SCHENECTADY – Not all plays have titles that perfectly prepare you for what you are going to experience.
“Kinky Boots,” the Tony Award-winning musical that is at Proctors Theater in Schenectady through Sunday is one of those shows. Unless you’ve seen the 2005 film of the same name – it’s doubtful you’ll realize this is a show about acceptance, understanding others and letting go of personal prejudices.
The “Kinky Boots” of the title refers to special boots made by a desperate shoe manufacturer in order to save a business that cannot compete against inexpensive mass-produced products.
When Charlie’s father dies unexpectedly he inherits the business he never wanted and is faced with the task of saving the jobs of the loyal workers. One of whom, Lauren, berates him to find a niche market in which the company can compete and survive
When Charlie meets Lola a female impersonator in search of strong stiletto shoes – the market reveals itself. Before long the factory is filled with dancing drag queens, Lola becomes the head designer, Lauren realizes she has a crush on her boss and Charlie learns escape his father’s shadow.
“Kinky Boots” tries to make a lot points about respecting yourself, being your own person and dealing with parent-child expectations. Indeed only by the thinnest of margins does it escape being a morality play wrapped as entertainment.
But never fear, at its core “Kinky Boots” is solid entertainment and fun. The production has energy to spare. The set is fantastic and costumes glitter while the boots get their own round of applause at the finale. There are several production numbers that light up the house including “Sex is in the Heel” sung when the girls take over the factory and “Everybody Say Yeah,” which closes the first act.
What helps elevate the show is the pop score by Cyndi Lauper. Though the lyrics lack sophistication, the music is upbeat and catchy. There are a couple of ballads that support the show’s more gentle numbers. The duet “Not My Father’s Son” sung by Charlie and Lola is tender and Lola’s diva moment, “Hold Me in Your Heart”, stops the show as intended.
Indeed, the show doesn’t scrimp on sentiment. There are cuddly numbers galore and enough sentimental scenes are included to enforce the message that odd is in the eye of the beholder. Dan, the good bad guy, says it all when he states ‘You change the world when you change your mind.” And if you haven’t guessed it by now, it has a happy, uplifting ending.
The entire cast is perfect but it is the performance by Kyle Taylor Parker that stands out. He is both funny and endearing as Lola, a man who’s flip attitude disguises a needy soul. Because of his work you cannot help falling in love with the character and the show. He will be taking over the role on Broadway for the summer. It’s a well-deserved promotion for this outstanding performer.
“Kinky Boots,” plays at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady through Sunday. For tickets and schedule information call 518-346-6204 or go to proctors.org.
Bob Goepfert is the arts editor for the Troy Record.
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