Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos by Bryan Clifford
Hosanna Phillips, Christiaan Lafata, Adam Silorey, Lori Smith, Jonathan Farrell, Emily Brown, Adam Wager
Bright and Breezy “First Date”
The musical romantic comedy “First Date” may (or may not) be the best place to take a first date. For one thing, there’s controversial subjects, and frank discussions about sex and religion. And for another thing, it’s about everything that can go wrong on a date that’s set up by well-meaning folks who think you’re missing out on life. So for a first date, who knows? But for everybody else…
Starting life in 2012 as a world premiere in Seattle, Washington, “First Date” made its way to Broadway the following year, where it enjoyed a mostly successful five-month run. It was inspired by the personal experiences of writer/producer Austin Winsberg, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. It has been produced around the world and is very popular with local theatre groups.
Geeky money manager Aaron and the fashionably artistic “serial dater” Casey are meeting for the first time in a trendy New York restaurant, just for a drink, on a blind date. Aaron is almost paralyzed by nerves and a lack of self-confidence. Casey, bitter and jaded, is sure this is all a major mistake. They order, sit down and soon they regret they even came. Visions from the past haunt each of them by turn – family, friends and past relationships make appearances, of course providing an excuse for a series of musical numbers – some raunchy, some funny, some introspective. Aaron and Casey ask themselves: should they stay or leave?
Emily Brown, Christiaan Lafata, Adam Silorey, Hosanna Phillips, Lori Smith, Adam Wager, Jonathan Farrell
Avon veteran Lori Smith (“Hunchback of Notre Dame”) shows off her top-notch voice and strong stage presence in the role of Casey. Her date, Aaron, is played by Adam Silorey with gawky charm in his Avon Players debut.
The other five cast members are identified simply as Woman #1 and #2, and Man #1, #2 and #3, so they are free to assume multiple roles. But some of those roles emerge as standouts: one is Casey’s watchful sister Lauren played, and sung, with polished flair by Emily Brown (“Bright Star”). Another is the versatile Hosanna Phillips (“Night of January 16th”) as the slinky Allison, Aaron’s former fiancée. Jonathan Farrell is dryly funny as the waiter, and Adam Wager (“Clue the Musical”) shows his comic chops in roles like Aaron’s friend Gabe and “The Stoner Guy”.
But the absolute show-stopper has to be the hysterically funny Christiaan Lafata (“The Producers”) as Casey’s “BFF” Reggie, a person of uncertain gender with some of the best lines in the show. His three “Bailout Songs” (especially #3) lift things to a whole new level.
Christiaan Lafata
Together, the five “numbered” performers also serve as a sort of Greek chorus, suddenly springing up from the shadows to burst into song at just the right moment. Some memorable ensemble numbers include “The Girl For You” (oy vey!) and “The World Wide Web is Forever” (you Google me, I Google you). Kudos for clever choreography by Maritone Harte and for Bryan Clifford’s amazing video graphics and projection design. The 7-piece orchestra under the capable direction of David Mety handled the score well, from pop to soft rock to jazz.
A bold and sleekly colorful set, by JD Deierlein and Clifford, represents the New York City restaurant. Four monitors are mounted on the wall upstage that change images and colors to fit the scene, pulsing to the music…a striking effect.
During a recent matinee, the spotlight wandered off-target in the first act and seemed to have a mind of its own. If possible, some performers could more clearly articulate the lyrics, and maybe projecting a bit more for the folks in the back rows.
Witty dialogue by Winsberg and brisk staging by director Ryan Moore make this a very lively and entertaining show with lots of laughs, but it can be provocative, and it’s not necessarily original; some of the scenes feel like Saturday Night Live skits. It has a somewhat predictable story (with a happy ending), but the audience seemed to be having a great time, if laughter and applause are any indication.
Now through June 10, 2023
Tickets $26.50 at box office, $3.50 fee online, $2.00 fee for phone order
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
