FIRST DATE at the Longacre Theatre

(Seen August 4th, 2013)


I know that 'silly' is not a critical word, but it aptly describes the goings-on of this first Broadway musical of the new season.  Its three male creators are Austin Winsberg who wrote the book, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner.

Two opposite News York personalities meet for the title description, and it's also a blind date --- in many ways.  He, a Jewish yuppy: nerdish, nebbish, and reticent (at first).  She: flashy, sexy, agnostic, free spirit, normally dating the bad guys.  Naturally, after verbal clashes and revelations --- this being a feel-good musical --- the show ends with a warm, romantic hug and kiss.

Along the way, things sometimes get tedious.  But the two stars, Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, are appealing in their down-beat roles, and they usually lift up our spirits with their up-beat performances.

They are backed by a quirky and talented ensemble of five players, who never miss a beat despite the hokiness of the material they are working with.  And they are all masters of the quick-change personalities and costumes.  These fun-seekers are Bryce Ryness, Kristoffer Cusick, Blake Hammond, Sara Chase, and Kate Loprest.  The proceedings are briskly directed by Bill Berry.

The show is sporadically clever, and even has its moments of sweetness and charm.  We don't have to root for the mis-matched lovers, because we're pretty sure from the start that they'll end up with a second date.