A universal experience dreaded by most but bravely endured out of hope and curiosity, the blind date provides unlimited fodder for any writers gutsy enough to tackle the possibilities.
After a five-month run on Broadway, a hilarious and flash-paced blind date musical saga for the 21st century has audiences laughing almost nonstop at the intimate Royal George Cabaret on Halsted Street.
It’s a do not miss for anyone who loves to laugh and is not averse to some occasionally, er, uh, adult language.
With book by Austin Winsberg, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, a cast of multi-talented actors and the absolutely perfect director, “First Date,” repeatedly has packed the house.
Flossmoor native Charlie Lubeck as Aaron (Jewish) and Dana Parker as Casey (not Jewish, oy vey!) are not quite the perfect blind date couple.
A very nervous Aaron’s early arrival at the bar gives him time to ponder how he can come off as very manly. He orders a “manly beer.”
At the other end of the blind date spectrum, the experienced Casey has a shtick she sticks to, at least for a while. A svelte savvy young woman, who’s been there and done that, regards Aaron as her evening event that does not quite fit the bill.
Flossmoor native Ann Litchfield Calderon, Cassie Slater, Adam Fane and John Keating comprise an amazing, at times nonstop retinue of side characters. They’re Jewish parents, Christian parents, waiter, bartender, rocker guy, therapist and one of four blockbuster social media sites – Google, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Yes, Google and the other three social networks can now claim Broadway and Chicago musical comedy credits.
As the riotous songs and evening progress, Casey and Aaron, helped along with very funny lines and the four actors telling them what to do and what not to do, ultimately come to their own decision about the other.
Director J.R. Rose, theater director at Homewood-Flossmoor High School and a major force in the suburban theater scene, has a huge hit with his first Chicago production. Originally set to run from Feb. 12 to March 20, “First Date” has been extended through April 26.
First date performances are at 7:30 Thursdays, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fridays, 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $15 to $50 at www.firstdatechi.com.
