Thinking about shoes can be dangerous, especially when those shoes are glittering bright red boots. Kinky Boots, written by Harvey Fierstein with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, is now prancing through a near-sold out run through April 19 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. The simple plot, based on the film of the same name, relates how brightly dressed drag queens bring light and life to the drab (and failing) Price shoe factory outside London.
Given that the story is by Fierstein and the music by Lauper one knows even before the show that the comedy will be broad and the sound will be straightforward and accessible pop. And so it proved to be, with a few surprises thanks to perfect casting.
The story takes off when the hapless Charlie Price (played a bit too calmly by Steven Booth) inherits his father’s shoe factory, the one place he wants to leave (he wants London’s bright lights). While in London he meets Simon (AKA Lola, the drag queen performer) and his life, prejudices, and perceptions, as well as those of his factory workers get tossed around. Everyone learns to believe “you can change the world when you change your mind.”
Overall the ensemble cast put on a lively if predictable show. Especially outstanding? Darius Harper as Simon/Lola who sizzles whether garbed in an elegant suit (with dashing accessories) or a tight red dress set off by thigh-high boots. Although plain style is seen more often in men’s fashion today, look into any history (or the CMA) for portraits of French and British nobility decked out in fancy wigs, plush fabrics, tights, and glittering jewels. See “The Swagger Portrait Series.” Harper would fit right in.
Another bright light was the just-right perky Lindsay Nicole Chambers as Lauren the dedicated factory worker determined not to mix work and love. She turns into an individual toward the end of Act One as she warbles “The History of Wrong Guys.” Of course now we know she’s a person destined to fall for the boss and mix work and love.
Other standouts were the two cute little boys playing our heroes as children: sweet-looking Anthony Picarello and the adorable Jomil Elijah Robinson (who gets extra points for walking in red high heels).
Bottom Line: Colorful as can be and now you can say you’ve seen yet another Broadway production at Playhouse Square.
PS: So now why is thinking about shoes dangerous? Those who have read this far should know, in the interests of full disclosure, that I just this minute (while writing this) ordered some beautiful glittery fake snakeskin sneakers. (Well, they were already on sale, there was an extra discount, and I already love their fit. Honestly, DH, they were a great deal. I blame Kinky Boots.)
Kinky Boots plays here through April 19. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Playhouse Square Ticket Office (1519 Euclid Ave in downtown Cleveland), online at playhousesquare.org or by calling 216.241.6000.
[Photo by Matthew Murphy]
Laura Kennelly is a freelance arts journalist, a member of the Music Critics Association of North America, and an associate editor of BACH, a scholarly journal devoted to J. S. Bach and his circle.
Listening to and learning more about music has been a life-long passion. She knows there’s no better place to do that than the Cleveland area.
Cleveland, OH 44115