First Date
by Austin Theatre Project
Feb. 20 - Mar. 05, 2016
Thursdays-Sundays
First Date Is a hilarious look at the ups and downs of that first time.
When blind date newbie Aaron (Scott Garrett Graham; Carrie: the musical, Forever Plaid, The Rocky Horror Show) is set up with serial-dater Casey (Marett Hanes; Avenue Q), 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.
The other restaurant patrons are Daniel Cline (Carrie: the musical, Forever Plaid, The Rocky Horror Show), Rebecca Smootz (Bending Broadway 2, 3, & 4) and Austin Theatre Project Newcomers Kate Sullivan Gibbens, Craig D. McKerley, and James Springer.
The set for First Date is designed by Jim Schuler, costumes designed by Veronica Prior, lighting by James Jennings, and sound by Mark Schroth.
ATP Artistic Director David Blackburn says the show is a perfect fit for the growing theatre company. “I never had the opportunity to see the show except for a few YouTube videos. That introduction to the show and listening to the original Broadway cast album was all it took for me to instantly fall in love with the show and the unique concept.”
Blackburn’s founding partner in Austin Theatre Project, Barbara Schuler adds, “Some of the best humor comes from the ordinary and extremely uncomfortable events in life. When that event is a first date, let alone a blind date, you are in for a hilarious evening of modern musical theater.”
Schuler and Blackburn will be teaming up as Director and Music Director, respectively, for First Date.
First Date opens Saturday, February 20 and runs through Saturday, March 5. All performances will take place at the Balance Dance Studio (4544 South Lamar Blvd). All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday twilight performances starting at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale through ATP’s online box office.
NOTE: First Date contains adult language and situations and is not recommended for children under the age of 16.
First Date
by Austin Winsbergan, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner
Austin Theatre Project
February 20 - March 05, 2016
February 20, 25-27, March 3-5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Sundays February 21 and 28 at 5:30 p.m.
First Date will now be performed at the Bravo Theatre located in the Balance Dance Studios. It is a slightly smaller venue and we have had to make a few minor adjustments. First, we will not be able to offer onstage seating for this production. Don't worry, it will be back! The venue is located at 4544 South Lamar Blvd., Austin TX 78745.
General Admission tickets are $30 with Premium Reserved Seating (front three rows, center section) are $35. Discounted tickets are available to seniors (55+) and students with proper ID.
