Upstairs - a Musical Tragedy

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

Amazing show and performances! I want to find out more about the Upstairs history now because of it.... full review

Stellar show!! Fantastic talent (several with standout voices), GREAT pianist, very personal, intimate setting. Story had lots of fun humor despite the unfortunate storyline. A great experience overall!... full review

The cast makes the most of a tiny stage, pulling you into the lives of these people. Knowing some of them are doomed adds to a sense of melancholy that permeates the whole show. This is a story of people struggling with every day life not realizing how short that life might be. The exploration of characters haunted by tragedy managed to move several people in the audience I was with to tears. This is heavy stuff. It is a tragic story that should not be forgotten, and this moving musical manages to end on a sad, but cautiously hopeful note. In the end, it stresses that humanity suffers as a whole when we inflict suffering on each other. This is worth catching and I hope it has a long life beyond Fringe... full review

The show is a sincere and mostly successful attempt to imbue meaning and context to a difficult and heartbreaking event. ... full review

Heart is in the right place but lacks the playwriting and composing skills to make the show memorable.... full review