Fifth Date: A Pre-Y2K Romantic Comedy at Nu Sass Theatre

Nu Sass Productions is presenting the world premiere of "Fifth Date" through November 15 at their theatre space at 1100 H St NW in Washington, DC. Written by Lori Boyd and directed by Lynn Sharp Spears, this pre-Y2K romantic comedy explores the anxieties that come with reaching that pivotal fifth date in a relationship.

Fifth Date at Nu Sass Theatre in DC

The one-act play centers on Jil and Ted, two thirtysomethings navigating the pressures and expectations of their fifth date together. Dating at this stage of life means dealing with baggage from past relationships, and the fifth date represents a turning point where things could either deepen or fizzle out. Adding to the complexity, both characters have vocal alter egos who say all the things they would never actually say or do, creating a comic dynamic as these inner voices threaten to derail the evening.

Rebecca Ellis plays Jil, an actress dealing with a streak of bad luck both professionally and personally as she re-enters the dating world after a difficult divorce. Steve Lebens portrays Ted, a fifth-grade teacher with a love for organization who hopes to move the relationship from intellectual connection to something deeper. Aubri O'Connor and Terry Heffernan round out the cast as the respective alter egos, providing a running commentary on the date as it unfolds.

The production fully commits to its late 1990s and early 2000s setting, from the preshow playlist featuring songs like "Smooth" by Santana and Rob Thomas to references to MapQuest and answering machine messages. Set design by Shiloh Coleman and prop design by Rye Ellis work with costume designer Stephanie Yee to create an authentic period atmosphere complete with CD towers and track lighting. Chris Muska's lighting design carves out a separate space for the alter egos, while Kathryn Parr's sound design reinforces the nostalgic timeframe.

The play draws on familiar romantic comedy territory from that era, with Jil worrying about wrinkles and crow's feet while Ted's alter ego stokes his insecurities about masculinity. Critics have noted that the humor and concerns feel very much rooted in their time period, with some observing that the characters can come across as stock archetypes of the turn-of-the-millennium dating scene. However, the cast brings energy and charm to their roles, with Ellis bringing a klutzy, endearing quality to Jil and the alter ego performers generating some of the show's most sparkling comedic moments through their bickering chemistry.

Nu Sass Productions continues its mission of promoting marginalized genders in theater and providing opportunities for artists who face discrimination based on gender, age, body type, or race. The company aims to explore how disregarding prescribed genders can change the theatrical experience for audiences.

The 90-minute show runs without intermission, and tickets are available on a pay-what-you-will basis up to $25. For those drawn to Y2K nostalgia or curious about a lighthearted look at pre-smartphone dating culture, "Fifth Date" offers a journey back to when printing MapQuest directions and checking answering machines were part of the romantic landscape. The production continues through November 15 at Nu Sass Theatre.