
From a book by Austin Winsberg with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, FIRST DATE is reportedly inspired by personal experiences and the whole idea of the blind date. FIRST DATE made its world premiere in Seattle in 2012 and debuted on Broadway in 2013, where it ran for five months. Since then, the musical has been performed internationally. In 2024, the Chromolume Theatre proudly presents FIRST DATE.

Troy Dailey and Bonnie Joy Sludikoff – Photo courtesy of Chromolume Theatre
The place is New York City, and the time is more-or-less now. Poor Aaron (Troy Dailey), who’s so nervous about his first ever blind date set up by a work colleague Gabe (Kendre Scott). Even more nervous – and convinced that she’s wasting her time – is Casey (Paloma Malfavon). Her well-meaning sister Lauren (Natalie Scott) set up the blind date and has tried mightily to convince Casey that this will become the love of her life. Meanwhile, Casey’s friend Reggie (Christopher Baker) offers her the perfect bailout with a well-placed phone call which will make it possible for Casey to extricate herself from an awful date with a polite exit. But just maybe somehow the two will click? Unlikely. Will the date from Hell turn into a heavenly connection – or not?

Paloma Malfavon – Photo courtesy of Chromolume Theatre
Skillfully directed by James Esposito – who also handles scenic and sound design – FIRST DATE is an intimate and involving study of lonely singles trying to find that perfect fit – with the added bonus of over a dozen tunes, some cleverly choreographed dance (courtesy of Michael Marchak) , and nine voices raised in delightful tuneful melody. Kudos to Scott, Dailey, and Malfavon, who could charm the birds out of the trees, as well as to the rest of the cast rounded out by Michael Angel, Bonnie Joy Sludikoff, and Rachel Yoffe, all talented performers. And let’s not forget musical director Jonny Perl, making his Chromolume debut on keyboard. The entire production team (Ariella Salinas Flore, Kara McLeod, Cici Mao, Brandon John, Brianne Lopez, Emily Walker) have made their contributions count in this charming, thoughtful, and entertaining show.

Michael Angel, Kendre Scott, and Natalie Scott – Photo courtesy of Chromolume Theatre
At the beginning of the production, director James Esposito indicated that the Chromolume Theatre has been on a six-year hiatus occasioned by a pandemic and the unfortunate loss of their space. All this reviewer can say is that it’s about time that they are back – and better than ever. For the entire season, the Chromolume Theatre will be performing at the Zephyr Theatre. If you’re a fan of musical theater, this is a group to watch as they offer a smorgasbord of entertaining productions through 2025.

Rachel Yoffe and Troy Dailey – Photo courtesy of Chromolume Theatre
FIRST DATE runs through December 1 with performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday (additional performance at 7 p.m. Sunday 11/24). The Zephyr Theatre is located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Tickets are $40. For information and reservations, go online.
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