“First Date,” a musical comedy by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, played last night to an invited audience at the William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall in Butler Memorial Park.

The intimate setting, featuring some cabaret-style tables in front, made it seem like the audience was almost eavesdropping on Aaron and Casey's (Nathan Osche and Megan Flannery) first date, presented by the Butler Musical Theatre Guild.

Often in a musical, the musicians get overlooked while those who take the stage get the attention. The band — featuring Jessica Henley, Ken Smith, Duane Davis, Jared Negley and Aaron Henley — were amazing, producing music from ballads to hard driving jams to crazy sound effects.

The opening number, “The One,” was an ensemble number full of verve and energy, giving us the first glimpse of the cast personalities which evolve throughout the show.

“First Impressions” introduces us to the blind date pair. Flannery, who typically plays a funny girl, was funny but in a different way, her vocals were spot on and the chemistry with her co-star Osche was compelling as it transitioned during the show.

Osche was adorable and a vocal delight. He was believably a bumbler when it came to the dating process. Hilarity ensued in the second act with his revenge number against his ex-fiancé during “In Love With You.”

“First Date” explores all the baggage people bring to a date. Casey and Aaron's thoughts and past come alive through a variety of unique characters played by Whitney Angeloni-Ruediger, Ryan Lubin, Emily-Ann Stephens and Daniel Terwilliger.

The “Bailout Song” by Terwilliger as Reggie was quite comical as the flamboyant friend of Casey tries to giver her an out during the date. The calls go to voice mail as Reggie gets more worried and insulted his friend doesn't pick up.

Stephens cameos as Allison, Aaron's ex, throughout the show and sings back up with Reggie. A sweet voice and some acting chops are revealed as she played Grandma Ida, who opposed Aaron's relationship prospects with Casey in “The Girl for You.”

The waiter was played by Ryan Lubin, who was funny and skillful. He showcased his vocals in “I'd Order Love,” which he delivered as a suave nightclub crooner and a bossy Cupid. The cute song and it's delivery had toes tapping in the audience.

Angeloni-Ruediger, who played Casey's sister, was also quite entertaining as Google Girl in “The World Wide Web is Forever,” a cleverly written piece about how social media and search engines have impacted the dating world. She capably shifted to the beautiful and melancholy lament as Aaron's mother in “The Things I Never Said.”

Although the main characters are not fully developed, the audience does find itself rooting for them. Basically, the reason the show works is because the talent is excellent and the musicians flawless.

It is not a show you get caught up in, but it's definitely entertaining. The mature themes and language keep it from being family friendly, but perhaps it would make an interesting First Date.

Seating is limited. Tickets are on sale at www.mtgbutler.org.

WHO:Butler Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “First Date”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and April 27 and 28 and 3 p.m. April 29WHERE: William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall at the rear of Butler Memorial ParkTICKETS: $17; available online at www.mtgbutler.org