BWW Reviews: The Humor in Looking for Love in PLAY DATES at Port Jefferson's Theatre Three

Play Dates, the latest by Sam Wolfson of Jewtopia fame, is a hilariously adorable play that speaks to everyone about a topic all too familiar: relationships. Making its Long Island premier at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson through May 5th, this production has a wonderful cast that will have you leaving the theatre laughing.

Staring Sari Feldman, BrIan Smith, James D. Schultz, and Lisa Brodsky, each person had multiple roles throughout the 90-minute three-act show. It kept the audience on their toes as the cast seamlessly went from character to character and scene to scene taking us on a journey of the different stages of relationships.

At the beginning of the show, Feldman and Smith played kindergarten children. Anyone could see they had a blast playing five-year-olds in Geranamals and taking their naps. Both of their comedy was great for their respective roles as well. Smith then played TV host "Dr. Love" helping people with their relationships. Over the loud speakers, the "callers" spoke of typical scenarios you'd find in relationships as well as other issues like dealing with being single. The later part of the show finds us with a married couple (Brodsky and Schultz) trying to get out of a rut after years of marriage, even suggesting a threesome. The audience laughed at suggestions they had to get back that spark they once had, perhaps picturing themselves in a similar situation.

The set was minimal, yet effective. A calico colored backdrop with a park bench was used for the early years. For the later years, they set up a bedroom/bathroom combo. Also, they set up several tables for the restaurant scene. Additionally, the costumes were modern, typical street clothes, as it is set in the present.

Currently being shown regionally, it hilariously reminds us that we forever come across the challenges of love. From the first childhood crush to keeping the fire going after many years of marriage to the single years when you think you're destined to be alone, relationships are never easy.

Indeed, it would be a surprise if Play Dates doesn't hit the Great White Way sometime in the future. There may have to be some development/expansion in the book - I could possibly see an older aged couple added, for example- but the production is certainly a great piece of comedic theater. Its relevance, realism, and comedic viewpoint make this a show well-worth seeing.

Sam Wolfson’s Play Dates making its Long Island premier at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Long Island through May 5^th. Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel; Scenic Design by Randall Parsons; Costume Design by Bonnie Vidal and Randall Parsons; Lighting Design by Evan Philip and Robert Teich, Sound and Projection Design by Elizabeth Castrogiovanni; Properties by Julie Hoffman; Technical Direction by Neil Creedon of Avancy, Inc.; Production Stage Manager is Michelle Manda. For more information please call (631) 928-9100or visit theaterthree.com.

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