FIRST DATE - Previews- Page 6

[Rainbowhigh23]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 12:23pm

"And yea, I'm good at stalking. You should have seen me when Hands on a Hardbody was on its way out."

I was nice to Hands and got a rush ticket early in the run. I hope to see First Date with the original cast intact.

[Magalamb]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 12:23pm

Tickets acquired during Zachary's absence, alas, but you can't beat the price.

[DeeKDee]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 1:31pm

"Is Zachary Levi on vacation next week"

He's not doing First Date, but he will be working. His company sponsors an offsite venue at Comic-con in San Diego which he hosts from Wednesday to Sunday. It's been in the works longer he's been cast in this show. This is their 3rd year.

He also may have to be on the panel for Thor 2 in which he has a supporting role.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 8:59pm

Well I am looking forward to seeing it on Tuesday. I specifically chose that night to see the guy who originated the role.

[Pammylicious]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 9:07pm

Well, i got the tickets for Wednesday night. Who is Zack's replacement? TIs

[Kbradstein]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 10:29pm

The standby for Levi is Erik Ankrim, he originated the role in seattle.

[Matt1]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 10:31pm

Have tickets for end of the month. I'm hoping going in with low anticipation will allow me to at least enjoy it somewhat.

[keb2]

Posted: 7/12/13 at 11:57pm

Saw it last night (Thursday).

Levi's eleven o'clock number is fantastic.

There were definitely some parts of the show that were offensive, and not in a fun Book of Mormon-type way.

I saw Stephen Schwartz on the sidewalk right outside the theater after the show ended, and I couldn't help but wonder what he thought of it.

[Meyerschultz]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 1:28am

I was at the show and overheard a bit of Schwartz's conversation with a couple of the writers. Seemed like he actually really liked it. I think he said something about the gay best friend. Probably to tone him down. Felt a little broad to me. Have to say I had a much better time than most people here, particularly with how early in previews it is. I'm going to go back closer to opening. Very curious to see what changes.

[bk]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 12:06pm

Stephen Schwartz is friends with the writers - he's not going to be negative with them you know.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 4:48pm

If he is a true friend, I would assume he would give some constructive criticism. And he doesn't strike me as one to say he likes something that he doesn't. JMO

[BwayTday]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 4:54pm

Well you're also not going to go up to a writer (or a performer even) right after a performance and be like "Wow, that sucked big time it needs work!" You say pleasantries, you mention something you liked, and then you save the criticism for a later meeting in private. At least that's what I've been taught.

[eatlasagna]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 5:35pm

Is Zack Levi's big number everyone has been enjoying a ballad or an uptempo song? just curious....

[jnb9872]

Posted: 7/13/13 at 6:57pm

It's a pretty emphatic uptempo number which resolves his major baggage coming into the date and, at least the night I saw it, had the audience erupt in thunderous applause as soon as it finished.

It wasn't that great a song as written, just the energy and commitment he brought to it (as well as it being his only solo, if I recall correctly, and with him being by far the best actor on stage it let him finally take over in a way maybe the audience was thirsting for) it felt like an oasis in a desert of less successfully put-over numbers.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 12:23am

I saw the show Thursday. I enjoyed it. It needs work--it IS in previews, so it deserves some breathing room, but it was very enjoyable with fantastic performances. Levi makes a great Broadway debut in particular.

[heytravistravis]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 12:54am

I saw the sixth preview tonight, and I happily say that the show really didn't suck.
I had a pretty lovely time at this 90 minute one act.

I'm pretty confident that in previews the writers can fix some of the subpar lyrics. Speaking to one of the producers afterward he told me the "Google" number would be going through major revisions to include Facebook and other more relevant things.

Zachary Levi is pretty fantastic, with a lovely stage presence and that 11 o'clock number about his ex really rocks the house.

Kyrsta didn't quite seem to be fully in her character, but I'm feeling confident she'll have it down with some more performances.
The whole "greek chorus" ensemble is hilarious, I enjoyed them a lot.

My one big tick with the show was how underwhelming the music was, I was actually pretty disappointed with it. None of the melodies stuck out, and most of what the band was playing just felt like generic underscore.

All in all I think by the time the show opens there will be a fun, original musical on Broadway with a very wide appeal, in a tight ninety minutes...hopefully.
I have a decent feeling about this show, it didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth like other musicals this season.

[adam.peterson44]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 1:30am

Just saw it today, and I agree with all of the praise for both Zachary Levi's performance in general and his 11 o'clock number in particular. I also really enjoyed the moment where his best friend character walked onstage with a leaf blower - no lines or songs required. A lot of the ensemble moments were very funny and charming, though there were also a few offensive things too, unfortunately.

[kaylalydia]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 7:54pm

Planning on seeing this after Zachary comes back on vacation.
Anyone know if there is a lot of people stagedooring?

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 8:15pm

What are the exact dates of Levi's vacation?

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 9:03pm

I believe it's this entire upcoming week.

[DeeKDee]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 11:49pm

Due to commitments at Comic-con (not a vacation), Zachary Levi is not in First Date from July 16th to July 21st.

Based on my attendance at his 3rd show and my Twitter feed, many, many people wait for Zac after the show and he accomodates every person with an autograph and a picture with him.

[AntV]

Posted: 7/14/13 at 11:57pm

Does he sign Chuck stuff? Of course I will see the show and have a playbill as well.

[DeeKDee]

Posted: 7/15/13 at 7:04am

He'll sign Chuck stuff, based on the messages I've seen.

Updated On: 7/15/13 at 07:04 AM

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 7/15/13 at 7:47pm

Does this show have a window card for sale yet?

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 7/16/13 at 10:21pm

I saw this insane pile of garbage tonight and I believe te following credit in the playbill sums up how this awful thing made it to Broadway:

""Kevin and Lynn Foley (Producers). - Lynn and Kevin Foley, a dermatologist and neurosurgeon who are acttive in Memphis, are pleased to support First Date."

WTF???

There are ten million other producers listed as well but clearly the lead producer went after rich people who have no clue, and no care if they lose their money,

Updated On: 7/17/13 at 10:21 PM