The View UpStairs

WES – (mid-late 20s) Twenty-something fashion designer from the current day. Self-consciously hip, prematurely jaded and perpetually anxious. Wes wears a fabulous facade, but deep down harbors real insecurities and dissatisfaction with his life. Has never experienced real tragedy or love.
PATRICK – (early 20s) Young, runaway hustler who projects innocence and fragility, but is a lot tougher than he appears. Patrick creates fantastic, imaginative stories to distract from the harsher realities of his life. Has the ability to see a vulnerability and sweetness in Wes.
BUDDY – (50s) The resident piano player of the UpStairs Lounge. Charismatic, but also very temperamental and somewhat bitter. Loves the attention he commands within the community, but also resents being stuck in it. Dreams of one day being a big star, but knows it will never happen. Closeted, with a wife.
WILLIE – (40s–60s, Black) Holdover from another era of gay life with a more camp sensibility. Might know all the secrets of the universe, might be in the early stages of dementia.
HENRI – (30s–40s) Tough as nails, no – nonsense, old school butch. Henri is the bartender of the UpStairs Lounge and runs a tight ship. Although she comes across as a bit severe, she cares very deeply for the community within the bar.
FREDDY – (20s–30s, Latino) A construction worker by day, Freddy also doubles as the drag queen Aurora Whorealis by night. Big personality, energetic, and bright. A close friend to Willie and on good terms with everyone else in the bar.
INEZ/REALTOR – (late 40s–60s, Latina) Freddy’s mother and also occasionally a mother to the other men in the UpStairs Lounge. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved her family to America when Freddy was still young. Lovable, warm and supportive, Inez assists with her son’s drag performances. As realtor, she is smarmy, fake, smiles too much, etc.
RICHARD – (40s) Priest of the Metropolitan Community Church. Perhaps more conservative than other patrons in the bar, but level – headed and warm.
DALE – (30s–40s) Arsonist. Sensitive and more radical in his sexual politics. A raw nerve and someone who’s experienced a good deal of hardship at society’s hand.
COP – (30s–40s) In the past the cop is a corrupt, homophobic, and violent. In the present, the cop is still stern, but has a sense of humor, and seems to be in service of justice.
*OPTIONAL* ENSEMBLE/CHORUS – Other patrons in the bar who round out the community. It is also possible to have the character of Richard played by a woman, in which case please use the name Rita Mae.

It is possible to have the character of Richard played by a woman, in which case please use the name Rita Mae.

While there is no specific race/ethnicity indicated for Wes or Patrick, the author encourage theaters where possible to employ diverse casting and not end up with two white leads.