Interview: Tiffany Engen Talks Shoes and the Magic of KINKY BOOTS

For one week only, the mega-hit musical Kinky Boots returns to its hometown. Known for sweeping the 2013 Tony Awards (where it won Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography), this popular Broadway smash originally took flight in Chicago back in 2012. The pre-Broadway run premiered at the Bank of America Theatre, and four years later the show is returning to the Windy City for a newly-minted national tour. Broadway star and Kinky Boots cast member, Tiffany Engen, gives Broadwayworld.com an inside look at what makes this show so dazzling:

Kinky Boots has gained so much popularity over the past few years. In three words, how would you begin to describe this show?
Joy. Sparkle. Love.

While lots of Chicago natives had the chance to see the show during its pre-Broadway run a few years back, what would you say to folks who really don't know much about it? What should they know as they walk through the doors of the Oriental Theatre?
Get super pumped because this story is just incredible! It's based off true events, which is amazing, and there's something for everyone in the audience. It's all about accepting yourself and not judging a book by its cover. Also, the show has won six Tonys, including Best Score for the insanely good music written by Cyndi Lauper. It's completely unlike any other Broadway show you've ever experienced.

Kinky Boots fans go gaga over the show's catchy music. Do you have a favorite song?
So many! I particularly love the finale called "Raise You Up". It leaves audiences with a powerful message: "You change the world when you change your mind."

As a performer, your background ranges from Legally Blonde on Broadway to "Raising Hope", "Hart of Dixie", "Drop Dead Gorgeous" and "Smash" on TV. Where did this all begin?
When I was in second grade, I played a chicken in the school play. I had one line. I remember saying my line and watching everyone in the audience laugh. That was the moment I caught the acting bug. It seriously was a turning point for me. I've been chasing that feeling ever since.

Kinky Boots, in particular, is something that's so special to me in my career. I was able to see a final rehearsal during the out-of-town tryouts and there was no set, no costumes and no lighting. Even without all of the bells and whistles, I think everyone that was watching knew this was something truly unique and original. I saw it again on Broadway and during the Vegas tour. I'm a Kinky Boots fan and now I get to be part of it! That's living the dream right there.

Do you have a dream role you'd love to tackle in the future?
I'd love to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl! I also have a twin sister, so we joke that there should be a musical version of "Big Business" that we can star in together.

Tell us a little bit about your character in this show. What's your favorite part about playing her?
Lauren is buckets of fun and completely quirky. She works in a shoe factory, and she helps Charlie (the show's protagonist) come up with this elaborate plan. I really admire her because she says what's on her mind and urges others to be the best they can be. She is this short girl in jeans who is a strong, opinionated, independent woman. That's so important to see on stage.

When you aren't touring across the globe, where can we find you? Any interesting or weird hobbies?
I really enjoy writing and doing sketch-comedy in my spare time. I'm part of a web series called Skits-O-Frenic with my sister and Laura Bell Bundy. We write our own content and it's a fun way to stay creative!

So, this show is all about SHOES! I have to ask: Do you have a favorite go-to pair in your closet?
Everyone in the Kinky Boots cast has some sort of red shoe in their wardrobe. For me, I'm usually wearing my rehearsal sneakers. They have been on a long journey, walking the various cities we've toured...and they're red!

Last but not least, any projects on the horizon?
Right now, I'm focusing on making this tour all that it can be. We'll be heading to Japan in October so the entire cast is very excited about that (and trying to learn the language). Even with so many amazing cities to explore, I consider 8PM--the moment the show begins--to be the best part of my day.

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See Tiffany and the rest of the Kinky Boots cast strut their stuff during a one-week limited engagement at the Oriental Theatre. The show will be running August 30 through September 4. Tickets and more information can be found at broadwayinchicago.com.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

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