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Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by tgrabon2 2012-10-03 10:15:52

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by tgrabon2 2012-10-03 10:30:54

Younger Brother: it's not a fixed set. It's modular with a center piece that rotates. All brick and steel. In the last scene the factory set is gone and in its place is a glossy set. It looks expen$ive. You definitely see the money on stage. Attached is a photo of the "curtain". The photo was taken from the lobby television.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Younger Brother 2012-10-03 10:36:46

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Looks great thank you! :)

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by BroadwayBen 2012-10-03 12:09:06

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This sounds so promising! I may need to go to Chicago...

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by TheatreDiva90016 2012-10-03 12:52:23

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Oh man! Where can I get one of those t shirts?!

I want to cover it in crystals!

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by ajh 2012-10-04 08:39:02

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Clifton Oliver is Billy Porter's stand-by? Interesting. I seemed to be one of the few people who enjoyed him as Benny in In The Heights.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Menken Fan 2012-10-06 14:54:50

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Saw this on Thursday night (and will again in a few weeks). I agree with some of the areas for improvement, but overall thought it was fantastic! The score and Billy Porter are definitely the strong elements. Annaleigh is hysterical in her one big number and a few brief bits, but we need more of her. Yes, the ending needs some work. Some of the storylines never come to resolution, and the ending songs seem to be more of that Rise Up/Raise Me Up stuff that so many shows are resorting to in wrapping up the show, like Leap of Faith and Sister Act. Why do all the characters in the show, including the factory workers, show up at the Milan fashion show...in kinky boots? It ruins any kind of satisfying ending and takes you out of the story.

There are a couple of songs that should be cut or replaced, including "I Come to the Rescue". Also, I think "I Am Not My Father's Son" would be even better as a full-out duet between Charlie and Lola, rather than having Charlie just provide some back-up late in the song. Overall, I found Stark Sands to be fairly unimpressive. He doesn't seem to have enough presence on stage, and the show would benefit from better direction for him or a replacement. His big, emotional number "Soul of a Man" late in the show is almost embarrassingly over the top. But, to me, those are minor issues, and I was really pleased with the show, especially considering it was just the 3rd preview. I wish it much success and am very happy for Cyndi Lauper, who I have loved and who has been underappreciated forever.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by JeanGudio 2012-10-06 18:07:18

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Why is stark sands in it why not Jon Groff he would work he can dance why not him and he can also act.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-06 18:20:19

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Because he was too busy filming Boss at the time? Because his agent said he should focus more on TV and film? Because he didn't audition and they never asked him? Because he didn't wanna do it?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by theaterkid1015 2012-10-06 18:27:08

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Because he couldn't understand your message without commas.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by JeanGudio 2012-10-06 18:58:39

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fine it was just an example. But someone else please should take over stark.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by mpd4165 2012-10-07 01:02:37

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Just back from it and I tell you if anything, see this for Billy Porter. He is rocking Lola. Lauper's score I felt was appropriate and so catchy. I left the theater just feeling really happy, so if they really push the "feel good" show, I think it can be a big hit. Tonight's audience was a pretty strong standing ovation.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-07 17:18:01

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I saw "Kinky Boots" on Friday night. For a show in its fifth performance, Act One was pretty damned good. Lauper actually wrote theatre songs. Yes, not as acutely musically/leitmotif driven as a knowledgeable musical theatre writer would, but there are some interesting musical phrases and some nice lyrics. She and Harvey actually have made a stronger character than the Lauren of the film, she has a real point of view. In Act One that is. Act Two falls all to hell. I wouldn't have minded if Act One didn't have so much potential. Act Two was what I thought the show would be, I was surprised in the quality of the first act. Granted: fifth performance. They have SO much time to rewrite. But honestly, IMO, part of that is throwing out 3/4 of everything Current Act Two. SPOILERS: All of a sudden they make Charley a dick. As if anything he learned in the first act goes right out the window. In the film he is a bit of a sod to his workers, but they then realize, through the help of a gruff, learning homophobe, he really has the worker's backs (this sorta happens in the show but is so convoluted it doesn't really register) . So his being a bit of a drag is dropped. Fairly quickly. He's back to being Good Charley, (he was never really Bad Charley). Some other stuff happens. Then he has a scene with Lola where she shows up in a dress and, feeling emasculated because his fiance is at the same restaurant with another man, he lashes out at Lola and her transvestism. Its mean, but understandable. Now, in the musical, the scenes of him being a dick start with his oppressive nastiness to his workers and then immediately goes into nastiness to Lola--without ANY real motivation. A better actor than poor Stark Sands (who I'm sure will get better) could not have made those scenes work. And its all a build to Charley's meandering 11:00 number "The Soul of a Man" (I was so disinterested and embarrassed for the actor I wasn't even sure if the title might actually BE "The SOLE of a Man"...it was that bad). Its been noted that the wonderful Annaleigh Ashford disappears in Act Two, she and Charley never really have their get-together moment or song--instead we get a song (a bad one) wasted on a character NO ONE cares about (the fiance). And then there's the finale. In Milan. As noted, all credibility goes out the window, just to have the Workers all show up unexpectedly in Italy on the catwalk to wear the Kinky Boots of the title. Its so insulting to the form, as if the creators said, "its a musical, we don't need coherence to logic, people will buy it. Its a musical! Stupid things happen. Its a musical!" Why be so slavish to the film? Just make it London Fashion Week or something so realistically the Workers could be there (though I hated the runway walk, its SO ending-of-La Cage). You can tell the second act isn't working as Lauper totally forgets how to write good theatre songs, she's lost interest in the characters. Harvey seems lost as well. But again: Fifth performance. Hopefully the requisite standing ovation they received won't put the writers and Mitchell into a false sense of security that they've already concocted something wonderful. Cause most of Act Two is sh*t. It needs a complete re-hauling. Again, as noted, Billy Porter is giving the performance of his career. I've never like him much, certainly not as Belize, a similar character, in off-B'way's "Angels". But here he comes into his own and when the script and songs let him, he's pointed himself toward the Tony Award most drag characters seem to afford their actors.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by pc1145N2 2012-10-07 17:21:12

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I saw this on Saturday evening. The last 45 minutes was the best. I agree with most everything written here already. For me, the biggest negative was Stark Sands. Way too bland. By contrast Billy Porter literally steals the show from him. For the most part, I thought the score was less than memorable. I realized this was the first week of previews that's why I also have tickets for the last week of the run. I'll be curious to see what improvements are made.

Annaleigh Ashford is fantastic in a role that is too small.

On a side note, Bruce Villanch was sitting in my row taking notes all during the show. I'm assuming he's going to try and liven the show up a bit. It needs all the help it can get.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by mpd4165 2012-10-07 17:38:55

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pc1145N2 - I saw Bruce there as well. I assume you were there on Sat. night?

Owen - I definitely hear you on that rather sudden shift of Charlie's character in Act II. I sorta see where they were going with it--stress building to save the factory/jobs that he lashes out--but it's not quite there to lead into Soul of a Man. I thought the beginning of Act I can be rather brilliant, it just they blasted through opening plot points to get the show going...maybe an opening number that is able to accommodate his growing up and what happened to his father in a way that feels earned.

I didn't mind Stark Sands as others...but I mean Charlie as written can't stand up to Lola, especially as played by Billy Porter who is commanding the stage. Punching up Charlie may help Sands rise to the occasion.

I definitely want to see this near the end of the run to see if it grows in the next month. I'll say again, I think the show can be a big hit, a few bold choices can really help.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by shrekster224 2012-10-07 17:45:34

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Didn't think that Clifton Oliver would be the Lola standby. I honestly don't know too much about the show, but I was thinking more along the lines of Nathan Lee Graham. Anyone know why there isn't also a regular understudy?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-07 19:09:46

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PC, yes, as in the film he lashes out at the factory workers out of stress, but that point is redeemed in the film. In the show they try to use that also as the impetus to hurt Lola and it is SO not enough. Its too ugly and extreme to come out of stress, unless the character is truly vile. As I noted in the film, he's already feeling emasculated in that moment and then having this man in a dress sit down next to him, as mean at it is, it's reasonable. I fear they might think "Soul of a Man" is a good song and are trying to mold the book to save and keep the song instead of the other way around.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-07 19:13:47

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And I also have to defend Stark Sands somewhat and take back a little of what I said. If after seeing his sweet Brit boy in "Journey's End" and I knew then there was a musical of "Kinky Boots" coming I would have said Stark Sands would be the PERFECT Charlie. So it must be bad writing and unfamiliarity with role still that is making him come off weak. I'm sure he has it in him.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by JordanHaliday 2012-10-07 19:31:22

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its against matilda. Matilda has a lot of press and awards. Anyone think this is npt going to last

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Idiot 2012-10-07 19:45:02

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There's very little right now that I'm DYING to see. It may be a list of one. This.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by WiCkEDrOcKS 2012-10-07 21:42:11

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I'm disappointed to hear that Stark Sands is bland. I've really enjoyed his past performances and was excited to see him finally get to lead a production. I still am excited, though, and I have faith he'll get stronger!

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by SondheimFan5 2012-10-07 22:31:23

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How are the orchestrations?

Anyone heard any casting ideas for Matilda? (Or at least for Trunchbull...)

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by JordanHaliday 2012-10-07 22:31:40

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he was good in american idiot

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by wildcat 2012-10-07 22:34:09

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Bertie Carvel is coming over to play Trunchbull

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Marlothom 2012-10-07 23:03:02

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No disrespect to the actress (because she is great in the role), but I think what this show needs to do is get rid of the fiancee character. The way they dress her and from her opening lines you know they are not going to end up together (and frankly you don't want them to) - she is basically dressed like the fiance in Legal Blonde.

(spoiler alert)
But more than than - it takes some of the potential from Charlie's character. He would be much more interesting if HE wanted to leave the small town and craved "upward mobility", if he found about the "deal" his dad made directly from the real estate agent - this could lead to a great scene and a more logical place for Soul of a Man. The break-up is pretty meaningless because you never really like her - also the bit with the red shoes never goes nowhere. This would also provide more stage time for the other female role and bring more focus to the "platonic" love story between Lola and Charlie.

(the alternative is to get rid of the other female role and make Charlie and fiance really in love - change her wig - and add scenes of Charlie really trying to make this work and failing, maybe as the factory is succeeding. But this seems like too much at this point).

The other big change they need to make is to move this baby to a US setting - a la Full Monty. I think this show can resonate with a A LOT of tourists from towns in the US that revolve around ONE company supporting much of the population, the recent recession and finally, give the US audience a sense of orientation - how far are the different towns from each other, are they really conservative? The shop can be in New Rochelle, the club in NYC and the fashion show in Hollywood, for example.

Finally, as fun as it is, they need to get rid of the boxing match - it goes nowhere and they should be spending those 10 minutes explaining why Charlie is so stressed, the stakes of the fashion show, why things are not as cheery as they where when the curtain went down in Act 1., etc.).

Just some thoughts. I am excited to see this show again next week and see what has changed.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Menken Fan 2012-10-07 23:42:38

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Agree with Marlothom on the changes that are needed. The fiance and the boxing match add nothing. I'll add that the "magic act" theme during "Beware the Black Widow" should be chopped. It's not magical, and it's kind of strange to have one of the Angels in a box with non-threatening knives being inserted.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Marlothom 2012-10-07 23:53:38

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they should "re-imagine" the boxing match as a club number. It's confusing why one of the "girls" is on the other guy's side.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Copperfield2 2012-10-08 10:12:42

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Can someone tell me if this show has an orchestra in the pit?

I am sitting in the second row of the orchestra center and now I'm wondering if I'll be sitting too close.

One reason I wanted to see this show is Stark Sands because I liked him a lot in American Idiot.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by PitPro2004 2012-10-08 11:00:13

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I was wondering the same thing re: orch. Stephen Oremus is out there at the helm, but I'd like to know who is in the pit as well.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by mpd4165 2012-10-08 12:00:38

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Orchestra:

Conductor/Keyboard 1: Brian Usifer
Associate Conductor/Keyboard 2: Will Van Dyke
Drums: Sammy Merendino

Synthesizer Programmer: Randy Cohen

Violin: Roberta Freier, Steve Winkler
Violin/Viola: Paul Zafer
Cello: Jocelyn Davis-Beck
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Tim Burke
Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Flute: Steve Leinheiser
Guitar 1: Steve Roberts
Guitar 2: Kraig McCreary
Electric Bass: Tom Mendel

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-08 12:13:52

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Getting rid of the fiance altogether is a FANTASTIC idea.

The wrestling match replaces an arm wrestling match from the film. Obviously a wrestling match is more physical and musical number friendly. It also makes sense as Lola was trained and worked as a prize-fighter (which oddly, was also taken from the film). And that sort of physical manly confrontation is needed for Dan Sherman's homophobic Don to come to respect Lola, thusly allowing him to help redeem Charlie when he is being an ass to the workers. Unfortunately, as noted, Charlie goes beyond redemption as the show is adapted now. But the match IS necessary for the deal Don and Lola make. These moments are so lovely in the film but just missing it in the stage show.

One of the reasons they kept the show in Northampton is that it's based on a true story. The film is actually dedicated to the Workers of the real Kinky Boots factory. I can't say if it was the right choice, but they are trying to honor the story by keeping it in its true-life original environment.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by peachesr82 2012-10-08 12:34:53

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Being in the UK, I can't get to see this, though I will when it opens in NY. It sounds like all the pieces are there they just need refining, glad to hear it has it's moments though, I'm a little disappointed Stark isn't quite living up expectations.

I don't know why it would need to be changed from Northampton (or the North of Hampton as Jerry Mitchell said in one interview!) to the US, as has been said it's based on a true story. I'd like to think that American theatre goers can cope with a story set in the UK, just as we manage with US set pieces.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Jenn56 2012-10-08 12:55:30

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Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-08 13:26:05

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The show is somewhat about fathers and sons, so the young versions of themselves forgiving their fathers is valid, but at the moment not convincing and sorta cringe-worthy.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-08 14:02:30

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"By contrast Billy Porter literally steals the show from him. "

He steals the show, literally? Where does he hide it?

I hope some clips from this are released--all the reports are fascinating.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Mercades 2012-10-08 14:44:34

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I haven't seen this yet. The reports I have heard from chicago friends are vastly different than this thread. (everyone seemed to enjoy it) but i will make my conclusions. I guess my only question is why people are calling Stark Sands bland?

From the movie, which I know quite well, the character is not bland, but just an everyman. Could it be next to a funny, quick, drag queen like lola (Billy Porter) that the character seems dull/bland? Not everything has to be over the top. From what I know of his work, he is a superb actor and is probably just being (shudder to think...) REAL?

and is the "boxing" everyone is referring to in place of the arm wrestle?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by peachesr82 2012-10-08 14:53:52

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^ I thought the same thing, maybe Stark is just the perfect everyman like Joel Edgerton was in the film, you always expect the Lola character to be more overwhelming no?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by greensgreens 2012-10-08 15:08:09

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I saw it Saturday and I really liked it. Like many have said, there are moments when it meanders and I found myself scratching my head at some points (the factory workers at the end - it also felt a little "You Can't Stop The Beat" ESPECIALLY when the fiancee that we've hated the whole night shows up and we're supposed to be ok with that). But overall, some very clever moments. It has Jerry (it may be a bit athletic and manic at times), Cyndi (there's a song that is just a little too close to time after time), and Harvey (who gave some clear line readings to Billy Porter) stamped all over it. But, although at first I was complaining, I afterward changed my mind and felt this might be okay. Afterall, they are three masters of their craft and they can nod to themselves occasionally.

They could not change a single thing and it would be the best B'way show I have seen in quite some time, truthfully. But, I know the perfectionism of the creative team will drive them to continue to refine and really crystallize it into something extraordinary. This will be one to watch come awards time!

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by ACL2006 2012-10-08 15:16:52

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I have to agree with the fact that there's nothing that appealling coming to Broadway this season. Only shows I'm interested in seeing are Kinky Boots, Elf & Jekyll & Hyde.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by BwayBaby18 2012-10-08 15:29:29

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How are the costumes?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by goldenboy 2012-10-08 17:10:37

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I've heard the demo of this musical and all of the musical numbers seem very similar and bland with a disco beat. I'm not surprised people have criticized the score. Nothing is as good as Lauper's Girls jusgt want to have fun. I'm surprised the people like Cindy Lauper, Bono, and others likes this are writing musicals. I mean who is next.. Kathy Lee Gifford?


Oh she is? Sorry.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Wilmingtom 2012-10-08 17:44:25

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The problem with Stark may be that Mitchell is not really an "actor's director." What he does he does excellently, but getting in the ring with an actor to explore the psychological arc and help him make interesting, compelling choices? Not so much.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Mercades 2012-10-09 00:26:30

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that's strange, I heard the demo music as well, and what struck a particular chord (ha) with me, was how different each number sounded. ( i heard six or so) I also found them pretty catchy -Hence why I am so curious to see it.

I will see next week.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by greensgreens 2012-10-09 14:20:35

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Although Cyndi has written most of her songs, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" is not one of them. So, there's very little in the show that will ever sound like that one and probably nothing ever will. Most of her work I find to be far more creative and inventive than the true bubblegum of "Girls...". I think the poppy/dance portions of the score do, however, sound much like some of her work on "Into the Nightlife." There is one song that is a dead ringer for "Time After Time" (maybe a hint of "True Colors" in the drum patterns), but otherwise, I think the orchestration does a good job of distancing Lauper's work from her pop catalogue.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by goldenboy 2012-10-09 23:12:58

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I haven't seen it but was not impressed with the score from the demo.

I did not realize that Cindy did not write Girls Just Want to Have Fun.
That's her best song.

I do wish the show luck and hope I am wrong. I want Shows to do well. Its just my opinion but not a fan of what I heard of the score.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-09 23:25:23

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"I think the poppy/dance portions of the score do, however, sound much like some of her work on "Into the Nightlife." "

Though dance music isn't always translated to stage musicals well, that comment has definitely peaked my interest. Great album.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Idiot 2012-10-10 01:14:22

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No. True Colors is her best song. It is a scientific fact.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-10 01:47:00

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I prefer She-Bop or Change of Heart from the singles of her first two albums.

For the record...

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by LimelightMike 2012-10-10 02:31:42

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What's the running time on this one so far?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Younger Brother 2012-10-10 08:32:12

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Where can one hear this demo?

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by chewy5000 2012-10-10 08:44:18

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Are we just referring to "Sex is in the Heel"? Cause it's a great song.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by corkystclair2 2012-10-10 11:33:50

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Act I = 1:15
Act II = 0:50

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Jenn56 2012-10-10 11:42:46

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i'd like to hear the demo too!

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-10 15:40:46

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...me three...

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by DylanMark33 2012-10-16 17:01:31

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Saw the show on Sunday and had the best time!

I've never seen a work in progress show. But my thoughts,

Music was fantastic, I'm still singing "sex is in the heel"

Choreography was fun

Don't understand the fiance role, rather pointless, which is a shame because she sounds fantastic, just give her more to do?

Don't really understand the boxing match, I mean I get the intention of it, it just wasn't there yet, felt rushed.

I thought Stark Sands was fun! Billy Porter does steal the show, but who can compete with a fierce drag queen with a phenomenal voice?

There were some touching moments in the show as well! I went from laughing to having that warm feeling inside.

I was on the top balcony, and all of us up there were loving every second. After the 11 o'clock number sung by Billy, there was a very long applause stopping the show.
Then at the very end when Charlie shows up on the runway wearing the kinky boots, all the ladies were yelling, "COME ON CHARLIE!!! GET IT BOY!"
which was over the top for them to yell and typically I hate that, but I was enjoying myself so I didn't mind.

Just my two cents, that's probably worth a lot less than that.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Marlothom 2012-10-16 17:29:08

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Saw it again this weekend since seeing final dress - definitely moving in the right direction and has a lot more focus. Overwhelming standing O.

The issues with the fiance role (not actress) the tone at the beginning of the show, some of the diction in the singing, boxing match and why is Charlie so pissed in Act 2, still needing to be worked out. I am seeing it tomorrow (Opening Night!) and looking forward to the reviews - I think it will be well received.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Bettyboy72 2012-10-16 22:14:16

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I am excited to see this show. but I have no idea how they will market it. If Priscilla had a hard time filling seats as a jukebox musical, I can only imagine this show will fare.

It's going to be a tough sell. Even with raves.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-10-16 23:31:21

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Ihink it prob will depend on reviews. That said, if it was seen that the gay/drag queen issue scared some audiences away--Boots does have a straight character (in a relationship) at the center. To also be completely stereotypical, jukebox musicals tend to attract more tourists and non theatre goers who recognize the songs or the artist and so decide to go to it--and I think put off some theatre fans, so this may attract more of that existing theatre crowd.

Or not.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Mercades 2012-10-17 01:01:57

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My first real out of town show (before broadway). I'm not one for
Reviews though I will try and write one tomorrow, but from the WOM of "Matilda", I'd imagine "kinky boots" and "Matilda" are the Shows of the season.


Show is a BLAST. Music is superb. And the leads (less one) are excellent.

It's not without it's flaws, but what is? More tomorrow but wishing it luck.

Oh, and to the reviews that said stark was boring, at the end, (don't want to sPoil) the audience was eating out of the palm of his hand.

I could nit pick, but I had fun. That's what it's about.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Zingingtobway 2012-10-17 03:49:59

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I am not surprised that Clifton Oliver is the Standby. I saw him a few years back in a show called Wig Out at the Vineyard Theater and he was amazing. I agree that Nathan Lee Graham would have been a good choice. I also think Kwame Michael Remy would have been a great choice for the Stand-by or cover.I am so excited for this show and hopes it does well. I heard some of the score and love it.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Zingingtobway 2012-10-17 03:50:12

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I am not surprised that Clifton Oliver is the Standby. I saw him a few years back in a show called Wig Out at the Vineyard Theater and he was amazing. I agree that Nathan Lee Graham would have been a good choice. I also think Kwame Michael Remy would have been a great choice for the Stand-by or cover.I am so excited for this show and hopes it does well. I heard some of the score and love it.

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by Owen22 2012-10-17 20:53:01

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"The problem with Stark may be that Mitchell is not really an "actor's director." What he does he does excellently, but getting in the ring with an actor to explore the psychological arc and help him make interesting, compelling choices? Not so much."

THIS

Kinky Boots Chicago previews?
Posted by lovepuppy 2012-10-18 01:32:50

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Saw the show tonight, and while it is not without flaws, it was pretty fantastic.

Anyone who said that Stark Sands is "bland" saw a totally different show. (Of course, a) that post was from 2 weeks ago and b) I've been a fan of Stark Sands since "Generation Kill," which was a straight acting role in which he was excellent, and I hadn't even realized he was a musical theatre actor til after that.)

He plays the straight man (literally). Perhaps compared to Billy Porter--who, when the Kinky Boots kinks get worked out and this show hits NY, will be nominated for stuff--Sands might seem "bland," but that's harsh. I agree with the poster who said that not everybody has to be a scene-stealer. And he was not lacking in the "physicality" or emotional connection with his character. Sure, it's not written with the depth of, say, a straight dramatic play, but it's not meant to. His jokes landed when they were supposed to, and he sings his heart out on "Soul of a Man." I sat in Dress Circle media seats--not too close, not too far away from the stage--and I could see the emotion in his body and his face.

Whoever said Porter, himself, was the weakest link, also saw a totally different show. He owned that show from his first entrance, had command of his zinger lines, knew where to look, raise an eye, gesture or flourish at the right times, to the desired effect...and can DANCE. The only thing I didn't like was his 11:00 number, "Hold Me in Your Heart." That is--he sang up a storm, but I was like "why is he dressed like Whitney Houston at a White House gala, in a nursing home..." Granted, the payoff was when he admitted he was there to see his ill father, whom, the character said earlier, never accepted his transvestitism. So, the inclusion of that song was a little convoluted. He had already had his establishing songs, and we already knew where his character was coming from. Maybe just...shorten it a little?

The treadmill number in the factory ("Everybody Say Yeah") was rousing for the plot in terms of getting the staff motivated, to say nothing of all the clapping and dancing in the crowd during the song. An earlier poster said they wished there was "more complicated choreography" or something, but...they were walking, dancing, moving, carrying things, and summersaulting off the treadmills. They all made it look easy, and throughout the entire number, I was thinking, "man, they must have trained for this number the hardest and longest of all." Admittedly, I wondered at one point if there would be some more stunts, too, but...hey, they were dancing on *treadmills*. So that criticism is far-fetched. It's not "Mary Poppins" (whose chimney number made me cry, with the tap-dancing on the ceiling, but maybe that's just because I used to tap dance), and doesn't need to try to be, either. I thought it was also impressive that with all the choreography of the actors, they had to choreograph the *treadmills*. There were several people up at a time, the entire cast had a turn, and the cast themselves were turning and rolling and moving the equipment WHILE singing, dancing, and strategically placed to spot those up on the treadmills. Pretty impressive.

The costumes were fab, the set was HUGE and complex, and...yeah, I didn't like the fiancee character, can't remember a bit of her song, and didn't even really like the plot point of her "boss" trying to bail Charlie out of losing the factory. Annaleigh Ashford was under-used, but she knocked her song out of the park. And though one poster mentioned that the show never put closure on their relationship, Charlie does lay a big fat kiss on her in the closing number, establishing that they do wind up together.

The finale was a big, flashy event that reminded me of "Priscilla," just good fun (even if people don't like that the factory staff showed up in the Kinky Boots. Made sense that they forgave him for being a jerk and supported him, though). That said, there was a point, mid-way through the number, where the tempo changed, or someone had some lines or something, and the momentum dropped and it felt awkward. Can't put my finger on it.

For its flaws, it can only get better before it gets to NY, and even so, it was pretty durn good. Enjoy.

Weird unrelated bonus: Tracie Thoms was in the audience; saw her in the lobby during intermission, and wound up next to her on the way out. Chatted with her for a few seconds and she was pretty nice. I wondered why she was there...if she knows Cyndi or Harvey or others related to the show? Telsey cast "RENT" and also cast this show, so I suppose it's possible. She looked great. Very tall in person. She was with a couple of guys but wasn't sure if they were friends or production colleagues.