Upstairs - a Musical Tragedy

This is a show not to be missed. The actors are dripping in talent as they navigate a challenging script and subject. I want to see this musical on a larger stage and with a full band! Go see this show!... full review

Moving and important. I hope this project has legs to continue beyond the festival. Great direction! And again, a wildly talented cast. ... full review

Upstairs is a masterpiece. The characters draw you in from the start with their humor and eccentricities, and hold you with their pain and honesty. Playwright, composer, and producer, Wayne Self honors the victims of this tragedy, their friends, and their families with this beautiful rendition. The characters are multi-dimensional and the songs are haunting. The cast does a fine job with their interpretation. While, there were a few technical glitches and in some cases a need for more projection, these did not detract from the overall goal. This is a story that begs to be told to a wider audience. Do yourself a favor and see it while you can." Sweet - Amanda Tynes - See more at: https://better-lemons.com/production/upstairs-a-musical-t... full review

Heartbreaking and important, with humor, poignancy and great music reflective of the city it came from.... full review

This was the second time to see it with a group and we loved it as much if not more with more familiarity. Not enough time to be complete, but so worth the time and money. ... full review

A vibrant look at a difficult subject... full review

Upstairs by Wayne Self is a tragic story told with passion and commitment. The music is hauntingly beautiful, performed by a stellar cast of talented singers and storytellers. I hope it finds another venue to continue and carry on. ... full review

Dear Wayne Self, as an original founding and long time member of MCC of New Orleans and one of the regular patrons of the UpStairs cocktail lounge, a heartfelt thank you, for making this Musical Play happen. I found that 'You', your crew and members of the cast have created a profoundly beautiful and heartfelt emotional memorial of the friends I've lost to that murderous inferno 44 years ago. - - - - - - - May the names of you and your crew and cast, be raised to higher heights of recognition, as acknowledgement to the greatness of your skillful talents. Henry Kubicki ... full review

Beautiful voices and some amazing harmonies - There were a few breathtaking moments vocally - The songs were ambitious with several being carried out to full effect and a few especially in the beginning, that seemed to need a little work to get everyone fully up to speed as far as tempo and whatnot, but I saw the preview so that's something that I'm Sure will be polished. Personally, I'd rather see a cast fight their way into nailing an ambitious score than see a cast sing a few simple ditties that anyone can do, which is often the case with original musicals... well done! The closing song made me cry. As mentioned in the very angry review left by someone who was likely asleep during the show- it did not present a historic look at the eve... full review

UPSTAIRS, a Gay Musical Tragedy, is the venue that takes it's audience on a journey back to the a past, through the eyes of the present, with hope for our future. Upstairs is a story about Living, Learning, Loving and Letting Go, a universal backdrop that is coupled with a tragic fiery ending. Wayne Self, the playwright effectively intertwines the lives of the people who seek out this Upstairs sanctuary through meaningful dialogue and insightful song. The Cast is stellar and each used their talents and strengths to draw you in, create an emotional bond with you and help you to understand who and why they are. Through them and Wayne, We all looked Upstairs, and We, Saw the Rainbow..... Oh So Sweet!... full review