The critically acclaimed Tony-winning Broadway musical, KINKY BOOTS made its national tour debut at Las Vegas’ Smith Center for the Performing Arts on September 6th, and to no less fanfare than the original Broadway production received on it’s opening night.
I love the fact that almost every major Broadway musical is able to tour successfully today thanks, in large part, to the success of the “Broadway Series” that exists in literally every major city in the United States that has a large performing arts center. The growth in popularity of subscription series across the country during the past three decades has made it possible to bring Broadway to the masses and expose millions of people to a “real” Broadway experience who may have never had the opportunity to visit the “Great White Way” and actually sit in the seat of a Broadway theatre (and experience a much more comfortable seat and shorter restroom lines!).
On the flip side of that positive thought, is my underlying nervousness about seeing a touring company of a really successful Broadway musical. Driving some of the ups and downs of putting on a show is, of course, the amount of cash in hand. This is why subscription series have become so successful. By selling a group of shows as a package to subscribers, the theatre owners and their sponsors are guaranteed a certain amount of revenue for each performance, and are therefore more comfortable bringing in a show on occasion that may be more risky than others.
Enter KINKY BOOTS. Absolutely not a risk based on the box office data of its first year on Broadway. In my mind, however, it’s still a tour. And there is always the temptation for the producers to want to cut corners when financing a touring production. This, however, to my undeniable relief, did not happen. I can honestly say this tour of KINKY BOOTS has kicked off what I can honestly say is one of the best replications of it’s Broadway parent show that I can remember. Having seen the show on Broadway about a year ago, from what I can remember, this production is to the note, prop, set piece and costume, exactly what I saw on the Broadway stage.
Kudos to Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), Harvey Fierstein (Book), Jerry Mitchell (Director and Choreography) and their production team for committing to retaining the authenticity of the original Broadway show. A smart move considering the popularity of the show and the positive buzz the show has received since opening on Broadway in April of 2013. The show won six Tonys that year, including best score for Cyndi Lauper. It was adapted from a film based on the true story of a shoe factory owner in northern England who saves his business from bankruptcy by catering to a new niche market – women’s shoes for men. Yes, the drag queens of London.
Charlie (Steven Booth) is the boy-next-door factory owner, having inherited the failing business from his father. Desperate to keep the doors open despite a shrinking market for quality handmade footwear, he strikes up an unlikely partnership with a drag performer named Lola, who helps him design sturdy men’s high-heel boots that are “2½ feet of irresistible, tubular sex.”
Lola on tour is impeccably recreated by Kyle Taylor Parker, who was in the original Broadway cast as one of the Angels, Lola’s backup dancers from the Blue Angel nightclub. Bringing his own interpretation to the role, he has no problem simultaneously preserving the part’s original character.
David Rockwell’s scenic design works perfectly to tie the story together and define the scenes without interruption. As I mentioned, from my vantage point, I can’t see where anything was changed to bring the show on tour. I’m sure there were changes to accommodate transporting the massive set pieces across the country, but to the naked eye in a seat 10th row back in orchestra, any changes were inconsequential. Gregg Barnes’ costumes, however, are the true stars of the show. By the end of the show, every character is wearing a pair of “kinky” boots and there were as many styles and sizes as there were cast members wearing them.
KINKY BOOTS is about inclusiveness, and not simply from a gay/straight, cross-dresser/non-cross-dresser perspective, but in light of people in general. Personalities, physical attributes, big people, small people, funny people, quiet people. Everyone was represented in KINKY BOOTS, and everyone was who they were – nothing more, nothing less. That’s what makes this show come together in a fun-filled, feel-good, musical feast. Oh, and by the way, if you are or were ever a Lauper fan, you will most definitely hear her style in the music. And you may be surprised at the versatility of the 80’s she-bopper at the same time. No matter who you are, you will leave KINKY BOOTS with warmth in your heart and a skip in your step – and you won’t even need to buy a pair of Kinky Boots!
For more information, tour schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the tour website at www.kinkybootsthemusical.com/tour.
