First Date 2013

Run Time:
1 hour and 30 minutes, with no intermission
Opened: August 8, 2013
Closing: January 05, 2014

First Date - 2013 - Broadway History , Info & More

Longacre Theatre (Broadway)
220 West 48th Street New York, NY

First Date is Broadway's new musical comedy about the most dangerous human endeavor in existence, the dreaded blind date. When tightly wound Aaron is set up with cool girl Casey, a quick drink turns into a hilarious dinner served with sides of Google background checks, fake emergency phone calls, a slew of bad boy and uptown girl exes, and some seriously saucy chemistry.

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR First Date

Check, please: 'First Date' is a bust
4 / 10

The simultaneously dimwitted and hyperactive brainchild of TV scribe Austin Winsberg (Gossip Girl, Jake in Progress) and songwriters Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, First Date follows Aaron (Zachary Levi) and a gal, Casey (Krysta Rodriguez), as they meet over drinks and dinner. During an encounter that lasts, mercifully, only 95 minutes...And suffice to say that no cliché is left unturned...Levi nonetheless manages to make Aaron likable enough, just as Rodriguez gives Casey an authentic, appealing tartness. And being a romantic comedy, of course, First Date ends on a hopeful note.

STAGE REVIEW: First Date
6 / 10

Levi is particularly winsome and adorable as Aaron..His singing voice, like his character, is engaging but a little thin...Here, [Rodriguez] projects an admirable magnetism as a brusque, red-meat-eating downtown chick...While director Bill Berry keeps the story zipping along, he's hobbled by a bland score (by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner) that leans too heavily on pastiche as well as a paint-by-numbers book (by Austin Winsberg) that strings together a series of overly broad clichés rather than flesh out truly distinctive characters...But there's a certain crackle to the performances by Levi and Rodriguez, a kinetic in-the-momentness, that elevates the material. Though your head may tell you to cut short this First Date, you find yourself rooting for this unlikely couple (and the show) to succeed. C+

BWW Flashback: FIRST DATE with Zachary Levi & Krysta Rodriguez Wraps Broadway Run Tonight
by BWW Special Coverage - January 5, 2014

FIRST DATE, which opened on August 8, 2013 at Broadway's Longacre Theatre, plays its final performance today, Sunday, January 5, 2014, at 3pm, having played 34 previews and 174 regular performances. First Date, starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, began performances on Broadway on July 9, 2013, and has a book by Austin Winsberg, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, direction by Bill Berry, musical staging by Josh Rhodes, orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, and musical supervision, vocal and incidental arrangements by Dominick Amendum.

13 in 30: Video Highlights from 2013- FIRST DATE
by Nicole Rosky - December 26, 2013

2014 is upon us, which means that it's time to look back on all of the highs and lows that this past theatre season has brought. BroadwayWorld is wrapping up the year by tributing our favorite moments of 2013, and in this series, we're highlighting 13 of our favorite musical moments on stage in just 30 seconds. Below, check out a 30 second clip from one of our favorite musicals of the year- First Date.

Exclusive Photo Flash: Betsy Brandt Visits FIRST DATE!
by Nicole Rosky - December 16, 2013

Over the weekend, Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad, The Michael J Fox Show) travelled to the Longacre Theatre to check out Broadway's FIRST DATE. BroadwayWorld brings you exclusive photos from backstage below!

FIRST DATE to Close on Broadway January 5, 2014
by Robert Diamond - November 6, 2013

It's just been announced that FIRST DATE, which opened on August 8, 2013 at Broadway's Longacre Theatre (220 W. 48th Street), will play its final performance on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at 3pm, having played 34 previews and 174 regular performances. FIRST DATE began performances on Broadway on July 9, 2013, and has a book by Austin Winsberg, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner,direction by Bill Berry, musical staging by Josh Rhodes, orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, and musical supervision, vocal and incidental arrangements by Dominick Amendum.

Photo Coverage: FIRST DATE's Krysta Rodriquez and Zachary Levi Ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell
by Walter McBride - October 17, 2013

The cast of First Date, the new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love, visited NASDAQ, where the cast and producers of First Date, including Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, rang the Closing Bell today, October 16. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you full photo coverage below!

FREEZE FRAME: Cast of FIRST DATE Rings the Closing Bell at NASDAQ
by Walter McBride - October 16, 2013

The cast of FIRST DATE, the new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love, visited NASDAQ, where the cast and producers of FIRST DATE, including Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, rang the Closing Bell today, October 16. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you a sneak peek at the stars in Times Square below!

FIRST DATE to Raise Funds for Operation Smile Via Online Auction
by BWW News Desk - October 15, 2013

Broadway's FIRST DATE, the critically acclaimed new musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, will hold an online auction to raise funds for Operation Smile through FirstDateAuction.com.

BWW Reviews: Original Cast Recording of FIRST DATE is Quirky, Charming, and Endearing
by Brittany Goldfield Rodrigues - October 15, 2013

The fun new musical FIRST DATE boasts music from Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner and a book by Austin Winsberg. The show tells the story of what happens when hipster serial dater Casey (Krysta Rodriguez) and uptight Aaron (Zachary Levi) are set up for a blind date at a restaurant downtown. The investment banker and artist-type don't quite hit it off but they don't fall apart either. The other restaurant goers become every person who could stand in the way or influence a date, each one with a colourful song of their own. Sisters, ex's, best friends and more make an appearance during this dynamic blind date.

FIRST DATE Celebrates Cast Album Release with Benefit Show at 54 Below Tonight
by BWW News Desk - October 15, 2013

The cast of Broadway's First Date, the critically acclaimed new musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, celebrates the release of their Original Broadway Cast Album with a one night only cabaret at Broadway's nightclub, 54 BELOW, tonight, October 15, 2013 at 9:30 PM.

Exclusive Photo Coverage: Zachary Levi & FIRST DATE Cast Tell It on the Mountain for Carols for a Cure
by Jennifer Broski - November 6, 2013

Stars and casts from the current Broadway line-up have been busy in the studio, recording for the 2013 Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 15. Singing traditional and original holiday songs, this annual holiday music CD benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA), one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you exclusive photos from First Date's recording session for 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' with castmembers Zachary Levi, Kristoffer Cusick, Sara Chase, Kate Loprest, Eric Ankrim, and Blake Hammond.

STAGE TUBE: In the Recording Studio with the Cast of FIRST DATE!
by Nicole Rosky - September 18, 2013

The original Broadway cast recording of First Date, the critically acclaimed new musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, will be released digitally and exclusively available at the Longacre Theatre Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Executive produced by Altar Identity Studios the CD, released by Yellow Sound Label, will be available in stores and everywhere music is sold Tuesday, October 15, 2013. With a book by Austin Winsberg, First Datei s directed by Bill Berry, has a musical staging by Josh Rhodes, with orchestrations byAugust Eriksmoen and musical supervision, vocal and incidental arrangements by Dominick Amendum. Click here to pre-order. Below, go inside the recording studio with the cast as they record the show's opener- 'The One.'

FIRST DATE to Celebrate Cast Album Release with Benefit Show at 54 Below, 10/15
by BWW News Desk - September 17, 2013

The cast of Broadway's FIRST DATE, the critically acclaimed new musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, will celebrate the release of their Original Broadway Cast Album with a one night only cabaret at Broadway's nightclub, 54 BELOW, on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 9:30 PM. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Operation Smile. Zachary Levi is a longtime supporter and Smile Ambassador for the organization, which provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe.

FIRST DATE Announces New Performance Schedule; Beginning 10/8
by Nicole Rosky - September 10, 2013

FIRST DATE has just annnounced a new performance schedule, beginning Tuesday, October 8, 2013: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, Sunday at 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets for FIRST DATE range from $35 to $137, and can be purchased at the Longacre Theatre box office or at Telecharge.com (212.239.6200). Please note that $30 rush tickets may be available the day of the performance. The current performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 7pm,Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm. Starting October 8, 2013 the performance schedule will be: Tuesdayand Wednesday at 7pm, Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 7pm.

Track List Released for FIRST DATE Cast Recording
by Nicole Rosky - September 5, 2013

The original Broadway cast recording of FIRST DATE, the critically acclaimed new musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, will be released digitally and exclusively available at the Longacre Theatre Tuesday, September 24, 2013, with digital pre-sale beginning today at Amazon.com. Executive produced by Altar Identity Studios the CD, released by Yellow Sound Label, will be available in stores and everywhere music is sold Tuesday, October 15, 2013. With a book by Austin Winsberg, FIRST DATEi s directed by Bill Berry, has a musical staging by Josh Rhodes, with orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and musical supervision, vocal and incidental arrangements by Dominick Amendum.

Photo Exclusive: Alan Menken Reunites with Zachary Levi at FIRST DATE!
by Nicole Rosky - September 5, 2013

Just last night, composer Alan Menken stopped by First Date on Broadway to support Zachary Levi, who worked with him on the 2010 animated film 'Tangled.' Below, check out an exclusive photo of Menken with the cast backstage!

In Performance: FIRST DATE's Zachary Levi & Krysta Rodriguez Sing 'First Impressions'
by Caryn Robbins - August 13, 2013

In today's New York Times 'In Performance' video, Zachary Levi, who plays the awkward but sweet Aaron, and Krysta Rodriguez, who takes on the role of edgy and artsy Casey in the new musical FIRST DATE, sing the charming number 'First Impressions.' Check it out here!

Photo Coverage: In the Recording Studio with Zachary Levi, Krysta Rodriguez & the Cast of FIRST DATE!
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - August 13, 2013

Just yesterday it was announced that the original Broadway cast of First Date, the critically acclaimed new romantic musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, will be recorded. Executive produced by Altar Identity Studios, the album will be recorded and released by Yellow Sound Label, produced by Michael Croiter and Dominick Amendum and will be available through Amazon, iTunes and everywhere music is sold in the fall of 2013. The cast was in the recording studio yesterday and you can check out photos below!

Yellow Sound to Record FIRST DATE Cast Album; Set for Fall 2013 Release
by Nicole Rosky - August 12, 2013

Monday, August 12, 2013, the original Broadway cast recording of FIRST DATE, the critically acclaimed new romantic musical comedy starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, will be recorded. Executive produced by Altar Identity Studios, the album will be recorded and released by Yellow Sound Label, produced by Michael Croiter and Dominick Amendum and will be available through Amazon, iTunes and everywhere music is sold in the fall of 2013. Directed by Bill Berry,FIRST DATE has a book by Austin Winsberg, musical staging by Josh Rhodes, with orchestrations by August Eriksmoen and musical supervision, vocal and incidental arrangements by Dominick Amendum.

BWW TV: Zachary Levi, Krysta Rodriguez & More Celebrate Opening Night of FIRST DATE on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - August 10, 2013

FIRST DATE opened last night on Broadway and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there to chat with Zachary Levi, Krysta Rodriguez and the rest of the cast and creative team about the exciting new show. Check out what they had to say below!

Photo Coverage: Party with the Cast of FIRST DATE on Opening Night!
by Linda Lenzi - August 9, 2013

FIRST DATE opened last night on Broadway and after the curtain came down, we celebrated with the cast, crew and creative team of the fun, new show. What are you waiting for? Scroll down to check them out!

First Date FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

First Date has had 1 productions including Broadway which opened in 2013.
First Date has been nominated for the Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance award at the Theatre World Awards. Zachary Levi received this nomination for his performance in the show.
First Date has won the Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway Debut Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Zachary Levi.

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