From beige to outrageously bold, Kinky Boots makes the shoes the stars.
‘Walking in another person’s shoes’ may be just a popular expression, but it fits so vividly into this unusual tale that is actually based on a true story. Set in England, Brandon Wong portrays sensible marketing whiz Charlie, the son of the owner of his family’s men’s shoe factory business, Price and Sons. Price and Sons has been passed down through generations, yet Charlie is not so keen on the world’s obsession with shoes or shoe manufacturing. His wise and distinguished father, memorably portrayed and boasting deep rich vocals by Peter S. Adams, wants to pass the business down to Charlie, but business isn’t what it used to be.
However, one chance encounter leads to a Eureka moment in spades.
With conscientious direction by Zoe Bradford, upbeat musical direction by Robert McDonough and creatively choreographed by Sally Ashton Forrest, The Company Theatre steps into musical comedy Kinky Boots through Sunday, August 18 live and in person at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. This layered rock musical has adult themes and runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Originally a 2005 British film of the same name, Kinky Boots musical made its Broadway debut in 2013. Acclaimed singer-songwriter and She’s so Unusual singer Cyndi Lauper, who has always been driven by her unique individuality as much for her distinct talent, is a perfect fit for the musical’s score and became the first solo woman to ever win a Grammy for Best Music Theatre Album for Kinky Boots.
It was a delight to hear her pop synth and rock signature sound in a portion of the songs, especially evident in Charlie’s inspired rendition of Step One and in a standout performance by hilarious Liz Mongrello as Lauren expressively singing The History of Wrong Guys. Mongrello has a charismatic, edgy and lively vibe that was a hit with the audience and it’s easy to imagine a young Lauper in that role.
Brandon Wong as humble and innovative Charlie’s best scenes are immediately evident with Gilbert Dabady as Simon aka drag queen performer Lola because most of their scenes are where both characters are at their most vulnerable. Wong’s Charlie has great ideas, but not without Dabady as Lola/Simon who builds and enriches those ideas and takes the big risks over Charlie’s hesitation. Along with a humorous performance by Dan Hannafin as factory manager George, their Eureka moment and niche market for saving the shoe company is building shoes for drag queens that accommodates the weight of a man. However, it is still a mystery how they sold the shoes they already had manufactured in the former style.
Though being less of a fan of the more rambunctious portions of the musical such as the sultry The Sex is in the Heel, the spirited rendition of The Most Beautiful Thing, powerful duet for Not My Father’s Son, and the touching ballad The Soul of a Man resonates in each character’s struggle for authenticity. Gilbert Dabady is a remarkable Lola/Simon who commands the room most of the time delivering strong vocals, a sharp sense of humor, and clever quips such as ‘Room full of people who feel normal by comparison.’ Flashy with distinctive taste that does not conform to gender limitations, frank and outspoken Dabady as Lola/Simon has complex confidence that hides veiled insecurity and shines the most at Lola/Simon’s most vulnerable and forthright moments.
Andrew Farina as macho Don also shares some humorous and thought-provoking scenes with Dabady including a tango-infused duet for What a Woman Wants which leads to a stunning revelation. Kat Murphy O’Connor compellingly portrays bubbly yet pushy with a taste for the finer things Nicola, Charlie’s girlfriend. Sporting a classic look, O’Connor only has eyes for her future.
Tackling an array of themes including grief and authenticity, Kinky Boots features some catchy tunes including Raise You Up/Just Be, the acoustically rich Take What You Got, and Everybody say Yeah’s notable choreography highlighted by some fancy footwork on conveyer belts.
Dean Palmer Jr. livens the production’s uplifting rock vibe through multicolored, mood-setting lighting that enhances set designer Ryan Barrow’s muted British shoe factory layered in steel and brick. The rolling set does have its own share of sparkle and is structured to make room for the real stars…the boots! Joe Michienzie’s dynamic costumes range from factory casual to flashy which includes sparking gowns, tiger furs, neon, and lace. However, the glittering, wildly stated, eye popping delights are the boots themselves.
With conscientious direction by Zoe Bradford, upbeat musical direction by Robert McDonough and creatively choreographed by Sally Ashton Forrest, The Company Theatre steps into musical comedy Kinky Boots through Sunday, August 18 live and in person at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. This layered rock musical has adult themes and runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.