The View UpStairs

See it if you enjoy musical theatre that is on the amateurish level. The actors work hard, but they are let down by an awful book.

Don't see it if you like a strong book and strong songs to carry the evening. This show does not have either.

See it if Have an interest in LGBTQ history (and yet are not easily offended by the hyper-stereotypical portrayal of gay men).

Don't see it if You have high expectations for acting, singing, writing, or production quality.

Also This production is tedious -- poorly constructed and badly produced. I saw two understudies and they were the best performances by far. The lead strained to hit his notes -- musically and emotionally. So disappointing. Even Frenchie was flat.... Read more Read less

See it if you have to see every LGBT-related show playing in the city. However this one is not worth seeing.

Don't see it if just don't waste your time. There is nothing really enjoyable about this show except a cool set. Book and singing are poor.

See it if You want to see a great set and see a couple of good performances (in an ill-conceived show)

Don't see it if You need a realistic (or even remotely believable) plot. Also, several of the performers were really disappointing.

Also I really wanted to love this show and was so disappointed. The concept just doesn't work and while there are a few moments that work, it's not enough to justify the evening. The bar and the story of the fire is a great idea for a story but the framing device was a total miss.... Read more Read less

See it if 70s era pasticche, gay and lesbian themes

Don't see it if amateurish

See it if you're curious. Also see it if you want to be confused about a story and just want gay content.

Don't see it if you want it to be about the actual event that occurred at the UpStairs Lounge with authentic accents.

See it if You like to see talented actors struggle with a wretched book

Don't see it if You expect stressed syllables in lyrics to fall on stressed beats, or if you expect any detail to scansion at all.

Also This had so much wasted potential. Love the production design and performances. The story is totally worthy of a musicalization and deserves broader recognition. Just bad writing, unfortunately.... Read more Read less

See it if You like clever set design and enjoy being preached to by one dimensional stereotypical characters. Sparks of creativity that never catch.

Don't see it if You are an intelligent, savvy New York theatergoer who likes clever, intelligent books who would rather infer themes/ideas. Lame book.

Also Although there were moments of creativity, the book and music never allows us to truly care about these characters. The main character does not have the vocal chops to pull off the main role. Performances were over the top theatrics without nuance.... Read more Read less

See it if You like good sets.

Don't see it if You like good writing.

See it if We couldn't wait for it to end. I haven't heard so much out of tune singing in a long time. The overacting deserves an award of some kind.

Don't see it if You love theater.