Feature: Top 10 Reasons to see Broadway in Orlando's KINKY BOOTS

Ok Broadway fans, the next Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando show is coming and it is arguably the most anticipated show of the season. The Tony Award winning Broadway hit KINKY BOOTS struts it way to the Dr. Phillips Center stage a week from now (February 23rd through 28th) and it's time for a refresher about why we're so excited to see this show. Here are my top ten reasons to be see KINKY BOOTS:

1. This show is still running on Broadway. So many times touring companies make it to Orlando after the show has closed on Broadway. So it's like we're talking about and getting excited about shows well after they've already been "a thing." The current Broadway cast has Wayne Brady as it's leading lady-man Lola. Our touring cast has J. Harrison Ghee as Lola. Ghee seems to fit more naturally in this role than Brady, so it should be a treat to see him perform as Lola. Check out this interview J. Harrison Ghee did with BroadwayWorld Austin.

2. Living away from New York, it is the Tony Award nominations that keeps me up-to-date with the hottest shows of the year. KINKY BOOTS debuted on Broadway three years ago winning six Tony Awards including the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography. You may recall that the 2013 Tony had some stiff competition with MATILDA, CINDERELLA and PIPPIN among the pack of nominees. Despite all this, KINKY BOOTS won the Tonys and other critic awards, thus solidifying it as a show not to be missed.

3. If you ask anyone who has seen the show (I have not seen the show yet, but I consulted people who have), they tell me that it's the music that is the first amazing element of the show. Music and lyrics for KINKY BOOTS were composed by 1980's legend Cyndi Lauper. When the cast album debuted it appeared as number one on Billboard's cast albums chart and number 51 on the regular Billboard 200 chart. Lauper even won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The music is described as rousing, feel-good and upbeat. Some of my favorite songs include: "Sex is in the Heel," "Everybody Say Yeah," and the finale "Raise You Up."

4. It's based on a true story. The musical KINKY BOOT is based off a British film of the same name. Both claim to have origins of being inspired by true events. So to the internet I turned. The real story took place in an English town called Northamptonshire, known for its shoe factories. While many shoe factories succumbed to the changing economy, WJ Brooks LTD. did not, due to its entrepreneuring young leader Steve Pateman. Unfortunately, the factor stopped producing its line of Divine Footwear in 2000 and does not appear to have recovered.

5. As I mentioned earlier the musical is based on a 2005 British film. The film was written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. Both gentlemen have backgrounds in writing music. The film received mixed reviews due to its following of the standard British comedy plot. Speaking of writers, KINKY BOOTS the musical was written by the venerable Harvey Fierstein. Fierstein is obviously no stranger to the stage. Did you know that he also wrote the book for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, NEWSIES (musical), and most recently THE WIZ LIVE? And of course Fierstein originated the role of Edna Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY. So with those credentials of course KINKY BOOTS is going to be entertaining.

6. The plot itself has several themes that allows the story to resonate with a variety of people. While the show touches on topics like transgenderism and sexy footwear, which may be difficult for some parents to explain to their children, there are also themes like accepting others, expressing kindness and dealing with bullies. These are lessons that we all need refreshers on every now and again. Overall the show is a feel-good comedy that leaves audiences feeling moved in some way, positive and happy.

7. Glittery Red Boots and other fabulous footwear. As a woman, I can't resist. Seeing the production photos, the shoes looks incredible. Seeing men in those shoes makes me giggle with delight. It's hard enough to walk around in heels. I can't even imagine dancing in boots that go thigh high. It all promises to be a highly entertaining show.

8. So we've got a great story and some great music. Now we add in the choreography and direction from Jerry Mitchell and we have a can't miss musical. Jerry Mitchell is a Broadway choreography superstar with notable productions under his belt like: HAIRSPRAY, LEGALLY BLONDE, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and so many more. I'm a sucker for full company rousing dance numbers and KINKY BOOTS seems to have a couple of these. I'm excited.

9. Convincing men in drag. As I mentioned earlier, Wayne Brady is starring as Lola on Broadway. He doesn't look great in drag. J. Harrison Ghee definitely fits the role better. In Orlando we have a number of locations like Hamburger Mary's, Parliament House that are well known establishments for its drag entertainment. So needless to say, we Orlando people can see right through a drag performance that isn't great. Our standard is high and I bet this touring production of KINKY BOOTS will meet those expectations.

10. Who doesn't want to leave the theater feeling great? The show's marketing copy has a line that really resonated with me. It's the idea that if you change your mind, you can change your world. KINKY BOOTS is a story about compassion and friendship told through music and dance. If all the hype about this show is true, then I can't wait to see it.

Tickets are already hard to come by, but you never know. KINKY BOOTS runs at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts February 23 - February 28 at various times. For tickets and more information visit www.drphillipscenter.org.

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Have you already seen KINKY BOOTS? Let me know what you think of the show in the comments below!

Header Photo Credit: Kinky Boots National Touring Company. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

Content Photo Credit: Kinky Boots National Touring Company. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

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