Theatre : Reperatory Company Theatre Presents “The Dating Game”
The following review was provided by a Calendee user who is now a local theatre fan :
On Valentine’s evening I had the opportunity to go to a wonderful musical that took me back a few years, as well as intelligently staged playful banter among modern singers. It could happen at no other place than the Repertory Company Theatre in Richardson. It was an eclectic spin on the original show that aired back in the late 60’s, early 70’s “The Dating Game”, later with Chuck Woolery hosting in the 90’s. Typically, a bachelorette would question three bachelors, who were hidden from her view; at the end of the questioning period, she would choose one to go out with on a date paid for by the show. Occasionally, the roles would be reversed with a man questioning three ladies, which was the case for this musical; other times, a celebrity would question three players for a date for themselves, a co-worker or a relative of theirs. Many celebrities played the game looking for love themselves. Oh!…and this show was definitely not lacking celebrities. At times, the wide array of impersonations included Kenny Rogers, as the bachelor, Britney Spears and Whitney Houston as the bachelorettes…who fought the entire time…what humor!…I found myself tearing up while laughing so hard. I even learned that Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz were broken up (a bit of information that I would have never known)…which proves they definitely include the latest headlines in on the eclectic musical twist. They are so creative!!! Talk about interactive!…They even chose an audience member in the second half of the show to be a bachelorette as one of Kenny Rogers’ choices…who he actually ended up choosing!!
I, along with others in the audience found ourselves singing along to the music featured in the show…including my French friend who accompanied me during his first week to ever visit the US. It was such a fun and a surprisingly interactive musical experience. Who said musicals couldn’t be on such a personal level? The singing is spectacular! I marveled at the voices on the stage…such untapped talent, I thought, to not have a larger audience. Even the host sang to several audience members around the room…yes, including me…and in between the words told me how great my smile was. How nice! The first half of the show eased into the jest of the musical with the bachelor being a typical college guy from UT who was into sports with the ladies being a range of humorous females including a pregnant woman!…who, yes, won the bachelor over by answering questions correctly. She happened to be a revealed as a school teacher as well. The other two were flaky women who’s professions were revealed to be a provocative dancer and the other had no job…as she was just too ditsy…you could imagine the answers we heard to the bachelors questions. So funny!
I learned that this was their new facility…very cozy and quaint, yet so extremely professional. It was so nice to have an actual table to sit at with choices of a few complimentary desserts by a local baker and cake specialist in Richardson called “The Cake Lady”. They also provided complimentary drinks ranging from soft drinks to champagne served right to you at your table. The ambiance was perfect and such a personal show. I later learned that Repertory Company Theatre is a non profit, professional theatre serving the North Dallas, Richardson, Plano area for twenty years. Each season RCT presents Broadway Musicals, Classic Plays and Special Presentations performed by acclaimed REP Company of actors. They audition for the company every Janurary…so you know that they are particular and hand selected. Shows are primarily performed at RCT’s Promenade Theatre, a 8,200 SF complex which includes a 150 seat theatre, black box performance hall, multipurpose/dance hall, coffee shop/lobby, and box office. Each season Repertory Company Theatre presents the best in local theatre. In fact, Dallas Morning News Voted Repertory Company Theatre …best theatre venue in Richardson.
I have to say that the talent was really something I was impressed with…the company worked so well together and were professionals with both the acting and especially the singing. Believe me when I say I do know quality theatre and have been to several musicals and an opera in Fair Park. Needless to say, the show was very entertaining to the entire audience regardless of age or nationality! It was that sort of feeling that you get when you see “Grease” and can watch it over and over. Theatre is such a wide range of meaning…and this sure met the definition and beyond. Even during the small intermission, I found myself looking for what the next shows and dates were. Great bang for your buck! I can’t wait until my next experience at the Richardson Repertory Company Theatre. I saw that they even have “The Miracle Worker” coming up…I can’t believe I have a such a professional theatre practically in my back yard without driving to Fair Park every time. And I know that I am guaranteed a close seat at this theatre! I will not be waiting for a special occasion to go back.
Stacy Vincent