BroadwayHD adds First Date musical virtual production with Samantha Barks and Simon Lipkin

The virtual production of musical First Date starring Samantha Barks and Simon Lipkin is coming to BroadwayHD.

The piece was filmed at Crazy Coqs at the Brasserie Zédel and originally streamed online for a limited time in October 2020.

It will now be joining BroadwayHD exclusively for on demand viewing from 12 February.

Samantha Barks and Simon Lipkin lead the cast as Casey and Aaron, joined by Oscar Conlon-Morrey, Nicholas McLean, Danielle Steers and Rufus Kampa.

A teaser for the musical reads: “Do opposites really attract? Cool chick Casey (Samantha Barks) and tightly wound Aaron (Simon Lipkin) are hoping so. These two New York City singles have been set up by friends and family, but from the outset this ‘First Date’ seems to be doomed.

“The two have nothing in common… But with the help of a meddling but well-meaning waiter, and a host of other characters along the way, can this mismatched pair turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?”

First Date is written by Austin Winsberg and has music and lyrics from Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner.

The virtual production features direction and professional videography by Dean Johnson, musical supervision by Adam Hoskins and musical direction by Josh Winstone.

Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, co-founders of BroadwayHD said today: “Performers have been able to do some really excellent work over the past few months, despite all of the challenges, and First Date is a great example of that.

“It was a special treat for fans who were able to catch the livestream this fall and we feel privileged to make it available again to a global audience through BroadwayHD. We know viewers will just fall in love with this show.”

Producers Lambert Jackson added: “First Date was the first musical we managed to film in situ during the global pandemic and, thanks to the willingness of the amazing actors, creative team, venue and crew, and the brilliant authors, we were able to produce something really special that was enjoyed by thousands of households in a safe, but still theatrical, manner.

“We are thrilled that BroadwayHD have decided to take the show and that more people will get to experience this amazing production”.