“Blind Date Interrupted.” Sounds like a Hallmark rom-com, doesn’t it?
It’s actually the name of a brand-new experiment in “outrageous comedy” debuting at Top of Pelham in Newport on Thursday, February 13.
“It’s a concept we developed,” says DJ O’Hara of the Newport Comedy Series. The production team wanted to focus on theme shows. They’ve been presenting traditional stand-up shows in Newport, and they put together the Wise Guys of Comedy New England tour.
“We’re combining blind speed dating with stand-up comedy,” says O’Hara. “It’s going to be very funny and entertaining.”
The producers selected three guys and three girls from prior registrations. “We asked people to register to be set up on a blind date. The ratio was four-to-one in favor of females.” O’Hara says there was a lot of interest from people who wanted to participate in the show.
He emphasizes that contestants will not be pulled out of the audience. “Because of the pre-selection, no one has to worry about being called onto the stage on the night of the show.” When the six participants arrive on the night of the show, it will be the first time they’re seeing each other.
Veteran comic Ace Aceto will host the evening. “I’ll do a little warm up to welcome the crowd,” says Aceto. “Once there’s good energy in the room, Ace will bring up each couple, one at a time,” says O’Hara.
Aceto will introduce the participants, and “interview them a little bit, get to know them a little bit.” Once that’s done, the participants will be sent to another room for a 20-minute speed date.
Meanwhile, Aceto will perform for the room. He’s got material on dating when he was in high school, getting married, getting divorced, and dating in his 50s. He’ll also be asking friends and family of the participants for more information on the daters. “You know, embarrassing questions. What’s the strangest place you’ve ever hooked up. The oldest person you ever dated. Things I can use when they come back out after their dates.”
Aceto will bring the participants out, asking if everyone is “ready to interrupt some dates?”
As the participants talk about their dates, Aceto will interrupt them, to help them learn more about each other. “They want it to be edgy,” says Aceto. All done in fun, of course.
Nothing can be scripted for that portion. It will require crowd work on Aceto’s part. “It’s a good muscle to exercise,” he says. “I’m looking forward to it.”
At the end of the night, Aceto will ask the big question. Is each couple willing to go on a second date? “Each member of the couple will be asked to answer at the same time,” says O’Hara. “If they want to, then we’ll give them gift certificates to help them with that date.”
O’Hara plans to continue “Blind Date Interrupted” as a regular show. “It will be a unique experience, bringing something a little different to Newport.”
“Blind Date Interrupted” debuts Thursday, February 13 at Top of Pelham at One Pelham East. For tickets and information, visit www.blinddateinterrupted.com.
