Review: KINKY BOOTS Raises Melbourne to Its Feet!

Kinky Boots opened its Australian tour in Melbourne on Saturday night and what a kicking success it was! A musical so appropriate for our country to see as conversation about equality and plebiscites continues.

Based on the 2005 film of the same name, which starred Australia's own Joel Edgerton, the musical dazzles the audience with great music and sublime costumes whilst celebrating and educating about acceptance, being true to yourself, and taking chances.

Set in the factory town of Northampton, the narrative of Kinky Boots follows characters of all shapes and sizes. The two that lead this merry band are Charlie (Toby Francis) and Lola (Callum Francis). When Charlie finds himself in charge of a factory and a life he never thought he wanted, he also finds passion and belonging. The central arc is a truly lovely and meaningful one, perfectly accompanied by the discovery and journeys of characters like Don (Daniel Williston).

Cyndi Lauper's music & lyrics are the perfect fit for the show, with arrangements by Stephen Oremus and seamlessly performed by the orchestra (led by incomparable Music Director, Luke Hunter). A match made in heaven with some numbers that will draw a tear or two, mixed with show stopping numbers that are sure to have you dancing in your seat. A real triumph, with the irrepressible "Sex is in the Heel", "Land of Lola" and "Everybody Say Yeah" in particular. Punctuated with ballads like "Hold Me in Your Heart", it's no surprise that Kinky Boots turned Lauper into a winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical and original score.

Harvey Fierstein's book is perfectly pulled from the film with clever treatment of the important themes of tolerance and self-acceptance.

As Charlie, Toby Francis is perfectly cast. Bringing soul and softness to the role, his shining moment is in the delivery of the apologetic phone message - a true and honest moment. Despite losing some of this authenticity whilst singing (pronunciation and accent were slightly disconnecting), he has the audience in his corner. Sophie Wright as Lauren, the girl with a crush on her boss, is adorable and charming, and delivers refreshing comedy. It's impossible not to root for her and with a stand out voice, Wright is a real star. The unfolding story of Toby Francis & Sophie Wright is a joy to watch. Credit also to Nathan Carter who is a riot as George.

Stand out vocals throughout the show come from Linden Furnell as Harry in "Take What You Got", Samm Hagen in "What a Woman Wants" (Hagen's portrayal of Pat was a pleasure and a much needed anchor in the factory dynamics), and Mark Stefanoff as Referee Angel in "In this Corner".

The superstar of the musical is without a doubt Callum Francis. A triumph in every way. The strongest of triple threats with a firm grasp on every facet of Lola, from the comedy to the torture. The audience is in awe from the first second of her introduction in "Land of Lola" and rapturous applause followed both "Not My Father's Son" and "Hold Me in Your Heart". A performance to be remembered.

Set designer David Rockwell makes clever use of the space, with seamless changes between scenes and locations, really keeping the flow of the show at a perfect pace. Jerry Mitchell's dynamic direction and choreography is sensational and provides the feel-good factor to match Lauper's music.

There really is no business like shoe business and Kinky Boots is the musical the world needs to see right now. A little acceptance, support, and celebration, plus a seriously glamorous heel, goes a long way.

NOW PLAYING at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne
http://kinkybootsthemusical.com.au

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