FIRST DATE Opens in Chicago Tonight

FIRST DATE features a book by Austin Winsberg ("Gossip Girl") and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Secondhand Lions, Twice Charmed). The musical comedy is produced by Jeanne McInerney and First Date, LLC, and will be directed by J.R. Rose, with musical direction by Elizabeth Doran and choreography by Becky DeDecker. At a rapid-fire 90 minutes, FIRST DATE features a stellar ensemble cast in this Chicago premiere at the Royal George Cabaret. The official opening is slated for tonight, Feb. 12, 2015.

When blind date newbie Aaron (Charlie Lubeck, The Glee Project, Season 2) is set up with serial-dater Casey (Dana Parker), a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron's inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?

The talented ensemble includes Cassie Slater, Anne Litchfield Calderón, Shea Coffman, Adam Fane, and John Keating. General management is by Chicago Commercial Collective, scenic design is by Thad Hallstein, costume design by Raquel Adorno, lighting design by Brandon Lewis, sound design by Dave Huizenga, props by Lisa Griebel, and stage management by Julia Zayas-Melendez. Belina Mizrahi serves as the production manager and Julie Ann Robinson, the associate director.

To start Valentine's weekend on a sweet note, the first 25 guests to arrive at FIRST DATE at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, on Fri., Feb. 13, will receive a delicious complimentary Raspberry Brownie Batter cupcake from popular Lincoln Park bakery Swirlz. Visit www.firstdatechi.com for tickets and more information.