Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage for KINKY BOOTS at the Orpheum Theatre This Month

Although kinky boots are de rigueur in San Francisco and certainly nothing to elicit even the slighted raised eyebrow or even a second look, Kinky Boots, the Tony award winning Broadway musical of 2013, is most definitely worth a second, third and even fourth look. Stilettoes stilettos

This uplifting, heartwarming and exhilarating musical is the creative brainchild of Broadway and Rock and Roll royalty - you can't get much better than that! Four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein wrote the delectable book and rock diva Cyndi Lauper wrote the joyous, Tony-winning score for Kinky Boots, which, believe it or not, was inspired by a true story! Kinky Boots is high-stepping its way to San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre, Now thru December 28.

About the story: Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

We invite you to join the sold-out audiences who've discovered that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out! So, as Lola would say, "Ladies, gentlemen and those who are yet to make up your mind, let's get ready for Kinky Boots!"

"Kinky" things to do in San Francisco to get ready for the show - even before you strut into the actual theater!

Life's a Drag - and we couldn't be more thrilled! Looking for an amazing drag show in the City to get you hyped up for Kinky Boots? For an upscale experience, you must try the Supper Club on Harrison - and don't be surprised if you fall into bed there - because the venue is filled with them! There's also AsiaSF which also has fantastic Asian Fusion food. For something a little more on the "naughty" side, you might try Aunt Charlie's Lounge in the Tenderloin. It's a bit more dicey, but Aunt Charlie's is an institution. These three diva hotspots have sensational drag queen performances and amazing drink menus. So kick off your shoes and slip on some heels and God save the Queen!

Sex Is In The Heel - Ever dreamed of having that extra spark that makes a diva a diva? You don't have to put on four inch lashes, a handmade wig or sexy stilettos in order to find your inner diva. Just try these diva-esque shops and become that inner you that you've always wanted to be! Foot Worship on Sutter St. is the place to go in San Francisco if you are looking for that perfect pair of knee-high or thigh-high boots. You will truly turn heads at the theatre in some of their amazing footwear. (415) 921-3668. Thigh-high not your style? Try Bulo in the Haight for some more moderate heels that will still have that derriere up in the air! They have some great boots that you are sure to love.

Piedmont Boutique in the Haight is a fantabulous drag shop where you can find everything that you need to show off in true diva fashion! There is no way you can miss this boutique. You'll recognize it by its iconic and quite massive fish net covered legs with stunning red heels sticking out of the side of the building.

Make-up By Mark in the Castro is the place to go if you want to dazzle your fellow audience members with a bit of pizazz. Get a touch of the diva with Mark's amazing make-up creations that will leave you wanting more.

Have that favorite pair of shoes that you just can't live without? Galletti Shoe Repair right off of Market has been fixing shoes to perfection for years and they have only received rave reviews. Get that perfect shoe ready for a perfect night! (415) 398-5474

What to watch for from Nick: I've seen some wonderful drag shows here in the city, but they are usually lipsync numbers. It will be great to see amazing divas sing and dance their hearts out in stunning stilettos. I'm also eager to see the larger-than-life personalities created by Harvey Fierstein and to hear Lauper's song "Soul of a Man. If I'm not laughing, crying and clapping my way through Kinky Boots, then I'm going to be disappointed!

What to watch for from Linda: O-M-G the choreography - that's what I'm watching for! Choreographer Jerry Mitchell is absolutely one of my favorites and I can just imagine the dirty looks and scowls he got from his performers when they first began to rehearse these high-stepping numbers. The conveyer belt dance ("Everybody Say Yeah") is said to be one of the best in Broadway history and I'll be watching with a bit of fear as the angel divas do their thing - in stiletto heels and thigh high Kinky Boots. (Other number to watch: "The Land of Lola!") Lauper's score is a difficult sing, so I'll be listening for singers to hit the high notes with sass, and caress the lower register with some sexy bravado! And we're all set to take in Costume Designer Gregg Barnes exquisite work - did someone say Kinky Boots?

Hodges & Hodges hope to see you there! If you see us, come by and say "hi!"

KINKY BOOTS

December 2-28

Book by Harvey Fierstein

Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchel

The SHN Orpheum Theatre

www.shnsf.com

Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy.