My Date With Death - A Musical Romance

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Miles Memorial Playhouse

Santa Monica

Critics

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63 %

Reviews: 4

Audience

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100 %

Reviews: 5

Tue Jun 18, 12:00am

Daniel Sugimoto, Artistic Director, will present the World Premiere of “MY DATE WITH DEATH – A Musical Romance,” with Book, Music and Lyrics written by Daniel Sugimoto, starring Daniel Sugimoto as Lincoln Thomas (Link) and Samantha M. Lawrence as Jasmine/Lady Death/Diallo under the direction of Julia Lisa. Performances will be presented at the Miles Memorial Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Boulevard (located between Wilshire Boulevard and Arizona Avenue), Santa Monica, CA 90403, for a Limited Four-Week Run on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 p.m. on November 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, December 1 and 2, 2018. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE Tickets can be purchased by calling 323-301-9002 or online at www.thezootheatreco.com

In “MY DATE WITH DEATH – A Musical Romance,” Link finds himself at the end of his rope, drinking the remainder of his life away at a bar when he is visited by a Spirit from the beyond. This Spirit reveals herself to be a Soul Collector sent to keep Link from ending his energy too soon. Strap in and take a Dickensian sprint across the universe with Link, an isolated soul, as he falls in love with Lady Death, and her never-ending knowledge of the cosmos.

Writer/Composer Daniel Sugimoto says, “I have struggled my entire life with questions of suicide, the purpose of life and what comes after. In ‘MY DATE WITH DEATH – A Musical Romance,” through the character of Link, I am channeling my personal pain into music and asking not what can others do for I, but what me can do for others. Being so close to calling it quits in real life, I have decided to reframe my purpose and express my love of death as a genuine love of life in this theatrical venture.”

Sugimoto continued, “Much like an episode of ‘Dr. Who,' the British science-fiction television program, in which an extraterrestrial being, Dr. Who, explores the universe in a time-traveling spaceship, through my fantasy musical, ‘MY DATE WITH DEATH,' I try to breathe light into the dark side of the universe of death, loss and those who struggle with suicide. With 12 brand new original songs and two characters, I'm focusing on different ways to think, discuss, and cope with the inevitable end of this thing called life. My hope is to entertain and to ease one's ideas towards issues that more than a few deal with on a daily basis and maybe come out with a brighter broader understanding for those who need a hand here and there.”

Reviews

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"A heady theory to understand on its own, it's even more difficult when presented in complicated rapid-fire lyrics. The dialogue between the characters help clarify to an extent, but audience members might appreciate a slightly more broad, or basic, explanation. However, kudos to Daniel Sugimoto (writer, composer, lyricist) for incorporating such a current, complex sci-fi concept."

sweet-sour - Lacey Rae - Media Geeks - ...read full review

"My Date with Death has two very talented singers and performers but the show lacks a strong center bringing all of the songs together into one complete entertaining show."

sweet-sour - Patrick Chavis - LA Theatre Bites - Podcast - ...read full review

"MY DATE WITH DEATH's saving grace is undoubtedly its message to value all life no matter what. However predictable the ending, it's a sweet stab at analyzing the reasons why people become depressed, what's worth fighting for, and how to find the balance in all of life's ups and downs. A cleaner approach to the already complex topics may have resulted in a more coherent production."

sweet-sour - Lara J. Altunian - Stage Raw - ...read full review

"Altogether though, My Date With Death, playing at the Miles Memorial Playhouse, Santa Monica, is a highly moving and intimate experience."

sweet - Tracey Paleo - Gia on the Move - ...read full review

"Amazing performances and singing by the actors, felt like an inside travel to what some people might feel in their time of need or solitude and that there is a way to reach out and find calmness when everything seems dark"

sweet - Karen Takahashi

"Date with death really shows you there's always light at the end of every tunnel. It doesn't matter how long or dark it is. The music and performances are brilliant and they remind you we are all connected by something greater."

sweet - Carlos Chavez

"Raw and intimate “My Date With Death - A Musical Romance” is a glimpse into the life of an individual struggling with suicide and the purpose of their life. During this ninety minute journey portrayed with Science Fiction/Fantasy and is presented with twelve original songs, it provides a dialogue to perplexing issues that life poses such as issues of abuse,self worth, trauma and mental health, and ultimately what it means to truly live the life we are given. Actor/Composer Daniel Sugimoto delivers an incredible performance, the way he is able to portray feeling so alone, despite being in an age where we are all instantly able to be connected with the phones in our pocket, his strong voice and clever writing delivers. Actor Samantha Lawrence playing "Lady Death" is one of the most clever and imaginative examples of the Reaper I have ever seen, accompanied by her soulful singing she brings such life to this character. The use of set design/lighting and props are to be commended, great use of the space highlights of the show for me are when the two actors harmonized together, they have tremendous Chemistry. This is a show I encourage all to see, thank you for providing a much needed dialogue to this important topic. additionally Zoo Theatre CO, is providing additional support by donating a portion of all online ticket sales to support The Trevor Project."

sweet - Mike Reyes

"Daniel has done it again! He has poured his soul into this production, and found a clever way to look at Death straight in the eyes, without fear. He asks the typical questions about an after life, and the really tough questions about suicide. His appreciation - love - of Death brings about a love of Life. As always, his original music is compelling and fresh."

sweet - Linda Gohata

"Great musical theater night, cabaret style delve into philosophical questions about death and meaning of life . The songs are mostly lovely ballads with a twist- discussing death and suicide, abusive and alcoholic families . The performers are extremely talented with beautiful voices and believable portrayal as Death and moribund character contemplating suicide."

sweet - Sondra Summers