Bad Dates

by Theresa Rebeck

Comedy 1 female Interior Set "And then I realize, in this sort of strange, hallucinatory moment, that the bug guy is looking kind of good, and the things he's saying about bugs are really kind of fascinating and it is then that I realized that maybe it has been too long since I've been on a date."--So confesses a single mother and self-described restaurant idiot-savant in this thoroughly charming and slyly sweet one-woman play by the author of The Butte

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2011

About the author

Theresa Rebeck is a playwright. She also works as a television writer. Her input went into popular shows such as Dream On, Brooklyn Bridge, L.A. Law, American Dreamer, Maximum Bob, First Wave, and Third Watch.
She also wrote and produced Canterbury’s Law, Smith, Law and Order: Criminal Intent and NYPD Blue.
Ms. Rebeck has an MFA in Playwrighting and a PhD. in Victorian Melodrama, from Brandeis University. She is a board member of the Dramatists Guild and has taught at Brandeis and Columbia Universities.
She currently resides in Brooklyn with her husband Jess Lynn and two children, Cooper and Cleo.

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very charming and fun

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard NOT to like a play that begins, "Do you like these shoes?" and ends "I'm going to go have coffee . . . ." But what happens in between those lines is important too.

Haley, a single mom and a self-proclaimed idiot savant at managing restaurants, has decided it's time to try dating again after a several year hiatus. Her decision is sparked by her attendance at a Buddhist benefit where she realizes that she is attracted to a man who thinks people should try to communicate with bugs (Bug Guy) and that is a signal she needs to meet some other kinds of men. While fretting over which clothes and shoes to wear on various dates and asking for advice from her daughter (whom we never see), Haley shares the story of her life and her outlook on success and mistakes, and we also hear how many bad kinds of dates a person can have. Haley's focus on her love life is interrupted when the owner of the restaurant she manages is released from jail and wants to go over the accounts with her. Haley has been doing more than just picking new flatware for the restaurant--I won't give it away, so read the play.

I saw this play a few years ago at the Missouri Rep in Kansas City. It was very well done from the pacing/timing to the set (all those shoes!!). It would be a fun challenge for any actress looking for a one-woman show.

[Andy Meholick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this play. While reading one person shows can often be daunting, Rebeck's character has enough desperation and comedic wit to keep you going until the end.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would definitely be fun to do as an actor. It's cute, not too long. Not terribly stimulating in terms of plot and message, but I give it 4 stars for its realness to everyday conversation. Or at least for talking to yourself. :)

[ela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to direct this play someday!

[leah hohauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ❤️ Theresa Rebeck

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and laugh out loud funny

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One woman play set in New York City about many bad dates. Funny lines on the rough road to finding love. In love as in life first impressions may not always be best.