By Amanda VanNostrand.
Kinky Boots holds a seemingly simple story: a reluctant son takes over his father’s business and transforms it from a standard shoe factory to a boot factory. But in actuality, nothing about this show can be described as simple. From the intricacies of the set (Scenic Design by David Rockwell), to the complexities of its characters and perfection of the music (Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper!), Kinky Boots exudes success and flawlessness. Based on the Miramax film Kinky Boots, this show is a 2013 Tony Award winner and it is clear from the Academy of Music’s production that it deserves nothing less. It will be showing between now and October 8th.
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie (Lance Bordelon), a man who has recently lost his father and begrudgingly inherited the (failing) family business: a shoe factory. Charlie meets Lola (Jos N. Banks) soon into the show, and Lola’s story is a sad one, but one that creates depth and beauty for her character (in addition to her truly attractive looks). Through his encounter with Lola and her Angels (drag queens at a nightclub), Charlie realizes that selling Kinky Boots, a line of high-heeled footwear designed to hold the weight of a man, could potentially save the factory that is free-falling to bankruptcy. As his relationship with Lola develops, Charlie comes to the realization that although at first glance he is completely unlike Lola, they do hold commonalities. Charlie also learns that he is not who he believed himself to be.
Character development is striking in Kinky Boots. The main personas begin and end the show as two vastly different entities, encouraging the brilliance of the story to shine entirely through. With morals aligned to those of an after school special (but forgivingly so), lessons learned transform our characters into newfangled people. Acceptance is big in this one: ‘accept someone for who they are’ is at the core of this show’s messages. This eventually becomes a challenge set on one of our characters, a man who believes he knows exactly how men should act and consequently treats other men as less than himself. Which leads to the questions: “how should a man act?” “What defines a man?” (After-school special turns to life-defining contemplation!) ‘Daddy issues’ are also explored in this show. Two men with two dissimilar backgrounds realize they are not entirely different, as they have both failed profusely in their attempts to become the people their fathers hoped for. That fault could be found in their fathers, but their perspectives reflect to the contrary. Kinky Boots is a story of forgiving oneself while amending one’s perspective and judgment of others.
As aforementioned, Cyndi Lauper is responsible for the feat of this show’s music and lyrics. “Everybody Say Yeah”, the conclusion of Act I, is worthy of mention as Charlie, Lola, the Angels (Brandon Alberto, Eric Stanton Betts, Derek Brazeau, Tyler Jent, Tony Tillman, Ernest Terrelle Williams), and the Ensemble sing and dance around and on top of conveyor belts. Reminiscent of “Greased Lightning” in its achingly brilliant composition, this number is fantastic (Choreography by Stephen Oremus). Any number containing the Full Company is worthy of mention too, as are any songs involving Jos N. Banks. His voice is phenomenal, and his acting and singing are on point. Bordelon’s voice reflects precision as well and his solos are additional achievements in this show. Combine their voices and sentiment in “Not My Father’s Son”, and the epitome of Broadway Musical comes to mind.
High-heeled, red-sequined boots are most appropriate as this show’s icon, as fun and flashiness are exuded through the totality of the performance. A perfect night for all “ladies, gentlemen, and those who have yet to make up your minds.”