{"id":2713,"date":"2015-04-07T05:24:33","date_gmt":"2015-04-07T10:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~reviewing\/?page_id=2713"},"modified":"2015-04-07T05:26:09","modified_gmt":"2015-04-07T10:26:09","slug":"first-date-explores-all-that-can-happen","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/reviewing\/?page_id=2713","title":{"rendered":"‘First Date’ explores modern dating"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted April 7, 2015<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By BRENDA MCGRANE<\/p>\n

In the dating world, nothing is as equally terrifying and exhilarating as a blind date. Not the kind where you pick your partner through eHarmony or Tinder websites based on similar interests and attractiveness, but the kind where your friends and family set you up\u2014and with a person they plead could be your soul mate. The agony.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst Date,\u201d a pop-rock musical with ties to Broadway, is now getting its regional premiere at Actors\u2019 Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Packed with original, high energy numbers and a diverse cast, \u201cFirst Date\u201d is a fun and unpredictable show that explores the many things that could happen\u2014from accidental love to disaster\u2014in a comical debut.<\/p>\n

Originally in a book by Austin Winsberg, \u201cFirst Date\u201d made its first appearance on Broadway with a successful six-month run in 2013. Its original music and lyrics are by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Just two years later, \u201cFirst Date\u201d is now traveling to be adapted throughout the nation with its start in Coral Gables.<\/p>\n

Director David Arisco and musical director Manny Schvartzman pair Aaron (Clay Cartland), a successful financial worker, and Casey (Erica Lustig), an edgy serial-dater, for a blind date with more entertaining twists and turns than you would expect.<\/p>\n

The couple meets at a restaurant in New York City with other customers, a bartender-waiter and various other people who become exes, friends and relatives (in Aaron\u2019s and Casey\u2019s imagination) and offer amusing commentary throughout their date.<\/p>\n

With a cast of less than 10 people, \u201cFirst Date\u201d exceptionally showcases the versatility of its ensemble. Each actor plays multiple parts, such as Conor Walton as Casey\u2019s flamboyant gay friend and future son; Jessica Booth as Aaron\u2019s typical ex-girlfriends; Nick Duckart as Aaron\u2019s friend and wingman; Laura Hodos as Casey\u2019s sister, Aaron\u2019s late mom and grandmother; and Roland Rusinek as the restaurant\u2019s cheeky bartender-waiter, therapist and Casey\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

Overall, the cast steals the show and makes this otherwise clich\u00e9 theme worthwhile. The set is simple and not as over-the-top as the music. Both lead actors have character-defining moments where their obvious chemistry still stands out despite their character\u2019s fate of being an odd couple. Casey\u2019s solo in \u201cSafer\u201d depicts her angst, whereas Aaron\u2019s duet with Hodos on \u201cThe Things I Never Said\u201d is one of the show\u2019s standout vocal moments.<\/p>\n

The regional premiere of \u201cFirst Date\u201d is fun and entertaining. It is recommended for singles and those who used to be, who enjoy musical comedies. If not for any other reason, go for the cast.<\/p>\n