In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price (Stark Sands) has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola (Billy Porter). A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Billy Porter (c) Matthew Murphy
Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by together four-time Tony® Award-winner Mr. Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Grammy® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell (Hairspray, La Cage, Broadway Bares) has crafted a production bound to move, inspire and set audience’s feet dancing.
The cast of Kinky Boots. (c)Matthew Murphy
Review: I have vague memory of the movie which I liked and thought was well-done when it was released years ago. Having seen the movie peaked my interested in seeing the play and I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and that is saying a lot since I actually don’t like musicals (and yes, I see a lot of them). Hearing songs for the first time really has to grab me for me to enjoy and this production did.
Admittedly, it started slowly focusing on Charlie in the first third of the show but then it really picked up steam and never stopped its momentum. There were so many rousing, fun show-stopping scenes that it was hard to stay in your seat or keep from singing along. The show’s star Billy Porter who plays Lola really makes the show worth seeing from his solos like “I’m Not My Father’s Son” and “Hold Me in Your Heart” to his Broadway stage personality. But while Porter may be the star of the show, the remainder of the cast is impeccably cast, funny, irreverant and well-acted. The only weak spot may be Stark Stands who plays Charlie until he sings his solo in the second act, amazing!
I can not forget to mention how amazing the costumes were, especially the finale. The Kinky Boots in the finale were just gorgeous and made especially for the show. I seriously wish they sold the Union Jack boots.
After the show, we had the opportunity to meet the producers and a question they asked us was what age was this show appropriate for. Kerri G. from raisingthreesavvyladies.com and I both agreed that we would have brought our tween daughters except for the song “Sex Is in the Heel.” It’s not dirty but more innuendo that we both envision our daughters running around singing the song. It’s such a memorable song but I cringe thinking about it (and I may be overthinking it.) That said I think the show is for middle schoolers because let’s be honest here, the show is about drag queens and by twelve, our kids have been exposed to probably more than we want to admit. Of course, you may have a different opinion because while the show is titled “Kinky Boots”, the show is about loyalty, acceptance, working hard and believing in ourselves.
Knowing that Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein while talented stars in their own right does not always make for a great show but they should be proud. The soundtrack is destined to be a winner and is pitch perfect. I guarantee, Glee will be doing songs from the show next season.
Would I recommend this show? Yes, Yes, Yes, it’s a fun, rousing and toe tapping show that even your grandmother will love.
Kinky Boots
Location: Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street)
Information and Tickets: Kinky Boots The Musical
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom received press tickets for Kinky Boots.
