ABOUT THE SHOW
Buck Creek Players and Director Christian Condra are excited to announce their upcoming live outdoors and streaming production of First Date: A Musical Comedy, with Book by Austin Winsberg and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.
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 in real time, the couple quickly find that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron's inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?
Buck Creek Players is pleased to finish our 47th season with this live outdoors and streaming event. Join us outdoors at the Buck Creek Playhouse or stream the production from the comfort of your own home. Live performances are June 18 - 20, 2021, with one streaming performance on June 26, 2021.
FIRST DATE is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (www.concordtheatricals.com)
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 in real time, the couple quickly find that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron's inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?
Buck Creek Players is pleased to finish our 47th season with this live outdoors and streaming event. Join us outdoors at the Buck Creek Playhouse or stream the production from the comfort of your own home. Live performances are June 18 - 20, 2021, with one streaming performance on June 26, 2021.
FIRST DATE is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (www.concordtheatricals.com)
Parental Guidance Suggested: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13 due to adult situations and mild language.
Performance Dates & Times
Live Performances - Outdoors
Friday, June 18, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM**
** This performance includes sensory friendly options.
Friday, June 18, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 2:30 PM**
** This performance includes sensory friendly options.
Streaming Performance
Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Streaming via ShowTix4U
Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Streaming via ShowTix4U
FIRST DATE
Book by AUSTIN WINSBERG
Music and Lyrics by ALAN ZACHARY and MICHAEL WEINER
Orchestrations by AUGUST ERIKSMOEN
Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by DOMINICK AMENDUM
Originally Produced on Broadway by:
JUNKYARD DOG PRODUCTIONS - STEM PRODUCTIONS - ALTAR IDENTITY STUDIOS - ALEX AND KATYA LUKIANOV - SUSAN AND JIM BLAIR
in association with:
YASUHIRO KAWANA VIJAY & SITA VASHEE - KEVIN AND LYNN FOLEY - JEFF AND JULIE GOLDSTEIN - EDWARD AND MIMI KIRSCH
FRANK AND DENISE PHILLIPS - STEVE REYNOLDS & PAULA ROPUT REYNOLDS - LAND LINE PRODUCTIONS - ALHADEFF FAMILY PRODUCTIONS
SHERI & LES BILLER - PAT HALLORAN - LAURA LITTLE THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS - TONY MEOLA
REMMEL T. DICKINSON & JOHN YONOVER & SHADOW CATCHER ENTERTAINMENT - TOM & CONNIE WALSH
Book by AUSTIN WINSBERG
Music and Lyrics by ALAN ZACHARY and MICHAEL WEINER
Orchestrations by AUGUST ERIKSMOEN
Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements by DOMINICK AMENDUM
Originally Produced on Broadway by:
JUNKYARD DOG PRODUCTIONS - STEM PRODUCTIONS - ALTAR IDENTITY STUDIOS - ALEX AND KATYA LUKIANOV - SUSAN AND JIM BLAIR
in association with:
YASUHIRO KAWANA VIJAY & SITA VASHEE - KEVIN AND LYNN FOLEY - JEFF AND JULIE GOLDSTEIN - EDWARD AND MIMI KIRSCH
FRANK AND DENISE PHILLIPS - STEVE REYNOLDS & PAULA ROPUT REYNOLDS - LAND LINE PRODUCTIONS - ALHADEFF FAMILY PRODUCTIONS
SHERI & LES BILLER - PAT HALLORAN - LAURA LITTLE THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS - TONY MEOLA
REMMEL T. DICKINSON & JOHN YONOVER & SHADOW CATCHER ENTERTAINMENT - TOM & CONNIE WALSH
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
MICHAEL HOWARD
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MICHAEL HOWARD (Aaron) Bio coming soon! |
LIBBY BUCK
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LIBBY BUCK (Casey) is excited to return to the Buck Creek stage after last appearing as Norma in CARRIE: THE MUSICAL in 2014. Other favorite roles include Woman 1 in I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE; Janet Van de Graaf in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE; Shelley in BAT BOY; Natalie in ALL SHOOK UP; Yonah in CHILDREN OF EDEN; Lizzie in BABY; and Betty Blake in THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. A graduate of Butler and Indiana Universities, Libby works as a speech-language pathologist and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at IU-Bloomington. Many thanks to Christian and the production team for this opportunity and to Nick, Ellie, & Sam for their love and support. |
STEVEN ALLEN
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STEVEN ALLEN (Man #1 - Jewish Chorus/Gabe/Youtube/Edgy British Guy) is returning to Buck Creek Players after most recently starring as Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Ricks-Weil theatre company. An IUPUI grad, some of his favorite roles include, Carl Hanratty in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and Amos Hart in CHICAGO. Steven has also had the privilege of being a set director for FOUR OLD BROADS at Buck Creek Players. He wants to thank his friends and family for the continued support in this journey. |
NINA STILABOWER
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NINA STILABOWER (Woman #1 - Grandma Ida/Lauren/Facebook/Female with Megaphone #2/ Aaron's Mother) is thrilled to be making her debut with Buck Creek Players! Some of her favorite roles include Cathy Hiatt in THE LAST FIVE YEARS with Carmel Community Players in 2020, Tracy Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY with Booth Tarkington Civic Theater in 2018, and Eve/Mama Noah in CHILDREN OF EDEN at Footlite Musicals in 2019. Other favorite shows include WOMEN OF BROADWAY, LEGALLY BLONDE, and BAT BOY, all at Footlite Musicals. Nina is most proud of a different kind of role - that of mother to Charlie and Luke! By day, Nina is a corporate trainer at a local credit union, specializing in Onboarding. When not performing, Nina loves to exercise (and has lost and maintained the loss of over 125 pounds in the last three years), take long walks with her dog, play with her kids, and spend time with her amazing friends. Nina would like to thank her incredible husband for his unwavering support of her rehearsals/performances, her kids for their patience, and the staff and cast of FIRST DATE for allowing me to join them for this awesome show! |
BEN JONES
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BEN JONES (Man #2 - Reggie/Aaron's Future Son/Instagram/Edgy Rocker Guy) Bio coming soon! |
ABIGAIL OKERSON
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ABIGAIL OKERSON (Woman #2 - Jewish Chorus/Allison/Google Girl/Female with Megaphone #1) makes her first appearance at Buck Creek Players after being introduced into the local theatre community through Footlite Musicals. Some of her favorite roles include: Diva in PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESSERT, and Angel in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. By day, Abigail works as an independent hairstylist in the city and when not working, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, hanging with her two dogs, hiking, and traveling. Lastly, Abigail would love to give a shout-out to her friends and family for constant support! |
BRADLEY ALLAN LOWE
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BRADLEY ALLAN LOWE (Man #3 - Waiter/Casey's Christian Father/Twitter/Friendly Therapist) is thrilled to be returning to the BCP stage! Bradley is active as an actor and director here in Indy having been seen performing on stages all over including Footlite Musicals, Indianapolis Civic, CCP, Mystery Cafe, Meyers Dinner Theatre, Angel Burlesque, and many more. Bradley is the recipient of the Encore Award for best leading actor in a drama for his portrayal of Hoke in CCP’s production of DRIVING MISS DAISY. Bradley can be seen next this October as Grady in Booth Tarkington Civic’s production of THE COLOR PURPLE. |
PRODUCTION STAFF
AARON B. BAILEY
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AARON B. BAILEY (Co-Producer) has been active with theater since 1999. He can most often be found behind the scenes roles including technical directing, technical crew, lighting design & crew, facilities management, and assisting in the box office. Buck Creek Player’s audiences have enjoyed Aaron’s handiwork for the past 21 years, working on more than 50 shows for BCP, including the recently completed BANANAS. Aaron has been awarded multiple Encore Awards for set design, technical direction, set decoration, and lighting design. Aaron is excited to be working with Christian on this outdoor and streaming production. Throughout his involvement with the playhouse, Aaron has served on the Board of Directors, where he is currently the President. |
CATHY CUTSHALL
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CATHY CUTSHALL (Co-Producer & Costumer) is very excited to be co-producing and costuming BCP's summer production! Cathy has had the pleasure of directing MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A LIVE MUSICAL RADIO PLAY, TRAP!, MAKING GOD LAUGH, and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Buck Creek Players, and, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST at Shelby County Players. Whether working as a director or costumer, on stage or behind-the-scenes, she has had the pleasure of working in theaters throughout Indiana and New Mexico at Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association, and Albuquerque Little Theater. Favorite productions include SWEENEY TODD, PARADE, HONK!, CHICAGO, CITY OF ANGELS, ON THE TOWN, HELLO DOLLY, ANYTHING GOES, SINGING IN THE RAIN, SHENANDOAH, THE WIZARD OF OZ, SOUTH PACIFIC, AND GYPSY. Cathy is an Encore winner for best costumes for DIRTY BLONDE, BONNIE & CLYDE: THE MUSICAL, and FOUR OLD BROADS. In her free time Cathy enjoys reading, sewing, antique shopping, and spending time with family. “I’d like to thank my family for their constant love and support, and for letting me have time to play." |
CHRISTIAN CONDRA
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CHRISTIAN CONDRA (Director & Set Designer) Bio Coming Soon!
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MARKELL PIPKINS
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MARKELL PIPKINS (Music Director) Bio Coming Soon!
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GREG COX
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GREG COX (Technical Director) Bio Coming Soon!
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RICK AND CHRIS BARBER
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RICK AND CHRIS BARBER (Choreographers) Bios Coming Soon!
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AUDREY OSBORN
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AUDREY OSBORN (Stage Manager) Bio Coming Soon!
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PICTURE COMING SOON!
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JORDAN CADDY (Assistant Stage Manager) Bio Coming Soon!
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MELISSA DEVITO
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MELISSA DEVITO (Properties) has been active at Buck Creek Players for many years. Along with being a member of the Board of Directors, she has acted on stage, directed, and performed all technical aspects with the exception of lighting design - she is afraid of heights! When not at the theater, Mel works as a respiratory therapist for Home Respiratory Services. She also enjoys camping, drag racing, and spending time with her family, and is excited to meet her newest granddaughter in July! Mel recently took a knife making class and is now a "dirty blacksmith". She would like to say thank-you to her husband Rick for supporting all her endeavors. |
PRODUCTION CREW
Media & Communications Committee Chairperson
GLORIA BRAY
Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer & Videographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
AARON BAILEY
GLORIA BRAY
Website Management
ROCCO FLORES & AARON BAILEY
Production Photographer & Videographer
GARY W. NELSON | www.photoGary.net
Box Office Management
AARON BAILEY
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
AUSTIN WINSBERG
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AUSTIN WINSBERG is the book writer of the Broadway musical First Date, which enjoyed a sold-out run at Seattle's 5th Ave/ACT Theatres in 2012, prior to opening at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway in August 2013. Austin is primarily a writer/producer for film and television. He recently adapted the live The Sound of Music television event, starring Carrie Underwood, for NBC. His other television credits include Gossip Girl, Jake in Progress (Creator/Executive Producer and youngest showrunner in ABC history), Wedding Album, Still Standing and Glory Days. Winsberg has written numerous television pilots for ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, Showtime and ABC Family. He has also written movies for New Line, Dreamworks Animation and Warner Bros. Winsberg graduated with a Theater Arts degree from Brown University. He continues to work in theater, directing and mentoring plays for the Blank Theater Company's Annual Young Playwright's Festival in Los Angeles.
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ALAN ZACHARY
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ALAN ZACHARY co-wrote songs for Broadway's romantic comedy musical First Date, which opened at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway after selling out its run at Seattle's 5th Ave/ACT Theatres. Zachary (with co-writer Michael Weiner) recently also wrote songs based on material by J.K. Rowling for Celestina Warbeck & the Banshees, a musical show at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando. Currently, he is co-writing the score for an upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of the film Secondhand Lions (Book: Rupert Holmes / Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures), which had its world premiere at Seattle's 5th Ave Theatre. As a frequent songwriter for Disney, Zachary co-authored book, music and lyrics for the hit original stage musical Twice Charmed (soundtrack on Walt Disney Records) and has written songs and developed projects for Disney Animation, Disney Channel and theme parks around the globe. Other credits include: music and lyrics for DreamWorks' The Time Machine, the Folger’s Coffee hit viral commercial Happy Morning, and projects for ABC, Amazon Studios, Paramount, Universal, VH1, Hanna-Barbera and 20th Century Fox. Zachary is a graduate of Amherst College and is the recipient of the 2012 ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award. www.zacharyandweiner.com
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MICHAEL WEINER
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MICHAEL WEINER co-wrote music and lyrics for the Broadway musical First Date, which ran at the Longacre Theatre in New York starring Zachary Levi (Disney's Tangled, TV's Chuck) after a sold-out run at Seattle's 5th Avenue/ACT Theatres. The romantic comedy musical has now been produced in over 50 cities around the world including: Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Melbourne, Jerusalem, Rome and more. Michael co-wrote the score for a Broadway musical adaptation of the film Secondhand Lions (book by Rupert Holmes/produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures) which premiered at the 5th Avenue Theatre. Liberty Smith, for which Michael composed the music, enjoyed a successful run at historic Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. Recently, Michael wrote original songs for the hottest musical act in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Celestina Warbeck & the Banshees, based on a character by J.K. Rowling. He has developed TV projects for ABC, FOX, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and has created shows and songs for Disney Animation, Disney Cruise Line, and Disney Parks around the globe. Upcoming stage musicals include: an adaptation of the hit film 17 Again (directed by Adam Shankman/Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures), Galileo (book by Emmy-Winning writer Danny Strong) and 13 Going on 30 (directed by Andy Fickman). Michael is the 2012 recipient of the ASCAP Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award.
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THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING REDORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)'S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW, FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
SPECIAL THANKS
Coming Soon!
Buck Creek Players is a proud member and supporter of:
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Buck Creek Players productions are made possible thanks to the support of:
