FIRST DATE – Book by Austin Winsberg; Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner; Directed by Brandon Lopez. Produced by Vintage Theatre (1468 Dayton, Aurora) through October 23. Tickets available at 303-856-7830 or VintageTheatre.org.
While exploring the terrors of first dates, neither Casey (Libby Shull on this night) or Aaron (Patrick Clarke) are scarcely first-timers. Casey bills herself as a serial online dater and Aaron is seeking new companionship because of a breakup – a year ago! – with longtime love Allison. This venture into the whole new world of online dating is terrifying for Aaron. Casey, on the other hand, is a pro at this; she has her backup plan for making an exit in place and clearly does not hold out a lot of hope for anything coming from this date. The creators of the piece have reversed the usual dating trope of a cocky confident dude getting his comeuppance from a quiet but intelligent woman. But both of these players are nice people with issues. It’s easy to want them to succeed . . . whatever that means for them.
Adding to the humor of their uneasiness with each other is the turmoil in their heads, personified by the supporting cast of five who portray inner and other characters that have a pull on their emotions. Nick Martinez is, among others, Reggie, the gay friend who calls Casey regularly to give her an excuse to get out of the date, should she choose. Nick Rigg Johnson is, among others, Gabe, a friend of Aaron’s who keeps reminding him of the grief caused by his last girlfriend. Who needs another girlfriend when he’s got a friend like Gabe to drink with? The wretched last girlfriend, Allison, is played this night by Paige Guille. One of her “other” characters is Aaron’s sweet Mom who reminds him not to give up on love. In fact, seeing how Aaron responds to the memory of his mother is what begins to turn the tide for Casey toward the possibility of “maybe” with Aaron. Emily Elliott provides additional backup for the inner life of both Casey and Aaron with Micheal O’Shea as their friendly bartender (among others for both actors).
This script wouldn’t work if you couldn’t root for both lead players. In the hands of competent performers, the audience can comfortably commensurate with their nervousness, applaud their willingness to take a chance, and root for their success. Libby Shull stepped into the role for this performance with the confidence of a seasoned actor. Her Casey presents as caustic while still allowing you to see her vulnerability, knowing while still displaying curiosity, doubting while still hoping. Making his Denver debut, Patrick Clarke also steps up to give Aaron a wistful hesitancy that is endearing, a visible history that illustrates his bravery in trying again, and a confidence that allows him to defend his feelings when needed. Together they forge the beginning of a bond based on a shared history of hurt.
The cabaret stage in the corner of the lobby at Vintage is tiny, but this cast and crew make it work by placing three tables for the players on the stage and the bar on the ground level. The choreography is small even though the songs are large. The house was full to overflowing the night we observed the show, making this the “Little Show That Could.” Congratulations to Brandon Lopez on a successful directorial debut and to this cast of talented performers.
Because of the other two shows running in the theatres at Vintage (MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG and ANGRY, RAUCOUS AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS), this little show has been relegated to the weekday evenings of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A rollicking good time will be had if you can score a ticket to one of their last three performances. GET ONLINE NOW!!
A WOW factor of 8. 50!!!