Broadway in Chicago’s ‘Kinky Boots’ Kicks a High Note
Kinky Boots Playing at: Oriental Theatre Dates: August 30, 2016 - September 4, 2016 Runtime: Two hours and twenty minutes with one intermission Winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Creative Team Score:Cyndi Lauper Book: Harvey Fierstein Director and Choreography: Jerry Mitchell Produced By: Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig James L. Nederlander Tickets and Info: BroadwayInChicago.com
Highly Recommended
Reviewed By: Stacey Crawley
Harvey Fierstein’s “Kinky Boots”, the story inspired by true events – tells the story of Charlie Price (Adam Kaplan), the heir of his family’s shoe business who is on a journey to becoming his own man. When Charlie’s father dies, the factory struggles to stay in the black and Charlie is desperate for a solution. After a chance encounter with Lola (played brilliantly by J Harrison Ghee) Charlie discovers he needs a niche market to save the factory.
Working together he and Lola discover they aren’t that different after all – both had demanding fathers who never thought they’d measure up, they have a want and need for being themselves on their own terms – and a knack for making fabulous boots for cross-dressing men.
The energy and comedy from the cast filled the theatre with moments that only a show stopping musical can. The music, famously scored by the endlessly talented Cindy Lauper, was a perfect example of the healing power of art. The choreography and direction of Jerry Mitchell was outstanding and had a passion and rhythm that had audience members swaying to the dance moves and music with glee, with moments of tears and laughter erupting throughout the performance. The costumes by Gregg Barnes were stunning, and when combined with the lighting design by Kenneth Posner, became even more extraordinary.
I laughed. I cried. I had a Kinky good time! I highly recommend this beautiful, inspiring show.
Now playing through September 4th at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago. For tickets visit www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/kinky-boots-2