Review: KINKY BOOTS at Blue Square Interpark Hall- Let's get KINKY Seoul!

Two shiny red boots with a 6-inch heel and the message, "You can change the world when you change your mind" are the two things that pop up in my head when hearing the word. Kinky Boots. With a successful first premiere in 2014, the show has returned for its third performance in Korea.

Kinky Boots is a story about a young man named Charlie Price who suddenly inherits his father's shoe factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy. In order to save the factory, he looks for a niche market and gets inspired by Lola who is in need of sturdy stilettos. During their journey of preparing for the Milan Fashion show, the two realize that they have more in common and learn an important lesson that once you change your mind, you can change the world.

As having double/triple casts is common in Korea, it was the same for Kinky Boots. For the role of Charlie Price, original actor from the second performance, Hoyoung Kim was joined with two new actors, Kanghyun Park and Seokhoon Lee. Meanwhile, for the role of charming Lola, also an original actor from the second performance, Sunghwa Jung returned and was joined by Jaelim Choi. The actors for Don and Lauren were the same as the last performance and a new Nicola was played by Eunyoung Ko. Also, the charming angels were played by all different actors except for one person.

The cast for the show I watched, Charlie was played by Kanghyun Park and Lola was played by Jaelim Choi. Having seen both actors in different shows, their performance was eagerly anticipated. Kanghyun Park, who was a nominee for Best Newcomer in the 2nd Annual Korea Musical Awards, definitely did a good job in portraying the naïve character of Charlie. Using full capacity of his singing skills, he managed to cover each of the solos with ease. His change of approach toward Charlie in different situations was clearly shown, overall giving the audience a clear picture of how Charlie's attitude changes. Jaelim Choi who performed as Lola used every aspect of his charm to capture the image of Lola. He is powerful yet elegant and clearly a talented performer as he grasps the audience's attention in both as a drag queen or not. His harmony with Angels during "Land of Lola" was on dot and his performance during "Everybody Say Yeah" was much more powerful and definitely show-stopping.

Most of the numbers of Kinky Boots are powerful and exciting, however, "Everybody Say Yeah" led by Charlie and Lola, performed with Angels and the whole ensemble was a show-stopping number. It was not only powerful but vibrant and really just expressed much optimistic feeling. Not only that, compared to the second performance, some numbers had different settings which gave a more big impact. For example, extra lights were added for this year's performance of 'Land of Lola', and it clearly gave a more strong image and overall emphasis on the captivating performance of Lola and the Angels.

In a world full of hate and discrimination, Kinky Boots is a musical that can inspire people and give them an opportunity to learn how to understand others, a life lesson that is so necessary and important. Don't miss this opportunity to see a wonderful show with a powerful message that will warm your heart from the overture to the curtain call. A tip to enjoy the curtain call is to purchase a glowing ring from the merchandise desk for 2,000 won. Turn the light on during the curtain call and dance along with the actors, your fun and excitement will increase!

The third performance of Kinky Boots will play at Blue Square Interpark Hall until April 1st. Tickets start at 60,000 won and can be purchased at the ticket box and online at www.interparkglobal.com. Be sure to check the cast prior to buying the tickets.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/cj musical.

Photo credit: CJ musical