The View UpStairs

See it if you want a beautifully empathetic look at the harsh reality of life in queer community not so long ago.

Don't see it if you're looking for something lighthearted - this is a heavy show (in a good way). Probably not your thing if you're homophobic.

See it if You like campy LGBTQ themes, a fun set, decent singing and some decent acting.

Don't see it if You aren't a fan of contrived caricatures and one dimensional characters and "all about me" songs. You are a stickler for accurate accents.

See it if You will appreciate an awesome set, true stories about the LGBT experience, performed with well written songs, by characters with heart.

Don't see it if LGBT themed shows aren't of interest & 1 hr 40 minutes without an intermission isn't your cup of tea, for today, because it is closing 5/21.

See it if you like gay history with a musical flair. A talented cast brings an overlooked tragedy to light with humor and pathos. Original & winning.

Don't see it if you believe in conversion therapy.

See it if You like a well performed musical with a thrilling dramatic story. The casts are incredibly talented.

Don't see it if You don't like the story or drag performance. Even if you want to see, you can't since it's already closed.

See it if you like good singing and songs, history, strong emotion

Don't see it if you are homophobic

See it if You enjoy a mediocre yet fun Musical!

Don't see it if LGBT storylines bother You!

See it if You are a die hard theatre geek. There are some talented folks amongst the cast including Frenchie Davis and T.Frey

Don't see it if Expect a fully rounded product. This falls shy of its target and the lead is weak.

See it if you are looking for a taste of gay history. It is not a maudlin or sentimental as one might expect.

Don't see it if cliches bother you. All of the gay cliches are represented here. But it is expertly staged and most of the talent is top notch

See it if If you want somethingh funky, alive, informative, gay, non judgemental

Don't see it if If you are judgemental and discriminatory.

See it if if you loved "Rent" -- this is ensemble magic, with high-energy songs and great humor but also tinged with doom.. a celebration of community

Don't see it if The only reason not to see this is if you hate musical theater! Warning: the accompaniment music is pre-recorded, but excellent quality

Also My comparison to "Rent" is not flippant -- this really delivers all the goods. Colorful characters but not just caricatures, there's so much heart to go with the laughs. You really fall in love with these characters, foibles and all. And for such a small theater, what incredible tech as well! The "stage" is a fully outfitted 1970s bar, with "real props" not facsimiles. One of the greatest tech feats I've seen in low-budget off-off-B. Great sound design as well. Yes it's pre-recorded backing music, not live musicians -- budget considerations no doubt. Don't let that dissuade you from this full-of-life work of art!... Read more Read less

See it if you know nothing about the UpStairs Lounge fire and you like poppy musicals.

Don't see it if you want some real history of the event or a memorable or original score.

See it if like Theater that goes for the 'site specific' look.GREAT singing & a topic that is just as relevant as it was when the event happened.

Don't see it if Don't want to face what a messed up nation we are to still have some of the same hatred that was around generations ago. GO SEE THIS MUSICAL

See it if You want to see an imaginative take on a past moment in gay history, set to inspired songs sung by a lively cast. Taylor Frey is a find!

Don't see it if You don't like flamboyant characters and broad humor.

See it if you need a reminder of where we've been, if you're interested in LGBTQ history, or want to see new work from a fresh voice

Don't see it if you're not a fan of unconventional staging or get antsy without an intermission - there isn't one

See it if You are interested in seeing a promising new musical theater talent. Enjoy environmental theater.

Don't see it if You are impatient with an unfocused show.

See it if Interesting gay musical

Don't see it if Want a perfect show

See it if you love musicals as long as songs are good. Some of the performers are great.

Don't see it if you need good book in addition to good music. It does get its message across but it's a bit unfocused.

See it if because the writer is a promising new talent that deserves exposure, it's a fun and entertaining show despite its flaws, and it is timely.

Don't see it if want something more than A Chorus Line set in a 1973 New Orleans gay bar where the characters are all too buried in cliches to be effective.

See it if you love musicals, "immersive spaces" strong storytelling, and socially relevant theater

Don't see it if you don't like musicals

See it if you are a fan of LGBT history. They weave a modern story with historical fiction. The songs are great.

Don't see it if you are not in the mood for something thought provoking or fun. Because this show combines drama and comedy.

See it if You like charming, immersive, musicals. A sensible dramatic musical show with gay oriented subject matter would move you.

Don't see it if ...you're not into tender musical dramas.

See it if You are unfamiliar with the history

Don't see it if You cannot stand outright preachy dialogue

See it if Immersive theater piece. Well done. Especially good for older LGBT audience, but well done all around. Good songs. Great acting. History.

Don't see it if You have no interest in LGBT work.

Also This story centers on the inhabitants of a 1973 bar that was engulfed in flames and the sense of community gay bars held at that time. In a time warp-ish fashion someone from the present is transported there and sees how the commaraderie compares to today's app hook up world. Highly recommend it to anyone. I just saw this a 2nd time 4/16. Still love it.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in a gay historical tragedy. You fancy outlaw love. You like contemporary singing/songs. Drag shows.

Don't see it if You can't look past gay stereotypes (e.g., angry lesbian bar owners, rough trade with heart of gold boys). You can't deal w/ brutal endings