BWW Reviews: KINKY BOOTS is a Kick in the Pants!

Tim Firth and Geoff Deane first picked up the true story of W J Brooks and Co., a fifth generation Northamptonshire shoe factory that stayed afloat by switching from classic brogues to boots for drag queens after cheap imports flooded the market. Their 2005 film Kinky Boots starred Joel Edgerton as factory owner Charlie Price. Tony-winning producer Daryl Roth saw the film at Sundance and was immediately taken with the story and its potential as a musical.

This lighthearted adaptation keeps us laughting, yet despite its book by Harvey Fierstein and music by Cyndi Lauper, the show has the Achilles heel common to musicals -- a predictable plot, and a hit and miss selection of songs. We know the outcome at the get-go, as well which girl will get the guy. Moreover, too many of the show's tunes have meandering melodies--with clichés packed in with a shoehorn--that go on for verse after verse.

But none of that matters because this knockout cast is so stellar that even the flat spots in the material take on dimension. Every performance is inspired and fascinating in every little way. I was continually delighted and dazzled.

Every actor in this touring production is well-cast, sympathetic and solid. Most notably earnest Steven Booth as Charlie and the loveable Lindsay Nicole Chambers whose comic timing as Lauren is ingenious. But the hands down standout is Darius Harper as Lola who owns the stage, bewitching in drag believable in street clothes with a poignancy that transcends the middle of the road moments in the script. Not only does he amuse us and wow us, but he also moves us to beileve, think, and consistently care. His memorable presence alone is well worth the price of admission.

Of course, no drag queen can shine without an array of amazing ensembles, thanks for costumer designer Gregg Barnes, we were regaled with everything from blue collar wear to gorgeous gowns, and of course . . . outlandishly eye-popping kinky boots.

Likewise, every musical needs a signature big number, and thanks to innovative choreography from Tony winner Jerry Mitchell we were treated to "Everybody Say Yeah," which had the agile cast dancing across factory conveyor belts with aplomb.

This fun, feel-good show runs a too-brief-feeling two hours and thirty minutes. It's great, uplifting entertainment!

KINKY BOOTS runs through Sunday at the Orpheum, 203 S. Main. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $20-$100. Info: 901-525-3000 and orpheum-memphis.com.

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