First Date

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Beau Meyer

Cast members of the University Theatre production "First Date," 2022.

Cast members of the University Theatre production "First Date," 2022 (from left): Bree Bylak, Malcolm McCanles, Annika Hauser, Alegra Waverly, Danielle Bullock, Christian Michael Brenny, Liam McCarthy.

Summer is always fun at University Theatre, as many other local troupes are on hiatus. First Date, a musical send-up of the date everyone hates most, is perfect fare for those looking for some lighthearted but relevant fun. What happens when a blind date newbie is set up with a serial dater? The action moves through one date, with “inner critics” making physical guest appearances. Performances take place July 28-Aug. 7 (with a fall semester remount Sept. 15-25), with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at 608-265-2787, through artsticketing.wisc.edu, or at the Mitchell Theatre box office one hour prior to performances.

University Theatre, 7/28-8/7 and 9/15-25, Vilas Hall-Mitchell Theatre, at 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 pm Sundays. $26.

media release: University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Theatre and Drama / University Theatre presents FIRST DATE

 Book by Austin Winsberg Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner; directed by Ross Shenker; music direction by Eric Sayre

When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds, Casey and Aaron's inner critics take on a life of their as supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?

Featuring Danielle Bullock, Christian Brenny, Bree Bylak, Annika Hauser, Liam McCarthy, Malcolm McCanles, and Alegra Waverley.

Ross Shenker (Music Director of UT’s hit production of “Heathers”) directs with Eric Sayre as Music Director. Scenic design is by Juliana Gessner assisted by Elise Picard, Costume design by Shannon Heibler, Lighting design by Conor Wiedenbeck, Sound design by Isabel White, Sound Engineer is Heron Splinter, Technical Direction by Rob Wagner, Lighting and Sound Supervision is by Ryan Bertelson and the Properties Director is Kaya Sarajian. Aleph Dankert is the Stage Manager, assisted by Gwen Burns and Xinyuan Wu.

Content Warning: This production contains adult language and content and simulated smoking.

Please Note: As of March 12, UW-Madison no longer requires face coverings in campus buildings. There is no vaccination requirement to attend. Safety measures including face coverings, capacity limits, and seating for social distancing are subject to change as directed by UW–Madison guidelines for campus events.

For more information visit https://theatre.wisc.edu/

This production is made possible through generous support from the Brittingham Trust and the Anonymous Block Grant.

Performances will be held July 28-August 7, 2022, with a remount in the Fall semester from September 15-25, 2022, in the Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre, Vilas Hall 821 University Avenue Madison WI 53706. Performance times are 7:30 PM Weekdays and Saturdays, and 2:00 PM Sundays.

Tickets for Summer performances go on sale June 27. Tickets for Fall performances go on sale August 15.

Ticket Prices:

$26 Adult; $21 Senior (62 +) $21 UW Faculty/Staff (ID); $9 UW Students (ID) or children (K-12); $15 Group Sales (10 tickets or more).

To Order Tickets:

1. Call 608-265-2787

2. Online www.artsticketing.wisc.edu

3. Walk up sales: Mitchell Theatre Lobby Box Office opens 1 hour prior to performances for walk up sales.