearts everywhere are invited to celebrate the holiday on February 14, when Marietta Theatre Company patrons can enjoy a special Valentine's Date Night performance -- beginning with a glass of wine at Marietta Wine Market at 6:30 p.m. The evening will mimic First Date, including a restaurant set up in the theater where appetizers and desserts will be served during the show. Ticket prices for Valentine's Date Night are $85.00 per couple and include the two glasses of wine at Marietta Wine Market and two exclusive seats at a VIP table.

"We're delighted to bring this relatable, romantic story to Marietta residents and beyond, just in time for Valentine's Day," said Blaine Clotfelter, president and co-founder of Marietta Theatre Company. "As a locally-grown theater, with founders born and bred here in Marietta, we look forward to welcoming our community to all that Marietta Theatre Company has to offer!"

For more information on Marietta Theatre Company and the 2017-2018 season, visit mariettatheatre.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.