0 Shares

Submitted by Rebekah Finn for Harlequin Productions

The live musical romantic comedy you have been waiting for is finally here! Just in time for summer in the South Puget Sound, Harlequin Productions is offering the perfect antidote to this year’s news blues. From June 22 through July 23, 2017, the locally written and developed First Date will be making audiences laugh, cheer, and maybe even sing along through a hilarious blind date.

Harlequin Productions First Date
Bruce Haasl, Christie Oldright. Photo courtesy: Harlequin Productions

“This particular musical was on the periphery of my radar, because five years ago, it was a big hit in Seattle, when the show was brand new. Everyone loved it.” – Linda Whitney, Director

Bruce Haasl plays Aaron, a straight-laced, buttoned-up young professional trying out this blind date thing for the very first time. When he meets up for drinks with Casey, played by Christie Murphy-Oldright, he is a little taken aback at first by her tattoos, black leather, and edgier aesthetic.

As Whitney explains, “they’re kind of put off by each other at first, but as things progress and they begin to learn more about each other, they actually decide ‘this isn’t going to go anywhere, but let’s stay and have dinner anyhow and enjoy each other’s company.’ But of course, that leads to more conversation and revelations.”

This turning point is where they are really able to start getting to know each other. They have dropped the efforts of trying to impress the other person so much, and have decided that they might be just friends. And when they both let down their guard, they finally show each other their real personalities.

Harlequin Productions First Date
Christie Oldright, Bruce Haasl, Evan Sullivan, Carolyn Willems Van Dijk, Will Pippman, Kyle Hennick. Photo courtesy: Harlequin Productions

“One of the most charming aspects, is that her roommate sings a song called ‘Bailout,’ basically offering to bail her out of the date, and he sings it three times. And as the evening progresses, she never calls him back,” says Whitney.

Even though the two lead characters start out with low expectations of their interaction, as they continue their date, they get more insight into each other’s lives, experiences, and worldviews. And we, as the audience, get even deeper insight, as the voices of their friends and families—and exes—offer their advice on love and romance through a series of break-out musical numbers.

“The songs take place in a surreal space. Everything stops, the lights change, and we go into that person’s imagination,” explains Whitney.

The first big number, called ‘The One,’ is sung by everyone except the two leads. It’s about the anticipation of finding true love—even amidst the cynicism of growing up and the numerous disappointments experienced throughout life, the hope of finding that partner remains. The café server even offers his perspective in a piece called, “I’d Order Love,” as he reflects on the couples and romantic interactions he sees in the café.

Will Pippman, Bruce Haasl, Evan Sullivan, Christie Oldright, Kyle Hennick, Eleise Moore. Photo courtesy: Harlequin Productions

The cast is a very strong team of character actors, who really bring all these family members and friends to life. In addition to Bruce Haasl and Christie Oldright, whose voices blend together beautifully, you can also expect to see and hear the acting and singing of Kyle Henick, Will Lippman, Eleise Moore, Evan Sullivan, and Carolyn Willems Van Dijk. These actors will be joined by a wonderful band, led by Musical Director Bruce Whitney: David Broyles and Daven Tillinghast will be on guitar, Andy Garness on drums, Rick Jarvela on bass, and Brent Pendleton on keyboards.

What kind of music can you expect to hear? It’s contemporary, with references to other styles like rock-n-roll, grunge, ballads, and even a song that is kind-of rap. All together, it sounds like the makings of a very fun summer show, indeed. And I’m not sure about you, but I could sure use a good belly laugh right about now.

“It is a comedy, all things considered. It’s very romantic, very sweet, very heartfelt, but it’s funny. Human beings are goofy; we need to laugh at that every now and then.” –Linda Whitney, Director

To experience a couple hours of this delightful musical romantic comedy for yourself, call the box office at 360-786-0151 or stop by at 202 4th Ave. E in downtown Olympia to subscribe, and visit the Harlequin Productions website for more information.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares