The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
GO ON A ‘FIRST DATE’
Cast reveals the ins and outs of dating with humor and music
Directed by Dan Checovetes, “First Date: The Musical” features a high energy cast with a fun, fast paced script and musical numbers that are funny and engaging. From the moment the waiter, played with humor and charm by Jimmy Donohue, offers some basic grooming tips to a nervous customer who’s at the restaurant for blind date, the audience is engaged and ready for the evening’s adventure to unfold.
Rob Girardin and Emily Diedrich star in the production as Aaron and Casey, two strangers with a mutual friend who sets them up on the aforementioned blind date. They meet in a restaurant bar, which is a wonderful set created by Checovetes and Dave Boscarino designer/builder with Kate Luurtsema and Devon Ritchmeyer as painters/set dressers.
At the Goshen Players theater, the seating is cabaret style, which fits perfectly with the set on stage; it’s as if the members of the audience are other patrons at the restaurant and can’t help but overhear the blind date unraveling at the table next to them.
Girardin is pitch perfect as the uncomfortable but likable “blind date virgin,” Aaron Goldfarb. With endearing comic timing, he portrays a man unsure of his position, not only in life but at the table with his somewhat worldly companion. Girardin plays Aaron as a sincere if not somewhat needy individual who still has flashes of regret over his prior relationship with his ex-fiancé.
Diedrich captures the heart as the “serial first dater” who has a penchant for bad decisions with men unworthy of her and keeps emotional barriers that may preclude her from hav-
ing any second dates.
Diedrich, who has been acting in shows throughout Connecticut is enjoying her return to Goshen since her starring role as Daisy Mae Goshen’s Lil’ Abner eight years ago and “First Date” is a production that she is excited to be a part of.
“Somehow the writers managed to make a show that is extremely funny and poignant, with some incredibly beautiful moments,” Diedrich said.
Sharing the stage throughout the evening are five character actors who perform multiple roles throughout the production.
Eric Lindblom, as Man 1, is a riot in his three roles, especially the role of Aaron’s best friend, whose best dating advice is to exhort Aaron to “not mess this up” — though mess might not be the word he chooses. Lindblom enjoyed the opportunity of working on First Date.
“I like that it is unabashedly funny,” he said. “They take all the sort of trials and tribulations of dating and they put it out there and they make it as funny as they possibly can.”
Katie Brunetto portrays Woman 1 who, among her roles, is Casey’s pushy sister and, in one hilarious scene-stealing role, is Aaron’s grandmother. Brunetto finds there are many levels in “First Date” for the audience to enjoy.
“Even though it’s a comedy, there are some sobering moments and certainly (this script shows) just the value of being honest with yourself and appreciating yourself with all your faults. Even if not everyone in the world is going to appreciate you, there is somebody out there who will accept you with all of your skeletons and all,” she said.
Jackie DeMaio agreed. “It’s a story that resonates with a lot of people,” she said. “I think a lot of people have been in similar situations and can relate to the characters. It’s a fun show but you’ll get something deeper out of it.”
DeMaio has a great affinity for the show. Not only does she portray Woman 2 in the production, she previously performed in “First Date” when it ran in Delaware, and loved it so much that when she heard it was being performed in Connecticut, she wanted to be a part of it.
Jimmy Donohue is a prolific actor and director who is involved with at least nine shows a year, and absolutely owns the role of the waiter. Setting the stage for the couple, his one-liners zip across the stage with an extremely personal point of view as the audience discovers later when the waiter takes center stage.
“The waiter’s number that he has in the show is probably one of my favorite numbers I’ve ever gotten to perform on stage,” said Donohue. “It’s a fun jazz swing number and a lot of fun.”
Rounding out the cast is Joe Guttadauro, who explodes with excitement as both Casey’s friend who wants to bail her out of the blind date and as Casey’s raucous bad-boy ex, who sings “That’s Why You Love Me” which is a true show stopper.
His songs are truly memorable and hilarious, and even though the story focuses on the possible relationship that may or may not occur between Aaron and Casey, you’ll be forgiven if you leave the theater still humming or singing one of Guttadauro’s numbers.
“First Date: The Musical” will include some innovative staging and production, with a full rock band in a “pit” that’s actually the basement.
Luurtsema said, “We’ll be piping in music from the basement and we’re having the screens that connect the cast and the band.” This technical achievement will take theater in Goshen to the next level.
John Ozerhoski, host of the Backstage with Johnny O program on 97.3 WZBG, is the assistant director for this Goshen Players production. The production was brought to the theater after Ozherhoski saw the show on Broadway with his wife. They loved it, and wanted to bring First Date to audiences in northwest Connecticut. We’re sure audiences in Goshen will fall love with it as well.
“First Date” is stage managed by Eric Wilczak with assistant stage management by Tori Campbell. Scott Stanchfield is the piano accompanist and Rebecca Russo has provided technical support.
With some adult language and adult situations, which are discussed, but not shown, befitting the subject matter of two adults and relationships, this is a theatrical production is suited best for those already of dating age or above.
First Date performances are Fridays and Saturdays, March 31, April 1, 7- 8 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, April 2 and 9, at 3 p.m. For more information go to http:// www.goshenplayers.org/