Review: First Date

Review: First Date | Vintage Theatre | Aurora, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | October 6, 20025

First Date: A Quirky Rom-Com with Vocal Chops

Vintage Theatre’s First Date, directed with breezy charm by Brandon Lopez, offers a fast-paced, 90-minute dive into the unpredictable terrain of blind dating.

At its heart is Aaron (Patrick J. Clarke), a buttoned-up banker with a nervous streak, and Casey (Dallas Slankard), a free-spirited artist with a flair for deflection. Clarke brings a winning sincerity to Aaron’s anxious optimism, while Slankard counters with sharp comedic timing and emotional nuance—together, they strike a rhythm that’s both endearing and electric. They orbit each other with a gravitational pull that feels inevitable—awkward, funny, and quietly romantic. Vocally, both bring clarity and character—Clarke’s voice carries a gentle ache that suits Aaron’s vulnerability, while Slankard’s tone is bright and expressive, landing emotional punches with ease.

The ensemble—Emily Elliott, Libby Shull, Nick Rigg Johnson, and Nick Martinez—moves with agility and charm, stepping into a variety of roles that flesh out the world around Aaron and Casey. Whether voicing a chorus of opinions or embodying the many faces of modern dating, they shift gears with crisp timing and a shared sense of play. Each performer brings a distinct energy, but together they operate as a cohesive unit, elevating the show’s momentum and lending texture to its emotional beats. Their versatility is a quiet engine behind the production’s rhythm—always supporting, always surprising.

Michael O’Shea is a comic chameleon, gliding through a carousel of supporting roles—from affable therapist to overly attentive waiter—with sharp timing and infectious energy. His versatility adds texture and momentum to the show.

Director Brandon Lopez guides the production with a confident hand, making smart use of the cabaret space’s intimacy and flexibility. Transitions are brisk and purposeful, and the ensemble’s movement through the space feels both organic and intentional. Lopez leans into the venue’s strengths—proximity, playfulness, and immediacy—crafting a rhythm that suits the show’s quick wit and emotional pivots without ever feeling rushed.

The music, by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, adds buoyancy to the chaos, with clever lyrics and catchy melodies that give voice to the characters’ inner monologues and dating misfires. From ensemble-driven numbers to solo spotlights, the score maintains high energy and keeps the emotional stakes playful.

Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted date night or simply a theatrical escape from the noise of the world, First Date delivers with heart and humor. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos of mismatched expectations and Google-stalked pasts, connection is still possible—and sometimes, even musical. A charming detour from doomscrolling and dating fatigue, First Date offers just enough chaos, chemistry, and chorus to make you believe in second chances.

It is now playing on the Berg-Young Cabaret Stage at Vintage Theatre, Monday – Wednesday, through October 23.