What happens when a straight-laced Wall Street guy meets a free-spirited artist on the world's most awkward blind date? The Russian production of Broadway's hit musical First Date brings all the cringe and chemistry to Shanghai, complete with earworm tunes and a Golden Mask-winning creative team. Watch seven actors play 20+ roles as this hilarious rom-com turns a simple dinner into full-blown musical theater magic.

Dating rookie Aaron and dating pro Casey meet at a restaurant.

During small talk, they realize they seem to have nothing in common: Aaron is a conservative Wall Street elite, rational and meticulous, seeking a meaningful relationship; while Casey works in the arts, passionate and unrestrained—perhaps a bit too trendy for a finance guy. As the date unfolds, they gradually discover that on this indescribable evening, the distance between their hearts isn't as vast as they imagined...

The Broadway musical First Date premiered in Seattle in 2012 and instantly won overwhelming audience love. Created by Gossip Girl writer Austin Winsberg and renowned American songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner (17 Again, Once Upon a Time), this musical ingeniously blends TV storytelling with musical theater expression, using "imaginative fantasies" and "inner monologues" to portray an anti-stereotypical romantic encounter. The Hollywood Reporter praised it as "a breath of fresh air for Broadway."

Hits like First Impressions, Safer, The Girl For You, and In Love With You are so catchy they often spark full-audience singalongs, immersing everyone in pure joy.

The show has toured Seattle, New York, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Tokyo, Moscow, and more, earning 10 nominations across three major theater awards worldwide.

This Russian production premiered in Moscow in 2019 and has since sold out over 350 performances.

Star-Studded Cast Brings This Dating "Battlefield" to Life

The Russian First Date makes its China debut with beloved Moscow musical theater stars. Seven actors play 20+ roles, seamlessly switching identities in this hilariously awkward, sweet-yet-poignant dating disaster epic.

An immersive theater design recreates a New York restaurant ambiance—sometimes performers emerge from audience tables, blurring stage-real life boundaries (varies by venue).

• Musicals & Operas
• Stage & Dance