Photo by Gavin B & by Sean Will (L to R Top to Bottom): Billy Stark, Annaleigh • Billy Porter, Stark Sands • Jerry, Harvey, Cyndi • Billy Porter, Annaleigh Ashford, Stark Sands • Stark Sands, Billy Porter
by David Cohen
Last night, October 17, 2012, four-time witty and charming Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, pop icon and Grammy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper who made her musical theatrical debut, and director choreographer Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, put their foot down as they captivated the Chicagoan audience at the world premiere of the highly anticipated new musical "Kinky Boots," at the Bank of America Theater in Chicago.
Based on the 2005 British film, Kinky Boots the musical will inspire your soul just as it did to an entire town in Northern England years ago. This true story is about Charlie Price who was forced the save his family's shoe factory after the death of his father.
Lola, a fabulous drag queen performer comes to the rescue as the savor. Together Charlie and Lola revitalize the failing business, and bringing the shoe factory back to life, while they fighting their own long life battle of living at their fathers' shadow. During this process the two men are becoming the type of men their fathers always wanted them to be, while transforming the entire community through the power of acceptance.
Kinky boots brings many talents together off and on stage. There is no one else who can write bette drag then Fierstein. Along with Cyndi who composed character songs, club music, disco, ballads and dance numbers just like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" the show delivers a great musical, and it is another great hit that Fierstein can add to his resume. As alway, Fierstein is on the right track, and his writing gives 'Kinky' the character and essence the show needs. This is a fun musical, fresh, and it is a solid entertainment as every musical should be.
Just as Fierstein gives life to his writing, Billy Porter gives life to Lola. From the moment Lola gets on stage, she conquers the audience's attention. With her entourage of super duper fabulous drag queens who fill the stage with life and exhilarating energy, Porter delivers one of the best diva drag queen I have seen on stage, a roll that every drag queen would love to fulfill. His acting ability and commanding voice, should put him in the race for a Tony-winning performance for the coming year.
One of the best surprises came from the extremely talented Annaleigh Ashford in the role of Trish. Ashford delivered a perfect and brilliantly comic performance, and without no doubt her remarkable voice deserves a a winning Tony too.
Overall, Kinky Boots is another great musical hit. It is fun, full of life, it is a musical that doesn't stop for a moment and keeps you on your toes for two full hours. Go find out what a bunch of drag queens can do to you and others... I promise, they will ignite your body, soul and spirit. Surly, they will ignite more than just your boots!
Through November 4th, 2012 • Bank Of America Theater • 18 W. Monroe Street • For tickets ($33-$100) and more information visit www.BroadwayinChicago.com.
by David Cohen
Last night, October 17, 2012, four-time witty and charming Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, pop icon and Grammy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper who made her musical theatrical debut, and director choreographer Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, put their foot down as they captivated the Chicagoan audience at the world premiere of the highly anticipated new musical "Kinky Boots," at the Bank of America Theater in Chicago.
Based on the 2005 British film, Kinky Boots the musical will inspire your soul just as it did to an entire town in Northern England years ago. This true story is about Charlie Price who was forced the save his family's shoe factory after the death of his father.
Lola, a fabulous drag queen performer comes to the rescue as the savor. Together Charlie and Lola revitalize the failing business, and bringing the shoe factory back to life, while they fighting their own long life battle of living at their fathers' shadow. During this process the two men are becoming the type of men their fathers always wanted them to be, while transforming the entire community through the power of acceptance.
Kinky boots brings many talents together off and on stage. There is no one else who can write bette drag then Fierstein. Along with Cyndi who composed character songs, club music, disco, ballads and dance numbers just like "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" the show delivers a great musical, and it is another great hit that Fierstein can add to his resume. As alway, Fierstein is on the right track, and his writing gives 'Kinky' the character and essence the show needs. This is a fun musical, fresh, and it is a solid entertainment as every musical should be.
Just as Fierstein gives life to his writing, Billy Porter gives life to Lola. From the moment Lola gets on stage, she conquers the audience's attention. With her entourage of super duper fabulous drag queens who fill the stage with life and exhilarating energy, Porter delivers one of the best diva drag queen I have seen on stage, a roll that every drag queen would love to fulfill. His acting ability and commanding voice, should put him in the race for a Tony-winning performance for the coming year.
One of the best surprises came from the extremely talented Annaleigh Ashford in the role of Trish. Ashford delivered a perfect and brilliantly comic performance, and without no doubt her remarkable voice deserves a a winning Tony too.
Overall, Kinky Boots is another great musical hit. It is fun, full of life, it is a musical that doesn't stop for a moment and keeps you on your toes for two full hours. Go find out what a bunch of drag queens can do to you and others... I promise, they will ignite your body, soul and spirit. Surly, they will ignite more than just your boots!
Through November 4th, 2012 • Bank Of America Theater • 18 W. Monroe Street • For tickets ($33-$100) and more information visit www.BroadwayinChicago.com.