Sonoma State’s Musical Theatre ended its concert season with “Speed Dating Tonight!”, a one-act modern opera performed by a cast of talented students. The group took the Schroeder Hall stage on Saturday, November 22, and delivered a unique, entertaining experience.

“Speed Dating Tonight!”, SSU faculty member Mary Evelyn Hangley’s directorial debut, follows a small-time pub that hosts speed dating nights to bring business. The setting of a bar site speed dating night is an interesting vehicle for the plot, as every character has to talk one-on-one to see if they click or not. From a chronically online nerd whose best friend is a jar of sourdough, to a crazy cat lady with a selfie addiction, to a wino with a special love for toaster ovens, the daters come in one by one, each with their own hang-ups and awkward quirks, but all looking for a special someone. 

“Watching the entire show come together week by week was so amazing,” said junior Music major Reese Perez, who played Kaylee. “Because so many of the songs were solos, we’d go home, learn the music on our own, and then come to class to do coaching and blocking for the number. Every week we’d get to see the show come to life song by song, and it made the final show all the more exciting to finally put together.”

“Speed Dating Tonight!” followed last year’s performance of “In the Heights”, the Performing Arts department’s swan song before it was cut. SSU Musical Theatre exceeded expectations with its full production and a wonderful cast, showing that the passion of the Performing Arts department never left.