The creators of the musical “First Date”, which opened Thursday night at the Longacre Theater would like to provide its’ audience with some first impressions of our human species: Straight men seeking their one true love will be slightly neurotic and employed in the financial industry. They will also order a burger for dinner and will have macho friends who encourage them to “tap” the lady they’ve just spent the evening with. Straight gals who are afraid of making a romantic mistake shall remain emotionally distant and abrasive- Plus they will inevitably order the salad when dining –just to be sure that their men do not think they are fat. If she is an ex-girlfriend, she will be domineering and crazy. Gay men will either be unemployed performers who are now waiting tables or girls’ fabulous best friends who dress in scarves, wear trendy glasses, and act as flamboyantly as Jack McFarland from TV’s “Will and Grace” . These portrayals might provide the basis for a sharp satirical piece. However, satire is anchored in wit and cleverness which cause us to reflect on our foibles. “First Date” is anchored in a loose string of stale stereotypes and unfunny jokes which will more than likely induce regret of a 90 minute time loss rather than personal reflection.
