Rob and Jenny’s First Date

Dark Horse Theatre—John Hirsch Mainstage

Out of more than a dozen Fringe shows I have seen so far, this is my favourite. Written and directed by Mike Seccombe, who is also a member of the cast, it is a production of Winnipeg-based Dark Horse Theatre. Its set consists of three small red round tables, each with two red chairs, representing a high-end restaurant. With a cast of eight, it is about more than one couple’s first date, although that is the central theme upon which everything else revolves.

Both the script and the production were well done. Each character is unique and has their own arc, from the older gentlemen who advises the titular Rob to not mess up and also has his own seemingly improbable romantic hopes, to the disillusioned waiter on the last day of his job, to the high-spirited woman who has dated both of the title characters. In a way there are multiple stories all intersecting but kept distinct. For me this show has echoes of both Three’s Company and Fawlty Towers, which is probably part of why I liked it. It is a comedy with heart.

Konrad Antonny