Upstage Players

Jay was a late addition to the cast as one of the cast members had to back out of their role due to a work conflict. Jay graciously stepped in and we are happy he did! Jay has performed in several Upstage musicals. His most famous was his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz, but this is his first dinner theatre production.

Jay has been a member of the Upsala Fire Department for 20 years. He has driven truck for 27 years, but he says, "being around people and laughing are what I enjoy most."

Bill is no novice to theatre. He was in several productions before first joining the Upstage Players in 2013. In Wine, Cheese and Murder Bill plays the role of Police Chief Reese Moscato - a no nonsense character that is determined to solve the case. Will he solve the mystery?

The dinner theatre is SOLD OUT. Thank you to all who purchased tickets! We are excited to have a full house! For those who missed the opportunity, there will be a Dessert Matinee on Sunday, January 23 at 2:00. Tickets for the matinee performance are $10 and only available at the door. Doors open for the matinee at 1:30.

Renee Scholz is on the Upstage Arts Board and has directed several winter Upstage Player productions in the past. Renee just recently started acting again, after taking a 30-year break! Her return to the stage was with Murder, May I? in 2020 and she's back on stage to play Havarti Malbec in Wine, Cheese and Murder. Havarti attends the wine tasting with Marlowe Boudreaux, but she has a crush on Beau Jolie (the wine connoisseur). Will her adoration of Beau lead to anything?

Wine, Cheese, and Murder is Greg's fourth Upstage production, but first dinner theatre. He does an incredible job of playing the role of over-the-top Dr. Hans Zupp. Just hearing him say "no" will make you laugh.
Greg served ten years in the US Air Force. We thank him for his service. He is currently a math and science teacher at the Little Falls middle school. The Upstage Players are happy he chooses acting as his hobby!

The Upstage Players are excited to have Josh as a cast member for Wine, Cheese and Murder. He is always a welcome addition to any production. Josh plays the role of Henri Chablis, a French fromager. What is a fromager? You should attend the production to find out! It will be well worth it just to hear Josh's French accent!

Lisa has also been an active member of the Upstage Players since 2004 and is a Upstage Arts Board member. In Wine, Cheese and Murder she plays Brie Boudreaux. Brie is the younger Boudreaux sister who is more interested in spending the profits of the business than making producing a good wine.

It's time to meet the cast of Wine, Cheese and Murder! First up is Chantelle Frie who has been an active member of the Upstage Players. She has acted, directed, and run the control booth in previous productions, but she plays Madeira Lambrusco, the winery manager, in Wine, Cheese and Murder.

The Upstage Players will be presenting Wine, Cheese and Murder by Michael Druce as a dinner theatre on January 21 and 22. Tickets must be purchased in advance and may be reserved by calling Lisa at 320-250-2676. There is limited seating and the deadline to reserve tickets is January 12. The dinner includes choice of oven baked chicken or pork chop, au gratin potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert! Ticket are only $27! Doors open at 6:00 pm with the main course being served at 6:30 and the show to follow.

Don't forget auditions for Wine, Cheese and Murder by Michael Druce are December 7 at 7:00 in the St. Mary's fellowship hall. There is a church service at 6 so don't let the cars in the parking lot scare you away! Join the Upstage Players for this fun show! Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado.