By Linda McLane
Amelia Community Theatre invites you to the romantic musical comedy “First Date,” opening on June 7. Audiences will have the fun of watching a first date/blind date unfold in real time, as the actors sing, “Here’s hoping that this next first date will be my last.”
Casey, a serial dater, has been on so many first dates that she knows all the rules. Don’t bring up your exes and keep the conversation light and breezy. Family members have intervened to set her up with Aaron, a novice at blind dates who immediately talks about his ex and religion. Can the awkward pauses lead to anything positive? “First Date” is written by Austin Winsberg, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. It premiered on Broadway in 2013.
ACT’s cast includes Heather Starling and Will Wiley as the dating couple and Elisha Cauthen, Geoffrey Moss, Paul Rogers, and Nicole Sheehan as an ensemble who portray all the supportive or manipulative voices in Casey and Aaron’s heads.
Director Susan Dodge says, “This is a musical for everyone. It has a mighty cast, catchy tunes and so much comedy. Whether you’re single, coupled up, or somewhere in between, you’re bound to see yourself (or your embarrassing cousin) in these characters.”
To take the edge off any dating trepidations, ACT has a special preshow opening night party planned for June 7 ticketholders with complimentary chair massages by Therapeutic Solutions of Amelia, plus snacks and martini samples for those 21 and older.
Performances at ACT are June 7-8, 13-15, 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and June 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at 207 Cedar Street. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students, available through the box office at 904-261-6749 and through the Amelia Community Theatre website. Box office hours are from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays and 90 minutes before curtain on show dates. “First Date” has a suggested PG-13 rating for adult themes and language.
