Haifa Theatre’s Dating Musical Turns Life’s Awkward Romantic Moments Into Stage Comedy

A new Haifa Theatre production turns the whole arc of modern dating into a musical, from the awkward first meeting to later-life romance after bereavement. The show is based on an American television series that ran in the United States through the 1990s for about nine years, and it stages nearly every imaginable relationship scenario.

The review says the production moves through early encounters where strangers have little to say, then through relationships, marriage, parenting, crises, disappointments and new love. It also includes the final stages of life, when older people seek a second chapter after losing a spouse.

Four actors, Idan Mosseri, Diana Golbi, Ayelet Robinson and Ben Frikshesh, play eight roles and are praised for creating a rich, engaging portrait of dating and family life. The performance also features a live three-piece band behind the cast.

Director Gama Fried is credited with excellent work, and Daniel Efrat’s Hebrew translation is described as perfect, funny and sharp. The review advises audiences not to judge the show after the first five minutes, saying it begins somewhat slowly and crudely, but becomes excellent later and ultimately offers 90 minutes that mirror the lives of couples and older adults. The production is presented by Haifa Theatre under the management of Moshe Kafman.