Technological Transformation: First Date

They say technology makes life easier, but does it really? From the hardware to the software, at the core of it all, technology is like any other tool – it enslaves us only as much as we let it. From Facebook to Twitter, it’s all about who we are, what we share and how we interact.

Dating is no different – regardless of the external tools at hand – for we always have our own, biological internal tools, if you will. That’s right, our internal tools, such as hormones, phermones, instincts, and intuitions.

Enter First Date – a world premiere co-production between ACT – A Contemporary Theatre and The 5th Avenue Theatre (these two theatres are currently in their second year of collaboration). (Your Hedonista attended as media not too long ago.) Based on a book by Austin Winsberg, directed by Bill Berry with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, and musical staging by Josh Prince, this musical is one hilarious romantic comedy. Eric Ankrim (Curly in Oklahoma!) plays Aaron, a somewhat uptight Wall Street suited type, who meets up with Kelly Karbacz’s character Casey, an edgy, all-black-wearing SoHo artiste type, on a blind date that mutual friends set them up on. (Would’ve thought they’d have met online, but nooooo!)

As if insecurities and emotional baggage weren’t enough, in today’s age we now have social media and electronic baggage, as it were. This musical hits home to any and all looking for love (or even a short-term hook-up) in today’s digitally-stimulated age (ahem!). The neurosis of these two daters – who are beautifully backed up by a cast that covers everything from ex-lovers to fellow diners – is utterly priceless.

First Date runs from March 10th, 2012 to May 20th, 2012. Tickets range in price from $15 to $69.

The takeaway: don’t over-think while on a first date … and be sure to turn off your smart phones, dear hedonists!

Note: In order to comply with FTC Act 16 C.F.R. 255, Heed the Hedonist would like to disclose that it does receive media “comps” and/or media discounts – but not in exchange for favorable coverage, or for withholding unfavorable coverage, of the given venue/meal/performance/product/service.