Broadway musical comedy First Date: The Musical will premiere at the Avalon Theatre, The Homecoming Centre, from Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, November 1.
Presented by Origen Productions in association with DALRO (Pty) Ltd, the production is set in a bustling New York City restaurant. The story follows Aaron, a cautious and relationship-minded man, and Casey, a fearless serial dater, as their blind date takes an increasingly hilarious turn.
A blind date with a musical twist
What starts as a simple dinner quickly becomes a whirlwind of comedy, romance and awkward moments as friends, family members, exes and even the characters' inner critics appear to offer their opinions – often through song and dance.
With music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner and a book by Austin Winsberg, the South African production is directed by Byron Bure, whose previous credits include RENT, Songs for a New World and Shrek The Musical.
The cast features rising musical theatre performers Emma Amber as Casey and Ethan Saunders as Aaron. They are joined by William Young, Kirsten Pienaar, Asanda Mngadi, Zoë Chetty, Robert Shenton, Nikita Latimer and Ethan Dunk in a variety of roles.
A local cast takes the stage
The creative team includes Musical Director Casey Wallace, Choreographer Angelica Hattingh and Assistant Choreographer Amber Morgan.
Origen Productions is behind productions including You Should Go In, Call Me A Diva, Love Me Feed Me Never Leave Me, Trial & Error and The Marvelous Wonderettes, which received two Fleur du Cap Theatre Award nominations.
Producer Harley Ferguson said the production taps into the universal experience of dating.
“Let's face it – we've all had, or know someone who has had, an interesting dating experience,” Ferguson said.
“We are proud to be presenting the local premiere of this wonderful, fast-paced musical comedy that turns the highs, lows and hilarious awkwardness of a first date into an unforgettable night at the theatre.”
Performances are scheduled from Wednesday to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with matinees on Saturdays at 3pm. On Sundays, shows are scheduled for 2pm and 6pm.
An Early Bird Special of R290 per ticket is available for bookings made before Monday, September 21.
For more information and for tickets, visit firstdatemusical.co.za