A philosopher once called theater “the mask of convention over the face of society in the mirror of the unknown reflecting the rear-view of the sports car of destiny.” Simplify this theory with today's theatrical Groupon to UpStage Theatre. Choose from the following performances and dates:

• For $10, you get two general-admission tickets to see Too Many Beagles (a $20 value). Choose from shows on Saturday, April 16; Sunday, April 17; Saturday, April 23; or Sunday, April 24. All shows start at 2 p.m.

• For $15, you get two general-admission tickets to see The Murder Room (up to a $30 value). Choose from shows on Friday, May 20; Saturday, May 21; Friday, May 27; or Saturday, May 28. All shows start at 8 p.m.

Aspiring to bring high-quality, affordable, and family-friendly theater to area residents, the non-profit UpStage Theatre packs the proscenium stage at Lambert Hall with original performances of musical, mystery, and comedy productions. Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of musical and mischievous dog-antics with the upcoming production of Too Many Beagles, written by Ann Richie with music created by Arnold Richie. Theatergoers can opt for a nighttime dose of the self-touted "Agatha Christie meets Monty Python and Abbott and Costello" with UpStage's production of Jack Sharkey's The Murder Room opening in May. The historic Lambert Hall, built in 1927 using mortar mixed with the superfluous tears of fledgling actors, is a compelling canvas for dedicated theater-artists to paint compelling, custom, and locally made theater-art for all ages of spectators.