Buoyant and brash, an exciting ‘Kinky Boots’ opens in Philadelphia

Executive Director of PhillyGayCalendar


For a limited run, a new production of the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” has just had its press opening on April 29 in Philadelphia at the Forrest Theatre.  This new production of the Tony-award winning musical by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper will banish all traces of the blues from your mind. 

“Kinky Boots” is part of “Broadway Philadelphia,” sponsored by the Kimmel Center. In short, this new production is fabulous. Outstanding production values from a Tony-award winning/Tony –award nominated team of designers, and a crackerjack team of musicians in the pit guarantee that you will have a great time.

A uniformly excellent cast is directed and choreographed here by theatre legend Jerry Mitchell. “And what about those extra-special, kinky boots?” you may ask. Rest assured that costume and footwear designer Gregg Barnes met and exceeded expectations. Barnes needed to do exactly what the musical’s plot required: create footwear which looked magical, yet had to be eminently durable and practical. The proof is that these boots were not only made for walking, but for dancing eight shows a week.

Kyle Taylor Parker is Lola, consummate performer, shoe designer, seductress and singer. Mr. Parker is an indestructible, irresistibly beautiful Lola. He is a fine singer and actor with great stage presence. Lola’s song, “Hold Me in Your Heart” brought chills to the spine as it was thrillingly delivered. Memories of Whitney Houston came to mind during this anthem. The audience went wild in response to this showstopper. If anyone needs an excellent lead for “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” look no further than Mr. Parker for the good Dr. Furter. Producers, please take notice. Following this trope of sorts, what better Brad could there be than Steven Booth? Here, in “Kinky Boots,” Mr. Booth is a wonderful Charlie. He dances, is totally cute, and when his overstressed character finally breaks down and insults Lola, it pains the heart.

Grace Stockdale as Nicola, Charlie’s leggy, hot fiancée, is everything she should be, while an exciting Lindsay Nicole Chambers is Lauren, Charlie’s gal pal, who secretly lusts after his white-bread good looks. Her musical number, “The History of Wrong Guys” caused audience uproar.

Other outstanding talents featured in the show were Craig Waletzko as George, and Joe Coots as Don. The young actors playing the roles of Charlie and Lola as children were real troupers. Lola’s Angels were uniformly excellent, as were the rest of the singing and dancing cast.

“Kinky Boots” will be at the Forrest Theatre until May 10. Get your tickets at www.telecharge.com or www.forrest-theatre.com  Telephone orders call 800-447-7400.

 

 

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