Review: KINKY BOOTS Struts Into the Ohio Theatre With Glitter and Gut

Multiple Tony Award-Winning hit, KINKY BOOTS, strutted into the Ohio Theatre last night with plenty of glamour and charm. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-Winning Jerry Mitchell with music by Grammy Award-winning icon Cyndi Lauper and book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, KINKY BOOTS delights all ages with its energetic choreography, uplifting music, and heart-warming message.

More than a glamed-out production, KINKY is a discovery and celebration of self with relatable characters who combine strength and vulnerability to drive its message home. Inspired by true events and based on the film, KINKY BOOTS is the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father's failing shoe business, Price and Son, and struggles to keep it afloat. In walks the fabulous drag queen, Lola, in need of more supportive stiletto footwear, and an instant unlikely friendship and partnership is formed. In a touching duet, the two bond with the common angst of parental expectations, sharing a heart-warming "Not My Father's Son." With the help of Lola, Charlie and his factory workers realize that "Sex is in the Heel", and the entire business is transformed into an extravagant shoe factory wonderland, in hopes of kick-starting the business and wowing the runways of Milan.

Kyle Taylor Parker embodies the sassy yet vulnerable Lola, who makes no apologies for who he is. Parker delivers a spectacular Motown-inflected power ballad, "Hold Me in Your Heart", capturing the essence of the show with layers of tender pleas and dynamic battle cries.

As Charlie, Steven Booth appropriately portrays the earnest, straight-laced business owner who, with the help of Lola, eventually finds his own voice. And does he ever! Booth belts out a soaring "Soul of a Man", which Lauper fans will recognize as reminiscent of her hit, "True Colors."

Former Otterbein student, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, plays the hard-working Lauren, who eventually wins the affections of Charlie. She evokes a balance of sweet naivety, spunkiness, and great comedic timing. Her rendition of "The History of Wrong Guys" proves that Columbus hails some of the best raw talent in the country.

The rest of the cast is also top-notch, including Joe Coots as Don, Sam Zeller as George, and Charissa Hogeland playing the sexy, ambitious fiancé Nicola.

Jerry Mitchell's Tony Award Winning choreography is a tightly-woven techno-dance party with high energy stomping and sweating using innovative conveyor belts, boxing matches, and intricate technique. The show is fast-paced and moves along methodically with the right balance of humor, glitter, and warmth. Impressive costume design by Gregg Barnes had every woman (and man!) yearning for those sexy, iconic red boots.

Although at times the story and dialogue are a bit cliche, the anthem of self-acceptance permeates throughout in high-fashioned flair. Cyndi Lauper's infectious score along with Jerry Mitchell's inspiring direction and choreography, combined with a stellar cast will dazzle and delight Columbus audiences.

KINKY BOOTS plays at the Ohio Theatre through October 11th. Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling (614) 719-6900.

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