Review: FIRST DATE - A Fantastic Night of Fun

Opening last night at Chapel off Chapel, Pursued By Bear's production of the 2013 Broadway musical First Date was a true delight. From the moment you enter the theatre Sarah Tulloch's set design established the tone for what was a very fun and enjoyable evening. The café inspired set, not only accompanies the story perfectly but enables the audience to feel as though they are in the café with the protagonists of the story. Those protagonists, Aaron (Jordan Mahr) and Casey (Rebecca Hetherington) take us on a riotous journey of their first blind date together. Mahr and Hetherington shine in their individual portrayals of the characters and work together brilliantly. Mahr in particular shines as the up tight, highly nervous Aaron, his version of "In Love With You" is a musical highlight. "The Thing's I Never Said" a stunning duet between Aaron and Aaron's mother (Nicole Molloy) is where First Date also shines. For while it stands up as a musical comedy it also has heart and touches on some very real, poignant moments highlighting that while we come in contact with so many people in our lives, often we do not know the burdens they are carrying or the stories that lie underneath the surface.

Accompanying Mahr and Hetherington is an ensemble of five who play multiple roles complimenting each other perfectly. Experienced Musical Theatre performers Nicole Melloy and Danielle O'malley are joined by Daniel Cosgrove Adam Porter and Stephen Valeri. Each of these very talented individuals is given a moment to really shine. Melloy's Grandma, O'malley's Allison, Cosgrove's Gabe, Porter's Reggie and Valeri's waiter are all stand alone highlights and collectively make the show a very strong piece.

Mark Taylor's direction and Stephanie-Jane Lewendon Lowe's musical direction are both sharp and precise enabling the performers to showcase their craft in a most favourable way as well as telling the story in a most effective manner. The show was only let down slightly by sound issues on opening night, leaving the lyrics of the opening number "The one" virtually incomprehensible. Balance issues prevailed throughout the evening that will hopefully be ironed out as the season progresses.

First Date is a very fun show. It's a clever show that taps into the very real world of dating and the real world of our own insecurities our lives and our histories. Coupled with that is a very catchy score from Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. It is an ideal piece of independent theatre that has been treated with care by Taylor and all those at Pursued By Bear. Most importantly it has been treated with care from its wonderful cast and while bigger commercial musicals may be playing around the corner this small show with heart is definitely worth seeing ahead of many of them.

First Date

Chapel Off Chapel

Until September 11

Tickets: http://chapeloffchapel.com.au/ticket-sales/

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