MOM THEATRE BLOGGER: KINKY BOOTS: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
It takes a special Broadway show for me to want to see it more than once, and Kinky Boots fills those shoes, or I should say those razzle dazzle boots.
Once there is a change in the cast, I find myself inevitably comparing, and actors we love can be a tough act to follow…..especially if they won a Tony….as Billy Porter deservedly did for the role of Lola. But, much to my delight, Wayne Brady stepped up impressively to the high heeled plate as Porter’s now replacement.
I knew Brady from television appearances and was aware he could sing, but, on Broadway, he demonstrated a command of the stage, a comfort level in stiletto boots, rhythm to spare, excellent comedic timing, and a depth of emotion.
Andy Kelso, who took over the role of Charlie (originated by Stark Sands), the shoe factory owner’s son who reluctantly takes over the failing business, is also very appealing, and I venture to say that I preferred him to Sands. He has a bit of a rock edge to his voice that plays well, and a likable chemistry with Brady.
The other role that was a huge standout for me is Lauren, the sweet blonde factory worker who has Charlie’s back and ultimately his heart. played originally by the always superb Annaleigh Ashford. It was the first time I had seen her perform, and she blew me away with her quirky style and humor and distinctive delivery and singing chops. While Jeanna de Waal, the talented replacement, also has an excellent voice and was cute in her own right, for me, she didn’t quite measure up. But, for those who didn’t see the original, she was very entertaining and drew lots of laughs.
Inspired by a true story and based on the Miramax motion picture written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Kinky Boots tells a touching and spirited tale of two men who strike an emotional bond despite their diverse backgrounds, and ultimately embrace their differences and inspire the audience to do the same. It is an uplifting celebration of the power of perseverance and importance of staying true to your heart and self, not being afraid to take risks, and daring to put your best foot (or shoe or boot) forward.
The current Broadway cast of Kinky Boots also includes Daniel Stewart Sherman, Cortney Wolfson, Marcus Neville, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Sean Patrick Doyle, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Fred Odgaard, Kyle Post, Hernando Umana, Eugene Barry-Hill, Stephen Berger, Devin Trey Campbell, Anna Eilinsfeld, Mia Gentile, Gaelen Gilliland, Natalie Joy Johnson, Jake Katzman, Eric Leviton, Ellyn Marie Marsh, John Jeffrey Martin, Graham Montgomery, Jake Odmark, Nathan Peck, Robert Pendilla, Jennifer Perry, Patricia Phillips, Stephen Tewksbury, Jeremy T. Villas, and Timothy Ware.
The creative team for Kinky Boots includes Tony® Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony® Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Randy Houston Mercer (Make-up Design), Telsey + Company, Justin Huff, CSA (Casting), DB Bonds (Associate Director) and Rusty Mowery (Associate Choreographer). Kinky Boots features Musical Direction by Brian Usifer, and Musical Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Oremus.
Kinky Boots won six 2013 Tony® Awards, the most of any show this season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Actor (Billy Porter), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus), and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other well-deserved accolades. It is a lively, feel good show that will have you on your feet at the end!
Tickets for Kinky Boots ($55 – $167) are available for purchase in person at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre box office (Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8pm; Sunday, 12pm – 6 pm), online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800)745-3000.
Visit www.kinkybootsthemusical.com.