The New Jewish Theatre will close out its 2024 season with “First Date,” a romantic musical comedy that hopes to take audiences on a rollercoaster of laughter, heart and unexpected surprises. Before heading to the Wool Studio Theatre at the Jewish Community Center, here are some key things to know, featuring direct insights from the creative team.
Inspired by real-life dating tales
“First Date” was born out of genuine, sometimes painfully relatable experiences. Writers Austin Winsberg, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner developed the concept while meeting in Los Angeles coffee bars, the quintessential backdrop for dating discussions. They would gather to commiserate and share stories about their love lives, which fueled the musical’s authentic humor and depth.
Rebekah Scallet, artistic director of NJT, finds her own dating experiences mirrored in the play.
“It’s funny. This show actually reminded me of my own first date with my husband. It wasn’t a blind date, but we didn’t know each other well, and the conversation ranged from general platitudes to deeply personal revelations. I even cried—definitely a first date don’t,” she says with a laugh. “Yet somehow it all worked out, much like the journey Aaron and Casey take during their unpredictable evening.”
Scallet is confident the musical’s themes will resonate with St. Louis theatergoers.
“People might see some of themselves, their children or even their grandchildren in these characters,” she explains. “Casey and Aaron and all the other fun characters capture the universal struggle of finding a life partner today. And anyone looking for that Hallmark holiday movie experience will find it right here on stage at the J.” The show, she adds, blends catchy music, clever humor and a generous dose of romance.
Bringing humor and heart to life
Director and choreographer Lee Anne Mathews says the show’s success starts with the cast.
“There is one word to answer that question—casting,” Mathews emphasizes. “Each actor skillfully embraces the humor and style of the story while staying true to their character’s authenticity. They make it look effortless but it’s incredibly challenging to walk that line effectively.”
Mathews faced logistical hurdles with how to depict a bustling St. Louis restaurant setting for the NJT theaterscape. “The challenge is making the transitions seamless with so many costume changes, props and characters entering and exiting,” she says. Thanks to the imaginative set design, some audience members will even sit at onstage tables and become part of the action.
Playful transformations and clever surprises
Supporting characters in “First Date” often switch roles to embody various personas, from exes to overprotective family members. Mathews emphasizes the planning involved, joking, “Lots of planning!”
Scallet adds, “Lee Anne and her team have thought through so many tiny details of how to allow the actors to make simple shifts, like adding a hat or a scarf or a jacket to become a new person instantaneously. And they have lots of fun and creative ideas so that costume pieces and props come out of the restaurant itself in surprising ways. I think it will be very fun to watch!.
“First Date”
When: Nov. 21 – Dec. 8. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a special “Black Friday Getaway Matinee” on Nov. 29.
Where: J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Dr.
Ticket Info: Tickets range from $27 to $58, are are available at 314-442-3283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.
