GARNER GALLERIA: THROUGH APRIL 22

FIRST DATE is a complete delight! It’s so lighthearted, up-beat and fun, you owe it to yourself to go see it. It’s a tuneful, joke-filled evening that allows us as audience to escape the horrors of the evening news… and feel good for a while! The perfect “date” musical, it’s a welcome excuse to indulge in a bit of light romantic musical comedy.

     The perfect right fit for the intimacy of The Garner Galleria Theatre, director Ray Rodrick has cast the show impeccably, pacing it at such a gallop that the evening flies by.  Martha Yordy’s expert music direction of the just offstage band, gives the show a rousing, ear-pleasing accompaniment.

     Adriane Leigh Robinson (Marlowe Award for her Sally Bowles in Miners Alley’s CABARET) is superb as Casey, the sexy and somewhat guarded single mother, who’s looking for “The One.” Seth Dhonau (Aaron) is utterly charming as Casey’s vulnerable and insecure blind date.

     Their meet-up takes place at a busy New York restaurant in which an amazing supporting cast personifies the couple’s inner critics as crazy exes, future children, his Mom, her Dad and a manic gay friend intent on keeping her safe by calling her with reasons for a bailout!

     Steven J. Burge, who played God in the Galleria’s hit production of “An Act of God,” is hilarious as the snarky, snarly gay friend constantly calling Casey to keep her safe and fricking sound by giving her endless reasons to bail out on her date!

     Jordan Leigh is outstanding as a judgmental, and sometimes envious waiter. His musical commentary on their date, “I’d Order Love,” done in the style of a Las Vegas lounge crooner, is gut-busting funny. You will remember Leigh from his indelible performances in “Five Course Love” and the now legendary run of The Galleria’s “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”

     Lauren Shealy is adorable in multiple roles that include Aaron’s manipulative ex, his boss’s pushy wife, and numerous other restaurant patrons and relatives. Shealy is a Denver favorite and triple threat, who has done everything from her recent portrayal of EVITA at Lone Tree Arts to her stellar work in Arvada Center’s memorable WHITE CHRISTMAS.

     With book by Austin Winsberg and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner,

FIRST DATE is a keeper.  One can’t help but believe that they will extend far beyond the scheduled date for its closing.

Run Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission

Ticket Price: Starting at $30. Prices vary by date and availability.

Age Recommendation: Contains adult content and humor

Advisory: This production uses e-cigarettes

For tickets call:303-893-4100 or go online at denvercenter.orgMarlowe's Musings