First Date The Musical (Chapel off Chapel) – theatre review

Sound quality was the only sour note in an at times uproariously funny opening night for First Date The Musical, a comedic musical about a hook up between a serial dater and a nerd. With a book by Austin Winsberg and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, the show – inspired by personal experiences – is based on the concept of a blind date. It had its world premiere in Seattle in March 2012 and debuted on Broadway in August 2013.

Aaron (Jordon Mahar), who works in financial services, enters the funky outdoor restaurant first. His nervousness is palpable and he orders a “manly” beer in a tall glass from a perceptive waiter (Stephen Valeri). Casey (Rebecca Hetherington), who’s employed in an art gallery and likes photography, arrives on her bicycle and spots “an allergic” Aaron applying eye drops. She immediately orders a couple of strong drinks in the hope that their date will be quick and painless. It isn’t exactly the start either of them would have wanted.

The pair has been set up by Casey’s sister, Lauren (Nicole Melloy), whose husband, Kevin, is Aaron’s co-worker. Lauren is concerned that Casey, who acknowledges she is attracted to “bad boys”, may miss the boat … with her biological clock ticking. Aaron receives advice on topics to avoid from his best mate Gabe (Daniel Cosgrove). They include the fact that he was left at the altar by Allison (Danielle O’Malley). Another deal breaker may be their respective religious affiliations.

From small talk to food choices, from trying to say and do the right things to opening up and giving of themselves and even confronting past demons, this first date will ride the highs and lows of expectation. The awkwardness, the witty dialogue, the acerbic one-liners, the facial expressions and the supporting cast’s audaciousness make this a night we, the audience, won’t quickly forget.

The characters, including Adam Porter as this couple’s imaginary future son, are a delight, with Mahar and Hetherington endearing as the leads. The five “supports” all fill multiple roles.

Much of the wit and “wisdom” is imparted through the outrageous tunes that are such an integral part of this production. That’s why I was so disappointed in the quality of the sound, which began with a badly muffled first number. It was all the more galling because the previous evening I had attended another opening night in a significantly large venue, in which the music was crisp and clear and authoritative. In this case, without clarity the humour in the numbers was often subjugated.

I loved the set, which included eight small tables of up to four theatregoers (sipping coffee and alcoholic beverages) each, behind which was the venue’s regular tiered seated. The “stage” itself involved more tables – small and large – and appropriate greenery, with the five-piece band positioned at the rear. Direction from Mark Taylor, choreography from Joel Anderson and musical direction from Stephanie-Jane Lewendon-Lowe was spot on.

Notwithstanding my gripe, I laughed a lot and really enjoyed myself, as did my wife. First Date The Musical is playing at Chapel off Chapel until 11th September.

Alex First