Written by Mallory Vance and Megan Markham, Fictional First Dates is a musical Parody presented by Phoenix Tears Productions, at Dragonfly Studio 129 (133 W Mckey St., Ocoee, Florida 34761) about dating using a digital app called Sparkle. Songs were used from other shows with the lyrics changed to advance the story. Carson (Chan Sterling) was a writer who had an assignment to write an article about Sparkle the new digital dating app. He was friends with Piper (Megan Markham) who worked in a coffee shop. The coffee bar in the corner of the set was fully functioning and Pam ordered us drinks for the show. I needed a hot drink to battle my chronic cough. I had sketched this show before, and wanted to see how it had evolved over time.
Tyrion Lannister (Skylar Keck) found out about Carson’s new mission to go on dates, and he introduced him to the appeal of one night stands. Skylar’s singing prowess stood out in this show. He did an amazing job staying true to his character. Each date Carson went on was with a female hero from pop culture. He dated Jean (Bella Swan) from Xmen, Daphne (Leanna Bailey) from Scooby Doo Faith (Olivia Roman) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and more.
The funniest date came when Carson’s date spoke at a rapid fire pace never giving him a chance to get a word in. The date was over before he knew what hit him. The blind hopes and dreams of each meeting made for some fun encounters. Not all the singers hit the notes just right but the fun playful aspect of the show allowed for some off key registers. I had a blast.
I unwrapped about 10 cough drops before the show started and sipped some hot coffee to keep my cough at bay. Laughing unfortunately triggers my cough sometimes and that happened in the middle of the show. I started coughing so uncontrollably I had to run out into the street so I didn’t interrupt the show. Once I regained my composure I slipped back inside. I managed to stifle my cough through the end of the show.
Ralph Richardson famously said, “The art of acting consists in keeping people from coughing.”
Fictional First Dates runs through April 14, 2019.
Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door.