Third time's a charm for 'First Date'

COEUR d’ALENE — Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre figures the third time is the charm as it is offering a third run for the very popular show, "First Date."

A rapid-fire spin on the pitfalls of modern dating, "First Date" is as heartwarming as it is hilarious.

The plot: Neurotic Aaron meets his stoic blind date Casey at a New York City bar. They do their best to navigate their own jitters and insecurities while trying to figure out if either is “the one.” The remaining five actors in the cast play multiple characters, portraying a waiter, ex-wife, sister, best friend and various other roles, all ratcheting up the frenzied stakes for Aaron and Casey.

"First Date" will be held at the Eagles Lodge in Coeur d’Alene. Patrons will be seated at tables and can order beverages so they feel like part of the “bar scene.” This show sold out the first two times it was offered by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, and one performance is already sold out for the current run.

The cast is full of CST favorites including Cody Bray, Aubrey Shimek Davis, Lanz Babbitt, Kasey Davis, Jorie Jones, Dustyn Moir and CST's artistic director Jadd Davis. The versatile Henry McNulty joins CST for his first go-round on this production as music director and onstage pianist. CST's artistic associate, Tyler Krieg, who directed the first re-mount, returns to helm this production again.

"I saw 'First Date' in Seattle before it made its Broadway debut, and I was struck by how hysterically funny the show was while still maintaining so much heart," Davis said. "It's a perfect show for anyone who's ever been on a date, anyone with relatives, anyone with a pulse. It's just a blast."

Davis also enjoys working on the show as a cast member.

"It's fun when you are able to work on a show that involves its cast so fully," he said. "Every one of the seven actors in 'First Date' is incredibly busy throughout the show — in fact, they never leave the stage. It's a testament to how joyful an experience it is that all of our actors in this second remount are reprising their role from an earlier performance."

The show will play Thursday through Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office: www.cdasummertheatre.com or 660-2958.