Kinky Boots kicks off Pride Month

Although retired since 2014, I still relish opportunities to teach, write, and share opinions.
Bucks County Playhouse is now presenting Harvey Fierstein’s and Cyndi Lauper’s Broadway smash hit Kinky Boots until July 30. 
 
For those who may not know the story, The Price family had a respected business making and selling fine shoes. As it turns out young Charlie never caught his father’s passion, planning to move to London to get into marketing. The time is contemporary, written in 2013, we are told in the program. As luck would have it Charlie comes to the rescue of what appears to be a lady in distress, and the rest, we can say, is a fantastic musical and LGBTQ celebration. 
 
Many may remember some years back when the Broadway touring production of Kinky Boots came to Philadelphia. It was sensational. The folks at Bucks County Playhouse have captured the heart and theatrical magic of the piece, making their intimate theatre burst with pizzazz.
 
The cast was dedicated and delivered exciting musical theatre. Mr. Price, the dedicated shoemaker played by Ian Knauer also doubled as the developer Richard Bailey, who wanted to turn the factory into condominiums, giving the concept an eerie Freudian bent. At the rousing musical conclusion when everyone dons lipstick red boots, “Raise You Up/Just Be,” Mr. Knauer sports some of the most towering stiletto heels to be seen onstage. Charlie Price, our hero, is played with confusion by the adorable Jimmy Brewer. His fantastic leading-man head of hair and slim, sexy legs are definite plusses. Richard E. Waits is a fantastic, imposing Lola. Queenly, stately in costume, Lola skilfully seems smaller when out of his power costume and wearing street clothes. His duet with Jimmy Brewer/Charlie Price, “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” is dramatic dynamite, as it is underplayed and heartbreaking. David Lamarr gives more to the role of George than we would expect, with humor and style. Mikaela Nina Walker is a spicy girlfriend for bland Charlie, and blonde bombshell Scarlett Walker was a thrilling Lauren. 
 
The handful of musicians played briskly and with style.
 
Kinky Boots will be in New Hope for only a few more weeks, and you should not miss this exciting musical comedy.
 
For more information, visit www.bcptheater.org
Next production will be Dames at Sea, August 12 to September 11. 
 

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