Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez Get Ready for Romance as First Date Begins Previews

Will sparks fly between Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez? Find out for yourself by catching Broadway’s new musical comedy First Date, which begins preview performances at the Longacre Theatre on July 9. The show opens officially on August 8.

Chuck’s Levi (in his Broadway debut) and Smash alum Rodriguez star as two strangers who go on a blind date. Their quick drink turns into an eventful dinner served with hilarious sides of Google background checks, fake emergency phone calls and a slew of bad boy and uptown girl exes.

Joining Levi and Rodriguez in the cast are Sara Chase, Kristoffer Cusick, Blake Hammond, Kate Loprest and Bryce Ryness as a slew of characters including fathers, grandmothers, friendly therapists and future children. The ensemble includes Vicki Noon, Eric Ankrim, Kevin Kern and Sydney Shepherd.

Ankrim, who originated the role played by Levi in the show’s 2012 premiere at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, will temporarily take over the role of Aaron from July 16 through July 21.

First Date features a book by Austin Winsberg, music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner and direction by Bill Berry. The creative team includes musical staging by Josh Rhodes, scenic and media design by David Gallo, costumes by David C. Woolard, lighting by Mike Baldassari, sound by Kai Harada and hair by Josh Marquette.

Check out Broadway.com’s exclusive photo gallery from behind the scenes of First Date’s rehearsal!