Go on a ‘First Date’ filled with music, dance and laughter

By Anna Tatelman

Special to the Mirror

In a dating world often dominated by swiping and snap decisions, it can feel challenging to truly learn who a potential partner is. Centerstage Theatre’s current production of the musical “First Date” invites us into a world that offers another possibility. A world in which two people, despite their fears, do their best to defy a culture of instant judgments and gratification, and instead build an authentic connection.

As we might expect from the title, “First Date” chronicles the first date between two people, Casey and Aaron, who have been set up by their loved ones. But as we might not expect, the musical depicts not only what’s happening at the restaurant where their date takes place, but also manifests what’s going on in their heads through song and dance. Director Jeanette Sanchez artfully balances Casey and Aaron’s fumbling attempts to bond at their table with delightful bursts of movement involving the ensemble that make great use of the entire stage.

Thanks to a detailed set design, replete with wood paneling and brick columns, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped inside the restaurant right alongside Aaron and Casey. It’s also wonderful to have the talented live band onstage, as if they truly are playing music at the bar. Choreographer Chandler Thomas further immerses us inside this world by creating amazing dances for the actors embodying the various voices, such as of parents and ex-partners, inside the racing minds of our seemingly mismatched pair.

Jessie Sellek, who plays Casey, gives a phenomenal performance as the jaded serial dater. She has the ability to make you chuckle one minute at her snarky witticisms, then find yourself holding back tears the next when you catch glimpses of her character’s vulnerability. Playing opposite her is Richard Cubi as Aaron, who offers an excellent juxtaposition with his optimistic attitude, fantastic physical comedy, and earnest sincerity. Other standout performers include Mandela Gardner, who captures laugh after laugh in his roles as Casey’s “date bailout” friend and the couple’s imaginary future child, and Rylie Latham, who is hilariously overbearing yet sweet as Aaron’s late grandmother and as Casey’s almost-perfect sister.

Be sure to spend some time in the lobby to look at the presentation boards, which contain sweet stories from the cast and crew about their dating memories. If you’re peckish, the concession stand offers an array of snacks and beverages. Thanks to Centerstage’s partnership with Blackfish Spirit Distillery, there are currently two specialty cocktails and one mocktail available. The Love at First Sip drink is a rich medley of chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, milk, chocolate syrup, and mint. If you’re craving something a little lighter, opt for the Liquid Courage, which is a refreshing blend of vodka, cranberry juice, rose water, cucumber, and soda. For all the mocktail fans out there, there is a Blind Date Virgin drink available, which shares the same ingredients (minus the vodka) as the Liquid Courage.

The musical “First Date” runs through April 21. Performances occur Friday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. To learn about pricing options or purchase tickets, visit Centerstagetheatre.com.

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Anna Tatelman is a playwright, lyricist, and essayist who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans. She has been featured or quoted in publications such as Forbes, Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, Techopedia, and POPSUGAR. Read more of her work or connect with her online at www.annatatelman.com.

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