Friday, September 21, 2018

review - FIRST DATE - Mesa Community College PAC

Rio Chavez and Kayleah Wilson
Photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw
highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through September 22nd.

"The fun, fairly fast-paced 2013 Broadway musical First Date receives its Valley debut in an energetic, well cast, and smartly directed production from Mesa Community College. While the musical, which focuses on dating in the age of the internet, is slightly long and a bit repetitive, the pre-arranged blind date story at the musical's core and several good tunes in the score make for a sweet and charming production...Austin Winsberg's book is smart, witty and realistic with characters you root for and learn a lot about over the course of the show. ...The score by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner features a range of musical styles and some clever lyrics. ...However, as realistic and comical as the book is and even though the score is both humorous and heartfelt, the show does seem to drag a bit in the second half. Director Darl Jones has assembled a very gifted cast to bring these well-written characters to life. ...Jones' clear direction also derives incredibly well rounded portrayals from his two leads. As Aaron and Casey, Rio Chavez and Kayleah Wilson add plenty of nuance and shading into these interesting individuals. ...While First Date only had a six-month Broadway run and its fairly predictable plot isn't that original, it makes for a crowd pleasing show with some good lyrics and comical one liners. MCC's well-directed production features a talented cast who derive big laughs with a big amount of heart.... " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

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