The Upstairs Lounge
Conceptualized and Choreographed by Monica Ordoñez
On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to The UpStairs Lounge, marking this monumental tragedy as the most deadly attack on the LGBT community in US History; but up those 13 steps was a unique sanctuary adorned with red wallpaper and flamboyant decor, where the patrons could love, laugh, and even worship without fear. We present film and choreographic works inspired by the true stories of the patrons of the lounge and themes of the era, celebrating the spirit that forever remains.
Meet the Patrons...Take a Walk on the Wild Side
Music: Lou Reed
Dancers: Alexa Erck Lambert, Anna Hassan, Braedon Mason, Cody Cody, Elizabeth Mantalas, Gianni Reid, Monica Ordoñez, and Taylor Thomas Hosemann
You Have to Understand the Way I am...Mein Herr
Music: Liza Minnelli in Cabaret
Dancers: Alexa Erck Lambert, Cody Cody and Gianni Reid
My Body
Music: Perfume Genius
Dancers: Braedon Mason and Cody Cody
John and Jane Golding
Music: The Flamingos
Dancers: Braedon Mason, Cody Cody and Elizabeth Mantalas
“Fire...there’s a Fire!”
Music: Crocodile Rock Instrumental, audio from The UpStairs Lounge Fire
Dancers: Anna Hassan, Cody Cody, Braedon Mason, and Taylor Thomas Hosemann
My Body is a Cage
Music: Arcade Fire
Dancers: Alexa Erck Lambert, Braedon Mason, Cody Cody, Elizabeth Mantalas, Gianni Reid and Monica Ordoñez
Queen
Music: Perfume Genius
Dancers: Alexa Erck Lambert, Anna Hassan, Braedon Mason, Cody Cody, Elizabeth Mantalas, Gianni Reid and Monica Ordoñez
United We Stand
Music: Brotherhood of Man
Dancers: Alexa Erck Lambert, Anna Hassan, Braedon Mason, Cody Cody, Elizabeth Mantalas, Gianni Reid, Monica Ordoñez, and Taylor Thomas Hosemann
-click here for dancers' bios-
Artist Director: Monica Ordoñez
Executive Director: Alexa Erck Lambert
Director of Marketing and PR: Hannah Udell
Light Design: Leah Farrelly and Chris Perme
Set Design: Shena Troia of Commune Vintage
Costume Design: Kaci Thomassie
UpStairs Lounge Sign Design and Craftsmanship: Gregg and Ryan Perea,
Isabel Machine and Fabrication
Film Editing: Monica Ordoñez
Photography: Brei Olivier and Mike Yoder
Special thanks to Royd Anderson, documentarian and historian, for his support, expertise, photos, and the use of clips from his documentary, The UpStairs Lounge Fire.
Special thanks to Café Istanbul, Ilana Bresky, John David Hosemann and Jordan Lambert.
** Mélange Dance Company does not own claim ownership to any video material presented during our presentation of The UpStairs Lounge**
Film presentation includes Teaser Trailer #1 for Robert Camina’s 2015 release of the documentary, Upstairs Inferno, by Camina entertainment, www.caminaentertainment.com, along with clips from the documentary, Tracking Fire, by Sheri L. Wright and Jennifer Knoll, www.trackingfire.com.
This show is dedicated to the patrons of The UpStairs Lounge.
