The View UpStairs

See it if you enjoy shows that are based on an actual event, want to learn a bit of gay history, see actors who perform their hearts out.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with seeing gay characters lead their lives, want to see lots of dancing, need a lot of character and plot development

Also Overall I thought the show was enjoyable but it was a little uneven. I really liked how it started and ended but there just wasn't enough development for me to really feel for the characters. Some of the songs were very moving but others didn't do much for the plot. The actors themselves were quite good, but some of their performances were uneven too. During one song they would do "okay" and on another they rocked it out. Nathan Lee Graham though was one of my favorite performers of the night. He seemed to have a blast playing his character! --- I also felt that it was unfortunate that they gave Playbills out after the show because it would have moved me more had I known it was based on an actual event. I think with more time and work, this show definitely has the potential to move forward. All in all, it may not be a spectacular show but it has some very strong points and I definitely think it's worth supporting.... Read more Read less

See it if Knew nothing about this incident but glad I know now

Don't see it if Gay issues

See it if you are into the LGBT culture and you like glam-rock. There are some great numbers in this show.

Don't see it if you don't like over-the-top acting. The transition from scene to scene felt unbalanced and forceful sometimes.

Also The protagonist of the show is unlikable. As well as some of the other characters. The writer and director are ambitious to link the historical event of the show to the recent Orlando tragedy. The message is strong but it somehow got lost for most of the time until the very end.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some hugely talented and likeable performers on an uber-fabulous set (of a '70's gay dive bar).

Don't see it if you have no interest in a little-known event in gay history

Also The show is broadly written - no subtlety here - but it is brilliantly cast, designed, staged and choreographed. I and the rest of the audience were engaged by the characters and the story and got a lot of entertainment with our gay history lesson.... Read more Read less

See it if You can overlook the flaws. It is a bit like FOLLIES meets HOT L BALTIMORE.

Don't see it if You can't get past the grisly.

See it if This is essentially a cabaret act using a major historical event in gay culture as an excuse to show off some vocal talent.

Don't see it if If you're looking for the story of the fire at the Upstairs Lounge in New Orleans, it is barely mentioned. Hard to get why the show exists.

See it if you are interested in LGBT issues and like strong ballads and fun staging.

Don't see it if You want singers that never go off-key, or are homophobic.

See it if you'd love a high-energy 70s rock score that explores the connections between the struggle for gay rights then and now.

Don't see it if you're a Trump voter, I guess.

See it if You love a set that emcompases the theatre making you part of 'the action.' Nathan Lee Graham gives a great monologue... Lighting is great.

Don't see it if You don't like prose set to music, songs are unmemorable, lyrics even worse. Lead actors who can't sing, but look good, Avoid this.

Also The story should be told, it's good...how they tell it is not handled so well. There are many cast changes the next few weeks...understudies will be doing performances by known Actors. Seating is deadly (as in dead butt if you don't get a regular Theatre Seat). I wanted to like this show, I left, with Fanny Fatigue, and a bad taste in my mouth appropriate, perhaps, for leaving a Gay Bar in 1973 where and when the play is set...but not from a Theatre in NYC now.... only Nathan Lee Graham's monologue was really worth seeing...and getting to the Theatre wasn't easy either.... Read more Read less

See it if you like fun, 70s inspired music, you are interested in LGBTQ issues, you like thoughtfully designed shows with strong performances

Don't see it if You are looking for the next RENT, you can't stand a little preaching on contemporary issues

See it if You think you'd like a lively musical about gay history, set in New Orleans.

Don't see it if You don't like shows about gay people.

See it if You want to be entertained, hear great voices and learn from an actual event

Don't see it if You don't like seeing musicals in small spaces

See it if You like great music, scene stealing characters and timely commentary.

Don't see it if You're homophobic.

See it if You love love

Don't see it if You don’t want to cry

See it if The music is Fan-Fuckin_tastic! So are the performers. Not a weak link in the bunch!

Don't see it if If you're not into gay themed hisotric subject matter, then I'd pass.

See it if you are interested in learning about an piece of LGBT history. This show has a lot of heart, some wonderful songs, & an intimate atmosphere.

Don't see it if You are not interested in LGBT history. With some reworking, this could transfer to Bdway. Sexual and profane language: not for children.

See it if You want to see a terrific ensemble show with excellent performers, great production values, and a timely message.

Don't see it if Are averse to learning about a devastating chapter in gay history.

Also The entire theater bas been meticulously transformed into this '70's gay bar. The score is wonderful, with each of the characters given a chance to shine. The show has a lot to say, and feels particularly relevant now.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like an intimate show based on a true tragic event in LGBT history, a bit fantastical but endearing with pleasant catchy music

Don't see it if you're unforgiving towards cliches or silly jokes, or not a romantic at heart

See it if You enjoy immersive theatre and don't mind actors potentially touching you. Also if you enjoy LGTBQ storylines.

Don't see it if You prefer to be more removed from the action. The book is a little all over the place and some songs fall flat.

See it if Fun emotional well sung scores

Don't see it if You are not forgiving of rough around the edges performances

See it if You want a LGBT history lesson set in New Orleans, pre-Stonewall. Reminds me of CHEERS (TV show), but it's a gay bar set in the 70's.

Don't see it if You're not into low budgeted musical history lessons.

See it if You care about LGBT history and storyline being portrayed by very talented actors

Don't see it if why would you not care?

See it if You like hilarious queer tragi-comedies that deal with painfully timely issues; you don't mind shows trying a little too hard to be profound

Don't see it if You're bothered by sexual jokes (nothing explicit), bright lights, or smoke effect

Also Could do with some cutting, especially near the end, but overall a clever and moving production about a story that needs to be told. AMAZING actors.... Read more Read less

See it if a millennial's fantasy of 70s gay archetypes cleverly staged with a serviceable pop score, great sets and costumes intrigues you.

Don't see it if your'e expecting a history lesson or you might be offended by the use of tragic event as the basis for fluffy entertainment.

Also While the evening was enjoyable and all of the actors were very good, at least 2 or 3 songs could have been cut. Having a big musical number for every character to tell their story wasn't really necessary. For the most part the singing was good, but at times vocals seemed out of balance with the music or perhaps the sound technology didn't always support the singers as it should by enhancing their strengths and masking their weaknesses.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a member or ally of the LGBT community. You don't mind a musical that's a bit preachy or on the nose.

Don't see it if You can't deal with self-absorbed millennials, because the protagonist is pretty insufferable.

Also If you're not looking for something edgy or profound, it's a nice bit of escapism for the evening. Fun, retro 70s setting.... Read more Read less