Stage Review - First Date (Centerstage Theatre)

Stage Review - First Date
Presented By: Centerstage Theatre - Federal Way, WA
Show Run: March 29 - April 21, 2024
Date Reviewed: Saturday, March 30, 2024 (Opening Weekend)
Reviewed By: Greg Heilman

Seattle has premiered a good number of musicals that have made their way either to Broadway or directly to another major regional theatre before heading to New York, but regardless of what path they take to get there, the city has a wonderful track record of premiering shows that retain their popularity over time. There’s always the odd Griswold’s Broadway Vacation that starts in Seattle, then moves to another city before essentially fizzling out, but for every one of those there are five that make it, including Aladdin, which premiered in Seattle in 2011 and has just celebrated its 10th Anniversary on Broadway. Another musical that took its first steps in Seattle the year after Aladdin is First Date, which premiered in 2012 at ACT Contemporary Theatre as part of their ongoing partnership with The 5th Avenue. First Date, with a book by Austin Winsberg along with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, is currently on stage at Centerstage Theatre through April 21 in a production directed by Jeanette Sanchez, and tells the story of a young man and woman, each setup on a blind date by their friends. At some point or another in our lives, all of us have been in a situation like the one depicted in First Date, whether it is a blind date, first date, or any other situation where first impressions seem to be all important, so much so that every thing that’s said, every move, is subject to a kind of internal self-scrutinization. First Date takes this concept, runs it through a satirical filter, adds some supremely catchy songs, and produces a fun, funny, and thoroughly delightful musical theatre experience, that is made even better by the quality in which it’s presented by the cast at Centerstage.

The first thing the audience is struck with when entering Centerstage’s Knutzen Family Theatre is the set. Darkly lit, the stage is setup like a bar that is just getting ready to open for the evening, with prepped tables and chairs, a bar, and a series of flat screen TVs mounted to provide viewing angles to the basketball game that is being played on them from everywhere in the bar. There’s a lot to like about Niclas Olson’s set and for that matter Jeanette Sanchez’ vision for the show. With only one location where all of the action takes place, the decision to make the most out of that one set piece is a smart one. Additionally, having the live band sit behind the bar not just puts them in earshot of the audience and the performers on stage, it gives the sense of an active bar scene, beyond just the cast of seven on stage. It’s one of many nice touches in the design. The lighting adds do this, designer Shannon C. Miller provides the perfect ambience in the bar, while always making sure the focus is on the couple when it needs to be or on the voices in each of heir heads when it’s appropriate.

The set is a wonderful backdrop to this story of two wholly different personalities who come together to navigate their blind date. The show opens with a musical number “The One”, where each of the actors who make up the ensemble take the stage singing about their horrendous dating experiences. This number is a nice way to open the show, it dials the humor up immediately, and it also shows the talent that each member of this group has, while at the same time highlighting Chandler Thomas’ choreography which is solid throughout, active and smooth. It also acts as a prologue of sorts to the main event, the blind date between two people who couldn’t be more different. One is a nerdy nervous financial planner, Aaron, played in this production by Richard Cubi. Aaron has no experience with blind dates and it shows, it’s clear how much anxiety he has about meeting Casey, the other half of this pairing. He doubts everything he says or does, thinking that each moment may be the one that makes Casey, or himself for that matter, regret coming to the bar. I like Richard’s portrayal here, his Aaron is, yes, quite nervous but at the same time confident in himself, just not in how other people view and accept him. And more than anything, he’s got a good heart. He’s also still carrying the torch for his ex, Allison. Richard is so believable here, from his look to his mannerisms that anyone who has been in his situation at one point another in their lives will certainly be able to relate. Musically, he’s excellent and his character shines through in his delivery. Richard develops this character nicely as the date progresses and while his performances are solid in Act 1, predominantly duets or group numbers, it’s in “In Love With You” in Act 2 where the transformation of his character really comes to fruition.

On the other side of the table is Casey, a little more experienced on the dating scene and one who, according to her sister Lauren, constantly sabotages her relationships. Lauren, it turns out, is the mastermind behind this date, her husband being a co-worker of Aarons, and as such Lauren is the common denominator between the two. Casey appears reluctant from the start. After Aaron enters the bar and has a seat, Casey sees him and immediately orders a shot and something strong as a chaser, she’s definitely not all in on the idea. Jessie Sellek plays Casey here and, for my money, steals the show. Once her Casey sits down and begins the standard small talk exchange, Aaron constantly asking “What should we be talking about?”, her disdain is palpable. Jessie’s ability to emote, to present her feelings through facial expressions is stellar. I’ve rarely, if ever, seen it done so well and so consistently throughout a show. That would be enough for me to chalk this up as a superior performance, but then comes the music and Jessie’s voice, initially displayed in “First Impressions” with Richard’s Aaron, and then in “Safer”, a solo performance in Act 2. This is where Jessie really shows her ability, and the first note out of her is a solid “Wow!” moment. She has the voice of a star, her delivery is powerfully strong, confident, and seemingly effortless. With only three musical numbers in which Casey is featured, the only negative in First Date, especially this production, is that those are the only opportunities to experience this virtuosic interpretation, though watching her develop Casey emotionally through her expressiveness is a treat unto itself.

Musical Director Daniel J.F. Wolfert deserves a good deal of credit on the success of the musical delivery here. First, the live band is solid in accompaniment of the actors, but to hear this group sing and deliver the harmonies that they do, and with the level of preparedness they exhibit in the performance of these numbers individually and as an ensemble, it’s clearly the result of a team effort under the direction of a solid creative staff. Another thing I like about First Date is that regardless of whether an actor has a lead role or a supporting one, they each have a chance to show their talent individually. Take the bar’s waitress, played by Sophie J. Sen. Sophie’s character provides a good amount of humor in the way the character is written, but in the song “I’d Order Love”, which closes out Act 1, Sophie is laugh out loud funny while displaying a great amount of musical ability. Plus, if you’re anything like me, that’ll be the song you find yourself humming during intermission. Beyond Sophie’s waitress character, there are three groups of two, paired off as couples in the bar. As the couples, they’re notably ensemble members, participating in the numbers that are group pieces, but they all get to play other named characters as well, from Aaron’s ex, Allison (Natalie Wingerter), or Casey’s sister Lauren (Rylie Latham), to Aaron’s best friend Gabe (Haunz Stroschein), and finally Reggie, Casey’s friend (Mandela Gardner). Each of these characters act as the voices inside Aaron’s and Casey’s head, or as Casey’s Bailout call, in the case of Reggie. The scenes are hilarious, Shannon’s lighting focuses away from the leads and onto whomever is featured, and the actors deliver the goods. Reggie’s “Bailout” numbers are nailed by Mandela, Natalie as Allison is hilariously seductive, and both Haunz and Rylie each have their friends’ best interests in mind, they are the conscience that we all need in these situations, and they’re all phenomenal singers. But perhaps the highlight of all of the ensemble pieces is in Act 1 with “The World Wide Web is Forever” and “Total Loser”. This is a moment in the show that everyone should get a kick out of, and relate to. Kudos to all involved, and to Jeanette for her casting and creative team that she has assembled.

First Date deals in the currency of nostalgia in the best and funniest way possible. Two individuals on a blind date, navigating their way through awkward conversations, questionable choices, and the judgmental voices in their heads is as relatable as any story out there, as we’ve all been in these situations. The Centerstage Theatre production succeeds in all aspects of design and execution, from a set that feels like the perfect place for a first and/or blind date, to a pair of leads that portray their characters with a rare level of brilliance, and a supporting group that is talented, and fun. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, whether it’s your first date, your 50th, or your 100th, go and see this First Date and it’s sure to be one that you’ll remember.

First Date, presented by Centerstage Theatre and on stage at The Knutzen Family Theatre, runs through April 21 in Federal Way. For more information, including ticket availability and pricing, visit https://centerstagetheatre.com/