The View UpStairs

Northampton Center for the Arts ▪︎ 33 Hawley Street ▪︎ Northampton ▪︎ MA 01060

When Wes, a young fashion designer from 2023, buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, he finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant seventies 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. This smash Off- Broadway hit by Town Award-nominated Max Vernon 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.

The View UpStairs is based on the real-life events and victims of the  1973 arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans. The arson attack resulted in the deaths of 32 people, the deadliest attack on a gay club in U.S. history before the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.

This production contains adult language, sexual content, and violence.

• Creative Team
• Cast
• Band
• Photos

<

>

Book, Music and Lyrics by Max Vernon

Director: Eddie Zitka
Music Director: Benjamin Maniscalchi

Lighting Design: Carly DellaPenna
​Lighting Operation: Andre Ruiz
Sound Design and Operation: Joshua "Schwa" Hamre
Set Design and Build: Ed Zitka and ​Eddie Zitka

Assistant Director: David Webber
Stage Manager: Andre Ruiz
Dance Captain: Aileen Merino Terzi

ZACH BAKKEN (Cop) is honored to be a part of this production. Previous roles include Miss Trunchbull in Matilda, Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol Musical, Brother Jeramiah in Something Rotten, and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q. When he is not performing, he loves to sit at home and enjoy life with his partner in crime and their three dogs.

MICHAEL GARCIA (Freddy) is deeply grateful to be working with K&E on this beautiful production. Michael is a versatile, dynamic, and imaginative Latino performer. He sends high energetic vibes to his family and friends for their continued support. Follow @Heymichaelgarcia on all socials to find out where he is next.

ERIC MACKSOUD (Dale) is a licensed therapist who is beyond excited to make his K and E debut! Notable credits include: Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer (E7), Miss Trunchbull in Matilda (ALSCT), Brian in Avenue Q (E7) and Orin Scrivello, DDS in The Little Shop of Horrors (WTG). He would like to share his thanks and gratitude for his friends and family that continue to support his involvement in local theater.

CHRISTOPHER MOREY (Richard) is excited to make his debut with K and E Theater Group and to be part of sharing this important story on the 50th anniversary. Local theatre credits include Laurie in Little Women (Wilbraham United Players), Glen Guglia in The Wedding Singer (Exit 7 Players) and Mal Beineke in The Addams Family (Exit 7 Players). Happy pride! 

AILEEN MERINO TERZI (Inez) is thrilled to make her debut with KETG. She has performed in many Dance and Theatre productions, including the Majestic Theater, Academy of Music, City Stage, with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and a National Tour with Dance Olympus. She has also choreographed numerous routines for dance and musical theatre productions at WNEU, Exit 7, and Opera House Players. Past theatre credits include: Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn), Mamma Mia! (Tanya), Broadway Bound (Kate), and Chicago (Velma). Special thanks to Rob, Sami, family, and friends for their continuous love and support. May we all find our Some Kind of Paradise.

RAVEN TURNER ​(Henri) is from New Britain, CT, and currently works as a full-time nanny. This is their first show in 10 years and they're super excited to be back on stage. Raven would like to thank KETG and all their casemates for being so welcoming as they stumbled into the unexpected, yet kismet role of Henri.

DAVID WALLACE (Buddy) is thrilled to be making his debut with K and E Theater Group. David is a Singer/Actor/Choreographer/Husband/Father and studied music in Central Florida. Favorite roles are Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (GRP), Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (Exit 7), Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (GRP). David wants to thank his beautiful wife Erin for the opportunity to play the Role of a Lifetime. Daddy, to Jolie & Josiah. I love you guys.

DAVID WEBBER (Patrick) is honored to continue working with the K and E Theater Group. Most recently he got the chance to be a part of KETG’s concert, Broadway Here We Come. It is amazing to be able to continue creating art with this incredible company. Other favorite roles include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Young Thing in Hello Again, Luke in Altar Boyz, and The Angry Inch in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Along with performing, David is also a proud Board Member of the company. This cast is incredible and we’re very excited to present this production to you!

ROBERT J. WILLIAMS (Willie) was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. He has been in over a dozen musicals and hosted some shows in NYC. He was also seen on Season 2 of “So You Think You Can Dance." He recently performed "God Bless America" at Hartford's Yard Goats baseball stadium and is currently in a show in Los Angeles called “Stranger Things: Drive-in Experience" for Netflix. This is his first show with K and E Theater Group and is so excited!!​

EDDIE ZITKA (Wes) is one of the co-founders of K and E Theater Group and has directed and choreographed every show that has been produced including this one. He would like to thank this incredible cast, band and crew for making this reality. Thank you to his family and Ken for putting up with him. 

JUSTIN RODZEN (Bass)
​CHARLOTTE ROSS (Guitar 1)
LAURA ROSS (Guitar 2)
MITCH TILGHMAN (Drums)

[PERFORMANCES]
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Friday, June 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 7:30 PM
​Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM

[THEATER LOCATION]

Northampton Center for the Arts
33 Hawley Street
Northampton, MA 01060

FACE COVERINGS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, BUT OPTIONAL

---

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Northampton Arts Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Supporting Season ​Sponsors