The View UpStairs by Max Vernon
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Invisible Wall Productions
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Workshop: March 31 - April 1, 2016
Off-Broadway Production: Coming in the 2016-20017 Season |
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In coming so far, what have we left behind? Wes is a handsome young man who thinks he has it all ... but does he? After buying an abandoned space in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Wes unexpectedly finds himself transported back to 1973 in all its glam rock glory. Step into the sexy, vibrant, glitter-drenched world of The UpStairs Lounge where the drinks flow, worlds collide and love ignites. Inspired by one of the most significant all-but-forgotten acts of violence against the LGBTQ community, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS explores how much queer culture has evolved over the last 40 years, and what has been gained and lost in the march towards equality.
Although the characters in THE VIEW UPSTAIRS are imagined, the events that inspired the musical are real. On the last Sunday in June, 1973, an arson attack occurred at a gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans called the UpStairs Lounge. The resulting blaze killed 32 people. Composer/lyricist/bookwriter Max Vernon says of THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, "In the past, the queer community was largely bound together by a shared experience of oppression. In this 'post-equality' world, if the oppression is no longer there, what keeps us connected to our cultural history? And what are the consequences of not knowing that history?
Featuring: Frenchie Davis (RENT, The Voice) as Henrietta, Nathan Lee Graham (Priscilla..., Zoolander)as Willie, Robin De Jesús (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles) as Freddy, Ben Mayne (Plaid Tidings) as Dale/Cops, Doreen Montalvo (On Your Feet!, In the Heights) as Inez, Justin Matthew Sargent (Rock of Ages, Spider-Man) as Patrick, Jason Tam (If/Then, A Chorus Line) as Wes, Clarke Thorell (Annie, Hairspray) as Buddy, and Michael Winther (33 Variations, Mamma Mia!) as Richard. The Production Stage Manager is Linda Marvel and the Assistant Stage Manager is Genevieve Kersh.
The creative team for THE VIEW UPSTAIRS includes Matt Aument (Music Director), Spencer Liff (Choreographer), Jason Sherwood (Scenic Design Consultant), Rebecca Feldman (Casting Director), Susan Finch (Dialect Coach), Joseph Travers (Fight Choreographer) and Patrick Sulken (Associate Music Director).
Photography by Mathew Dunivan.
In coming so far, what have we left behind? Wes is a handsome young man who thinks he has it all ... but does he? After buying an abandoned space in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Wes unexpectedly finds himself transported back to 1973 in all its glam rock glory. Step into the sexy, vibrant, glitter-drenched world of The UpStairs Lounge where the drinks flow, worlds collide and love ignites. Inspired by one of the most significant all-but-forgotten acts of violence against the LGBTQ community, THE VIEW UPSTAIRS explores how much queer culture has evolved over the last 40 years, and what has been gained and lost in the march towards equality.
Although the characters in THE VIEW UPSTAIRS are imagined, the events that inspired the musical are real. On the last Sunday in June, 1973, an arson attack occurred at a gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans called the UpStairs Lounge. The resulting blaze killed 32 people. Composer/lyricist/bookwriter Max Vernon says of THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, "In the past, the queer community was largely bound together by a shared experience of oppression. In this 'post-equality' world, if the oppression is no longer there, what keeps us connected to our cultural history? And what are the consequences of not knowing that history?
Featuring: Frenchie Davis (RENT, The Voice) as Henrietta, Nathan Lee Graham (Priscilla..., Zoolander)as Willie, Robin De Jesús (In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles) as Freddy, Ben Mayne (Plaid Tidings) as Dale/Cops, Doreen Montalvo (On Your Feet!, In the Heights) as Inez, Justin Matthew Sargent (Rock of Ages, Spider-Man) as Patrick, Jason Tam (If/Then, A Chorus Line) as Wes, Clarke Thorell (Annie, Hairspray) as Buddy, and Michael Winther (33 Variations, Mamma Mia!) as Richard. The Production Stage Manager is Linda Marvel and the Assistant Stage Manager is Genevieve Kersh.
The creative team for THE VIEW UPSTAIRS includes Matt Aument (Music Director), Spencer Liff (Choreographer), Jason Sherwood (Scenic Design Consultant), Rebecca Feldman (Casting Director), Susan Finch (Dialect Coach), Joseph Travers (Fight Choreographer) and Patrick Sulken (Associate Music Director).
Photography by Mathew Dunivan.
