“Kinky Boots,” much like its title and literal boot, is an embodiment of a strong ensemble and preaches an uplifting message of gender role acceptance.
The Tony Award-winning musical written by Geoff Deane and Tom Firth was adapted from mostly true events and the 2005 British film of the same name. “Kinky Boots” follows the story of Charlie Price, the son of a storied shoe salesman who suddenly passes away, giving Charlie sole inheritance of the shoe factory his father and three generations before him built.
Charlie, played by Wes Williams, then forms an unlikely relationship with a cabaret performer and drag queen named Lola, masterfully portrayed by Omari Collins. Charlie realizes that his father’s shoe business is going into the ground and has become desperate for an idea to keep the business afloat. Charlie becomes transfixed with the idea of delivering to a niche market and realizes that creating sexy, stylish boots for drag queens may be his ticket to success.
The score of “Kinky Boots” was composed by none other than ‘80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Her music manages to electrify not only the ensemble cast but also the audience, and the finale number “Raise You Up” does just that.
The dynamic between Charlie and Lola is a touching aspect of the musical. Both of these characters share similar feelings about their fathers, as the affecting duet “Not My Father’s Son” makes them realize they are much more alike than presumed.
While the music and performances of “Kinky Boots” are undeniably fashionable, it’s the costume design and production design that bring the production to fruition. The said “Kinky Boots” is dazzling with emotion and brings out the best in each character, especially in the last musical number.
The music from Lauper is perfect for a production like “Kinky Boots,” as her famed kinetic quirky energy brings out the eccentricity on stage. Her lyrics, both idiosyncratic and touching, fit the mold for this ultimately groundbreaking message of acceptance. Combined with these lyrics and bravura choreography, it makes for musical numbers such as “Sex Is in the Heel” to truly soar beyond your expectations.
With a run time of approximately 150 minutes with an intermission, “Kinky Boots” never lets off the gas pedal. Going into this mostly blind with only a vague understanding of the premise, I was blown away by the attention to detail that everyone brings to this production.
The message of “Kinky Boots” may be a simple understanding of accepting people for who they are, but the high energy and comedic undertones will have you brought to your feet by the end of the show. Each member of the cast bounces off one another beautifully to create humorous and touching moments throughout the entirety of the run time.
All in all, “Kinky Boots” managed to bring me to my feet and clap along with the cast as their final musical number brought the house down with a collective moment of understanding and acceptance.
“Kinky Boots” has shows running through May 5, with tickets priced at $5 for UT students. For specific showtimes, visit the CBT website for more information.
