The View UpStairs

See it if You are a fan of small place productions. Your are interested in gay history. Also if you enjoy more interactive theater.

Don't see it if You are offended by LGBT themes. Only like traditional staging.

See it if a fresh new musical with a young voice is what you are craving.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals.

See it if You are interested in gay culture & shows with great potential in their infancy; strong off-Broadway feel, with several great moments.

Don't see it if You are looking for a fully-realized production or story; this one is rough around the edges but worth a look.

Also It didn't ALL work for me, but there are moments of briliance and some highly memorable characters and songs that shine. If this one sticks around and continues to be refined, I believe it has the potential for great success and a cult following.... Read more Read less

See it if are interested in themes about historical struggle that are relevant to modern times and want to support a great cast and crew.

Don't see it if you are not interested in LGBT themes and history.

See it if you enjoy history being told through music. A story that needs to be told but somewhat disappointing, at times. Great effort by the cast.

Don't see it if LGBT issues don't interest you.

See it if You want some gay and lesbian history and meet a cast of likeable characters

Don't see it if If you expect singers to be on key and you dont want to be preached at

See it if you are interested in seeing a new piece of musical theater, that examines a historical incident that most people know nothing about.

Don't see it if you are opposed to pushing the boundaries of musical theater. It is not yet a Broadway caliber show, but it is well on its way.

See it if A crisis in the history of gay oppression in America merits your attention, or you want to examine an ambitious new musical.

Don't see it if You need a strong throughline in your musical dramas.

See it if You want to know more about a time in gay history that seems just as relevant today.

Don't see it if You don't want to see & hear just about every gay cliche in the book & if you don't mind good music performed by less than good singers.

See it if You enjoy serious subject matter lifted up with funny moments and great singing. Cozy, immersive staging. Surprisingly delightful!

Don't see it if You're not interested in LGBTQ issues, don't like musicals or are unwilling to suspend disbelief of overlapping time periods.

See it if you want to see a gay-themed production so joyous, it hardens back to the original production of RENT in its power.

Don't see it if gay stuff makes you feel weird inside, you don't care about LGBT history or if you have no soul.

See it if you want to see a bit of gay history imagined in musical form.

Don't see it if you can't get discounted tickets

Also I really liked the subject matter and the actors all did a fine job but there are a lot of flaws in this musical. I found it to be very preachy at times and yet I wasn't sure what it was trying to preach. Was it how much better life is now for gays? How gays spend too much time on their phones? How we've become so much more superficial? That you need to have a dream?

The singing was great but found the staging to be pretty routine, although the stage was so small I can see how difficult it would have been to stage something like this.

I was also disappointed that there had to be a love story in this and that it had to be the two most attractive actors in the play.

Don't get get the on-stage cabaret seats if you're not comfortable being a part of the show... Read more Read less

See it if you cherish LGBT history

Don't see it if you expect to hear all great voices in musicals or see actors who are truly immersed in their roles...she phoned it in...

See it if you want something different & unexpected. It's both thoroughly entertaining & thought provoking. Witty, clever lyrics and memorable music.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy intimate venues or one-of-a-kind up-close-&-personal theatrical experiences. Honestly can't think of 1 reason not to see it.

See it if You like musicals based on true stories that are just as important now as they were when they occurred. You like an intimate theater.

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with LGBT topics.

Also I was sad that I didn't know this story and really enjoyed the show. I did think it could use a little more development; i.e. I'd like to see it evolve into 2 acts to dive into additional character development and more songs. The cast is very talented and the staging and scenery makes you feel that you are part of the bar - if only they served drinks: ). The best part about the show for me was that it really stuck with me. Sadly and especially in our current climate, this show is just as relevant now as it was when it occurred. I will likely see it again. PS - not a bad seat in the theater!... Read more Read less

See it if You have a connection to the Upstairs club, or are interested in musicals about the plight of gay men.

Don't see it if You are homophobic, can't sit for 90 minutes (there is no intermission), or expect a traditional musical.

See it if You're at all interested in queer history, you don't mind a story that gets a little dark.

Don't see it if You're homophobic???

See it if You want to be transported back to a time when support for gay rights was still kept in the shadows.

Don't see it if You don't support the rights for all to live freely in society as the person they are proud to be.

See it if You love small-scale shows, with incredible music, great characters, and a wondrous set. Intense and powerful twist towards the end.

Don't see it if you aren't about fringe shows, and LGBT plots don't interest you.

See it if You follow LGBT community. Setting is very interesting with all small details. I saw it with 2 understudies.... wanted to see original.

Don't see it if You don't like a drug show. The story is from the LGBT support bar that was persecuted.

See it if Half the show is well acted and sung with some exciting new songs...

Don't see it if The other half is not strong. The lead is unlikeable as a character and he could not sing the songs written for him the night I saw it.

Also By choosing to focus on modern protagonist, the show cheapens the memory of those who died... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a thought provoking story where the mores of today collide with the 70's in the LBGT community. very well done

Don't see it if You are anti gay. It needs some work, but oveall kudos to writers and actors

See it if You like high camp shows with serious undertones that take place in a gay bar

Don't see it if You are not interested in gay issues. It is an important history of the gay movement done with humor and poignancy.

See it if Are looking for a new and interesting show that is relevant.

Don't see it if You are looking for an uplifting story. The story is a little choppy.

See it if you are looking for a real look into this true event.

Don't see it if you are looking for a high budget production.