Review: KINKY BOOTS at The Playhouse on the Square - More Than Just Sex in Stiletto Heel Boots

Just as every woman loves a great pair of shoes, theater audiences love a great pair of creative minds. In the case of KINKY BOOTS those great creative minds belong to Harvey Fierstein (book) and Cyndi Lauper (music & lyrics). Based on the 2005 British film of the same name by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, as inspired by true events, Fierstein and Lauper have created a musical theater explosion in the telling of a simple story - son inherits a faltering family business and through a chance meeting with a person totally opposite of himself, great success is made of the business and their personal selves.

The storyline of KINKY BOOTS somewhat mimics its own path to success. It wasn't an immediate hit, critics weren't raving and many were skeptical, but the underdog show proved everyone wrong with a season high 13 Tony award nominations turned 6 Tony award wins, including Best Musical and Best Score.

Charlie Price (Adam Kaplan) never wanted to take over the family business of men's footwear. He rather make it on his own in the glamorous world of marketing. However, Charlie finds himself thrust into doing just that after the sudden death of his father. Saddled with the responsibility of a failing business filled with age-old family friends as employees, Charlie desperately needs to figure it all out in order to make his father proud, keep his girlfriend happy and continue paying the employees.

Lola (J. Harrison Ghee) never wanted to be a prize-fighter. (S)he rather regale the masses with some sassy dance moves and a breathtaking song. What Lola wants, Lola gets. Well...not exactly. This diva of drag also wants a great pair of heels (preferably, red), or as Lola puts it, "two and a half feet of irresistible tubular sex" that won't break under the weight of a man's body.

Through a chance meeting, Charlie and Lola quickly realize they can help each other. Lola wants shoes. Charlie makes shoes (just not the ones Lola or anyone else wants). Since necessity is the mother of invention, Charlie "invents" a new high-heeled boot, one with a specific underpinning that will carry the weight of a man. Lola, her Angels and her boot designs are nothing like Charlie, the employees or anyone in the small town of Northampton have ever seen. Change and acceptance are difficult for most.

The chemistry between Charlie and Lola is sincere, allowing you to invest in their journey. While KINKY BOOTS leans more into upbeat, funky tempo songs (Land of Lola, Everybody Say Yeah, Raise You Up), some truly magical moments happen when its quiet (Not My Father's Son). Lola's spectacular Hold Me In Your Heart brings down the house. Mr. Ghee leaves no one untouched by his performance of this song.

While Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Ghee are exceptional throughout, remaining cast members shine just as brightly, each with their own high-stepping moment. Tiffany Engen as Lauren is sweetly funny and charming. Jim J. Bullock is endearing as George, Charlie's right-hand man. But, OMG, the dancing! Everyone dances and it's delightful. What sets KINKY BOOTS apart from the dancing found in other musicals is the simple fact that everyone, at some point in time, dances in high-heels. And, throughout the entire show, Lola's Angels (Joseph Anthony Byrd, Sam Dowling, Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald, JP Qualters, Xavier Reyes, Sam Rohloff) do it in drag, in heels, and without the slightest wobble, hesitation or distress. TOTALLY FEARLESS! I know several women who have never mastered walking in high-heels, let alone dancing, jumping or landing a backflip.

KINKY BOOTS visually entices with glitzy costumes (Gregg Barnes), a clever, space-saving multi-use set (David Rockwell), and flashy, pulsing lights (Kenneth Posner). Music for the show is provided by an eight piece orchestra briskly conducted by Roberto Sinha. Due to the up-tempo stylings of the music, the orchestra can become "boomy" at times. However, I didn't mind as I was usually tapping my foot to the beat.

KINKY BOOTS may not be standard holiday theater fare but I wouldn't mind having this gift given to me over and over again.

KINKY BOOTS
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Directed & Choreographed by Stephen Oremus
The Playhouse on Rodney Square
1007 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 888-0200
www.ThePlayhouseDe.org

Runs Dec 13 through Dec 18

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