Upstage Players

Larry was most recently seen in Murder May I? as Peter Jeter. He plays the role of Stilton Muenster in Wine, Cheese and Murder. Stilton is a grape short of a bunch, but is the limited intellect just an act?

Melanie has been active with the Upstage summer musicals since her debut in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in 2011. Wine, Cheese and Murder is her second Upstage winter show. She is Chardonnay Boudreaux, co-owner of the Boudreaux Sisters Winery, who is introducing their new cabernet sauvignon. She hopes to buy out her sister Brie so that she can own the winery exclusively; but will the wine do as well as she hopes?

Jeff is Bea Jolie in Wine, Cheese and Murder. Beau is a wine connoisseur who thinks very highly of himself. Will that conceit lead to issues at the Boudreaux Sister's wine tasting?

Arlene has been in several Upstage productions, most recently Louisa in Crazy for You. Her favorite role to date, however, was Dorcas in Seven Bridge for Seven Brothers. Arlene's smile and fun demeanor is always welcome to any cast!

Mrs. Thymes Zupp is the role Arlene plays in Wine, Cheese and Murder. Will Thyme know which cheese to eat with which wine by the time the wine tasting is complete? Will it even matter?

Pam is a familiar face on the stage. She has been active with the Upstage Players since their formation in 2004. In fact, she has been the secretary since the Upstage Arts Board was created. That is dedication!

Pam plays Aurora Grenache in Wine, Cheese and Murder. Aurora owns the vineyard Crestfallen next door. The Boudreauxs and Aurora have feuded for years. Could it have led to something sinister?

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!