The original NYMF production of The Woman Upstairs opened at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in Manhattan on September 23, 2004, and played for five performances, closing on October 3.
It was directed by Kerrigan, conducted by Lowdermilk, and starred Deb Heinig (Helen), Aaron Ramey (Milo), Alison Fraser (Gracie), and Kate Shindle (Prof. Kassan).
Josh Young played a variety of ensemble roles, including a student and a beatboxer.
In his review of the original production, Matthew Murray of Talkin' Broadway wrote, "Sometimes, a musical comes along that announces itself from its first few notes as something very, very special.
"[2] David Finkle of TheaterMania.com agreed, writing that "Lowdermilk and Kerrigan are the real thing, and The Woman Upstairs is as promising as a musical in the developmental stage can get.