A fairly nonchalant, congenial musical comedy by Austin Winsberg (Book) and Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Music and Lyrics) First Date depicts the encounter between Aaron and Casey, who meet at a casual nightclub. Aaron (Seth Womack) is lanky, soft spoken and insecure, while Casey (Anne Marie Flores) is petulant, confrontational and quick to take offense. He dresses like he’s going to the prom and she, like an extra from Mad Max. Of course, any meal with someone you don’t know is going to be awkward, especially when you’re trying to avoid looking like a fool. As the evening regresses and progresses, First Date goes on off on tangents. When Casey reveals she isn’t Jewish, Aaron has a musical interlude with relatives (distant and close) admonishing him not to marry a shiksha. When Casey doesn’t answer her gay friend’s bail-out call, he has a campy meltdown. And so forth. When we check back on Aaron and Casey, their torture is only occasionally mitigated by moments of mutual appreciation.
On the intensity scale, First Date is too streetwise to be The Fantasticks, but not as tumultuous as Children of a Lesser God. Its skepticism is far more gentle than say, His Girl Friday or The Philadelphia Story. Both formidable proof that a story can have verve and distinction, without necessarily rocking the rafters. We care about Casey and Aaron, and the creators are smart enough to hold off on the verdict. It’s hard, though, not to see the parade coming, even before it turns the corner. The supporting cast is strong and versatile, keeping the balls in the air, as the narrative finds it way to plausible resolution. The songs are smart and pensive, ranging from the wistful to amusing, fitting nicely with the in-house band.
First Date’s most salient strength is the charisma and authenticity of its performers. Womack elicits sympathy from any guy required to find the balance between caring and trying too hard. Flores depicts Casey as a strong woman, with no desire to pander to men’s egos. Though that strategy seems pointless with Aaron. The supporting cast is called upon to play numerous roles, and brings clarity and aplomb to each one. When we reflect on the demands of the script, the work here is phenomenal. Not a single actor phones it in. The warmth and joy informing the script comes shining through.
Stage West and Theatre TCU present First Date, playing September 12th- October 13th, 2019. 821 West Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. 817) 784-9378. boxoffice@stagewest.org