Theater group provides break from normality

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When one thinks of Del Rio, Texas, several things may come to mind - Lake Amistad, Tex-Mex cuisine or rodeos, for example. Award-winning theater production is probably not high on the list.

However, the Upstagers, a Del Rio-based theater group, proves that it should be.

Formed in 1977 by Air Force veteran Fred Brockwell, the Upstagers are comprised completely of volunteers. Both onstage and behind the scenes, every member of the group, which includes several Laughlin members, is present for reasons other than monetary gain.

The group has won numerous Texas Non-profit Theater state championships.

"The productions have long been recognized as professional quality, and the talent that has been featured is often on par with any touring show," said long-time Upstager and former Tops in Blue performer Robert Wade, 47th Flying Training Wing.

Wade said the Upstagers' season consists of two musicals and three comedies, most of which are performed at the Paul Poag Theater in Del Rio usually between April and November of each year.

The Upstagers' current production, "My Way, Our Way", is a tribute to the late Frank Sinatra. The show features many of the songs that were either popularized or are closely associated with the legendary singer. Performances were held April 2 and 3 and will be held again April 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. at the Paul Poag Theater.

"The production went well this past weekend," said Master Sgt. Keith Martin, 96th Flying Training Squadron, who was also a member of Tops in Blue at one time. "The individual performances by the cast were stellar, which is not surprising given that most of the cast are seasoned performers and three of the cast members are Tops in Blue alumni."

After the completion of "My Way, Our Way", the Upstagers have four more shows scheduled for the remainder of the year. The melodrama "The Boardinghouse" will be featured April 16 and 17. "The Dixie Swim Club", a comedy, will show June 11, 12, 18 and 19. The Upstagers will display their rendition of "Chicago, the Musical" August 13, 14, 20 and 21. And "I Hate Hamlet", another comedy, will be shown November 12, 13, 19 and 20.

Tickets for the shows are $12 in advance or $15 at the door and may be purchased at Laughlin Outdoor Recreation, Del Rio businesses Simply Beautiful, The Emporium and Del-Tex RV Center or online at www.upstagers.org.

Additionally, anyone who is interested in volunteering for the productions or would like to know more about the Upstagers may visit their website.

"We are always looking for more talented folks to volunteer as actors, stage crew, house crew and administration," said Terra Wade, 47th FTW Staff Judge Advocate's Office, another Tops in Blue alumnus. "If you don't have the time to devote several weeks to the production of a show, there are still things you can do to be a part of the Upstagers."