Review Roundup: KINKY BOOTS in Toronto

Everybody say, YEAH! The Canadian premiere of the Tony Award-winning KINKY BOOTS officially opened on June 28 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, after playing previews since June 16.

Kinky Boots brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony Award-winner for Best Score for KinkyBoots).

Let's see what the critics had to say:

Alan Henry, BroadwayWorld.com: Alan Mingo Jr. brings a unique flare to Lola - the London-based drag queen who saves the factory. He's a true triple threat with singing and dancing chops that would make any pop star jealous. His tender moments in book scenes will bring a tear to your eyes... Graham Scott Fleming is outstanding in his role as new factory owner Charlie Price. Fleming reminds me of Stark Sands - who originated the role on Broadway. They are equaled in the vocals department, with Fleming, in my opinion being the superior actor.

Richard Ouzounian, the Star: When one star is born, it's a time to stand and cheer. When two stars are born, you shout it from the rooftops. And when three stars break out in one evening, you can cue the dancing in the streets... Alan Mingo Jr. led the way with his indomitable performance as Lola, cross-dresser with a heart of gold and legs of sheer titanium. Dispensing equal amounts of sass and class, he seemed to be channelling Gregory Hines and Diana Ross simultaneously, especially in his show-stopping tribute to footwear, "Sex is in the Heel."

Glenn Sumi, NowToronto: As Lola, Mingo Jr. is mixture of Donna Summer and Faye Duna­way's Mommie Dearest, his face twitching with melodramatic tics, aware of everything going on around him. You haven't properly heard the words "burgundy" or "red" until Mingo Jr. contrasts them. What's even more remarkable is that he gets to show an entirely different side in the first act, lending soul to what could've been just a glossy impression. A star is born.

Martin Morrow, The Globe and Mail: Recreating his vibrant 2013 Broadway staging, director-choreographer Jerry Mitchell has assembled an excellent, mostly Canadian cast. One of the few exceptions is American actor Mingo, but there can be no complaints from the moment he struts onstage as a fierce, feline Lola, seemingly channelling Tina Turner and Diana Ross at the same time. He's equally effective as the shy Simon, who sheds his self-confidence along with his frock.

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