Review: FIRST DATE Might Not Be Your First, But It Could Be Your Favorite
First Date was not the first dating show I've seen at the Denver Center's Garner Galleria Theatre. And it probably won't be the last. But it's definitely my favorite so far.
That could be due to the catchy music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. It could also be because of Austin Winsberg's book that manages to tell a story with both wit and emotional depth. I'd like to throw this accolade to the cast, though.
Directed by Ray Rodrick, the show centers around the blind date of Aaron (Seth Dhonau) and Casey (Adrian Leigh Robinson). While Casey's had her share of these kind of dates, Aaron's new to the game. Casey recognizes this early and decides to give his awkwardness a bit of a break, showing Aaron the ropes of going on a date someone you've never even spoke to before. Their night is frequently disrupted by an array of characters, portrayed by a brilliant ensemble of only three--Steven J. Burge, Jordan Leigh and Lauren Shealy.
Dhonau is naturally charming as Aaron, bringing a comfortable persona to him. Robinson makes Casey into a bit of a casual rebel, pulling back layers as the plot progresses. Both shine vocally in their own ballads, Casey with "Safer" and Aaron with "In Love With You."
The ensemble, originally written for five, is smartly pared down to just three, and you'd never even know it was trimmed. The actors are spectacularly funny with an assortment of characters from Casey's gay best friend to Aaron's maniacal ex to a kid that never existed. Burge, Leigh and Shealy are a joy to watch, even in the background. They had me howling.
One of the more refreshing pieces from the show is how it modernizes itself into the current dating climate, bringing up subject matter like dating apps and cyberstalking someone on Google before you meet them. But it also tackles classic scenarios like how to dress, what food to order and who should pay for the check.
If you're a little tired of shows about dating, let First Date renew your faith. It's a quick show, and the Galleria is the perfect setting for a theatrical night out. First Date plays the Garner Galleria at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through April 22. Tickets at DenverCenter.org.
Photos by Emily Lozow
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