Zachary Levi makes this a dreamy ‘First Date’

DATE BAIT: The cast of ‘First Date.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

FIRST DATE
Book by Austin Winsberg
Music & lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner
Directed by Bill Berry
Longacre Theatre
220 West 48th Street
(212-239-6200), www.firstdatethemusical.com

By David NouNou

First Date says it all and in the most appealing and relatable of ways. Not only is it the title of this musical but also the event that is taking place at the Longacre Theatre. For who hasn’t been on that terrifying first blind date? Fraught with the unknown and possibly the inevitable mismatch and disappointment, however, let’s be honest here: Who of us (female or male) was ever fortunate enough to have a blind date like Zachary Levi? Making his Broadway debut portraying Aaron the nerdy businessman in a suit, it is hard to fathom that Mr. Levi ever had to go on a blind date. Not familiar with his work in the TV series “Chuck”, Mr. Levi turns out to be one of the most likeable, charismatic, charming, abounding with personality and enough stage presence to fill a stadium let alone an average theatre, and he can radiantly belt out a song. Who knew?

Professional blind dater Casey (Krysta Rodriguez) is another story. She has done it all and has built a hard edge to her veneer. She is a party girl and likes the bad boys; suits are not her forte and what she is used to. She is the one that has to give Aaron pointers on the rituals of the first date. She is the unsympathetic character, which makes it harder for her to be likeable. Ms. Rodriguez is a Broadway pro and has the spunk to have us root for her. Here are two people that are both nice in their respective ways, but romantically as mismatched as any two people ever were.

You now know the premise of the show. Sitcom fare by nature, but Bill Berry’s fast paced finely tuned imaginative direction gives the show its pizzazz. The score by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner is perky, but the book by Austin Winsberg is predictable and the jokes are unoriginal but still cute. The performance I attended had the audience thoroughly engaged and regaled. These were not claquers who fill seats and laugh or clap at even the worst moments just to propel applause from the rest of the paying public. These were real people who were enjoying seeing themselves in similar situations as the ones shown on the stage.

Adding to the merriment but mostly as fillers are the requisite gay “BFF;” the best guy friend; the sexy ex-girlfriend; the bad boys; the sister; the grandmother; all of course being the voices of reason, among other voices in Aaron and Casey’s heads. Let’s not forget, for what blind date can one go on that doesn’t have the usual all-dancing, all-singing waiter/matchmaker (Blake Hammond)?

Are we talking about great material here? Not particularly. However, it is pleasant entertainment and it aims to please. And fantasizing about Zachary Levi being your next blind date doesn’t hurt, either.  One can only hope.

UNLIKELY LOVERS: Krysta Rodriguez & Zachary Levi in ‘First Date.’ Photo: Joan Marcus

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published August 15, 2013
Reviewed at press performance on August 14, 2013