THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, Book, Lyrics and Music by Max Vernon, presented by Invisible Wall Productions and Sugary Rum Productions, in association with Hayes Theatre Company. 8 February – 11 March.
Wes (Henry Brett), has moved to New Orleans and on finding the shell of an old bar decides to set up a fashion emporium. He is very New York, a gay hipster wedded to his smartphone, clothes and cocky ego. Through the magic of theatre (and a snort of cocaine) Wes is transported back to the fateful night that a fire engulfed the bar. From here the play take us into a world free of modern devices and the technology- speak of the present younger generation along with a tragic tale of homophobia and societal indifference..
Wes meets an intriguing array of characters- Freddy a Latina Drag Queen (and his ever doting mother Inez), Richard – a minister of the Church who holds a Sunday service in the bar, the “straight” bar pianist Buddy, and Henri the bartender- a woman who does not suffer fools. The clientele is represented by Patrick a hustler rent boy, Wille a high camp barfly and marginalised youth called Dale who is full of rage and seemingly homeless. All these characters have found some sense of home and safety in the Upstairs Lounge. Little did they know!!
The play is based on the UPSTAIRS LOUNGE fire in New Orleans in 1973. The official report for the crime was never determined, and police efforts to solve it were half-hearted. Many victims remained unclaimed so was the ‘shame’ felt by some friends and family members. This is the most appalling detail of the narrative of the play. Many victims were left to burn in full view from the street. Patrons in other bars nearby did little to help and the police had finding the culprit at a low priority. It was the worst crime of this sort until the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016, where 49 people died.
Also intriguing in this piece of music theatre is the juxtaposition of the language used by modern day Wes and the folks from 1973. It certainly highlighted to me how with all out modernity we are no better communicators 45 years on. This provides a lot of the humour in the piece as Wes is brought down to earth by these colourful characters.
This production is superb. Directed by Shaun Rennie with a gloriously detailed Set Design by Isabel Hudson, and Costume Design by Anita Yavich. Music and lighting was of the 
highest order- Choreography from Cameron Mitchell, Lighting Design by Trent Suidgeest and Musical direction by Nicholas Griffin
The actors do a wonderful job with Henry Brett, as Wes, totally convincing. Ryan Gonzalez does fine work as Drag Queen Aurora and even more so as Freddy, and Martelle Hammer is brilliant as the ultimate supportive “stage momma”. Anthony Harkin as Buddy the pianist, Stephen Madsen as Patrick and David Hooley as Dale were equally moving in their characterisations.
This is a highly recommended addition to the 2018 Mardi Gras Festival of events.
Mark G Nagle – Theatre Now & On The Town
The View Upstairs
Music, Book and Lyrics by Max Vernon
8 Feb – 4 Mar 2018 2018
Tue – Sat 7:30 pm
Saturday 2pm
Sunday 3pm
Venue: Hayes Theatre
Theatre Company: Presented by Invisible Wall Productions and Sugary Rum productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes – no interval
Australian Premiere
Cast includes Henry Brett, Ryan Gonzalez, Martelle Hammer, David Hooley, Markesha McCoy, Madison McKoy and Stephen Madsen
The View Upstairs pulls you inside the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant 70s gay bar in New Orleans. The forgotten bar regulars come to life when a young fashion designer from 2017 buys the now abandoned space and is transported back in time. He gets to know the joys and struggles of this community and in turn learns about his place in the world.
From the opening piano chords of this Off-Broadway sensation, the five-piece band and cast of ten blast into the glam rock world of the 1970s. In our ever-changing world, this show looks at the then and now to explore our ideas of love, regret, defiance and resilience. The music will give you goosebumps, the story will make you both laugh and cry. See why Ru Paul said the show was “FABULOUS! It was fantastic.”
Ticket Prices
$60 – $65
