You may recall the 2005 independent movie Kinky Boots. In it, main character Charlie Price unexpectedly inherits his father’s shoe company. He discovers that the company is in deep trouble as comfortable, sturdy and practical men’s footwear is no longer in demand. As Charlie looks to save the company, he meets an unlikely ally in Lola, a drag queen, with whom he collaborates to make men’s high-heeled boots and hopefully, in the process, save the company. Based on a true story, it is a touching movie with many unexpectedly moving moments.
Fast forward a few years and Broadway producers team up with 80s pop icon Cyndi Lauper and Broadway/Hollywood star Harvey Fierstein to bring a musical version of Kinky Boots to life. Their smashing efforts won them a number of Tony awards in 2013 for a very good reason.
You can catch the National Tour at the NAC this week.
There is something magical about a Broadway musical done right. Kinky Boots is definitely that, but it is also so much more. For starters, Lauper’s catchy songs are fantastic, memorable with just the right amount of emotion thrown in. You can preview the show’s tunes here. Songs like ‘Land of Lola,’ ‘Raise You Up,’ ‘Soul of a Man,’ ‘Sex in the Heel’ to Lola’s moving ‘Not My Father’s Son’ leave no doubt why Cyndi Lauper won a Tony in 2013 for Best Original Score.
Their costumes are over-the-top amazing, as you might expect for drag queens, and their various ensembles are impressive creations. The show’s sets don’t disappoint either, but it’s really the costumes, dancing and acting that will leave you spellbound. Kinky Boots is high energy, adrenaline-filled and perfectly satisfying. It is eye candy, ear candy and will boost you up high. Do not miss the opportunity to see it. Grab your tickets at nac.ca.
