Out Front Theatre Kicks Off Season With THE VIEW UPSTAIRS

Out Front Theatre Company is proud to open its third season with the Southeastern premiere of The View UpStairs. With book, music and lyrics by Max Vernon, The View UpStairs tells the story of Wes, a young fashion designer from 2018, who buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Upon entering the space, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant '70s gay bar. As this forgotten community comes to life, Wes embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration that spans two generations of queer history. Running October 25-Novemer 10, The View UpStairs asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.

"It's vital that we remember events and tragedies that have helped to shape the LGBTQ+ community that we know today," says Director Paul Conroy, who also serves as Out Front's founder and producing artistic director. "Countless incidents of violence against innocent people have happened for decades and this musical highlights the liveliness of The UpStairs Lounge, its occupants and the community as a whole. This is not an easy story to tell, but it is a vital one to put on our stage. We haven't shied away from challenging material that highlights the queer community yet, and we don't plan on doing so anytime soon. My sincere hope is that people will join us on this wonderful and emotional journey, see some of themselves, and learn about the people who came before us and paid the ultimate price just for being their true selves."

The smash Off-Broadway hit features a gritty, glam rock score and a tight-knit ensemble of unforgettable characters. The View UpStairs asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.

Starring Kyle Larkins as Wes, the cast is also comprised of Byron Wigfall as Patrick, Keena Redding Hunt as Henri, Tony Hayes as Buddy, Quinn Xavier Hernandez as Freddy, Felicia Hernandez as Inez/Realtor, Justin Dilley as Richard, Trevor Perry as Willie, John Henry Ward as Dale and Jamie Smith as Cop 1/Cop 2.

The production team includes Paul Conroy (director), Nick Silvestri (music director), Brady Brown (assistant director), Carly McMinn (production stage manager), Jay Reynolds (costume designer), Charles Swift (lighting designer) and Justin Kalin (dramaturg).

Performances run October 25 - November 10, with shows on Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. A special performance will also be staged on Monday, November 5 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for children under 13, $20 for students and seniors and $25 for adults. Out Front Theatre Company is located at 999 Brady Ave., Ste. 10, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. For tickets and more information please visit outfronttheatre.com.

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