By Sheila Barth
BOX INFO: Two-act, popular Broadway musical
hit, appearing at Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St. Route 1N, Ogunquit,
Maine, through October 27. Tickets start at $36; economy seats, $51. ogunquitplayhouse.org,
207-646-5511.
Kick up your heels, stride proudly, walk tall, and enjoy every minute of Ogunquit Playhouse’s spectacular production of “Kinky Boots,” Harvey Fierstein and Cindy Lauper’s popular Broadway musical hit. This is one show you don’t want to miss.
Don’t let the name of the play be off-putting. The musical isn’t about sexual kinkiness. It’s about two contrasting males who share what they perceive as the same shortcoming. They can’t live up to their fathers’ expectations. The main theme, though, is a clarion call for tolerance, love, and accepting people for who they are. The story is based on fact, writes Director-Choreographer Nathan Peck, former dance captain for the Broadway run. Thirty-something Steve Pateman of Northampton, England reluctantly took over his dad’s failing shoe business in the early 2000s. A woman who specialized in the sale of transgender women’s footwear saved Pateman’s business, by joining him and creating glamorous shoes. Their story was highlighted on BBC, and provided the heart of 2005 British film “Kinky Boots,” starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Broadway producer Daryl Roth then contacted Tony winner Jerry Mitchell, who partnered with Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper to create the successful musical stage adaptation that opened on Broadway in 2013, won several more Tony Awards, appeared in seven countries, and garnered more major Best Musical Awards.
What makes it so special?
Everything.
Especially at Ogunquit Playhouse, where every scene and song is memorable. The famous, historic playhouse obtained “Kinky Boots’” original set by David Rockwell and Gregg Barnes’ flashy, eye-popping costumes, including those iconic, thigh-high, glittering, shiny, high heeled red boots. “The sex is in the heel,” the ensemble chants, accompanied by Music Director/Conductor Andrew Bourgoin and Co.
“RED!,” Kyle Taylor Parker screams, punctuating the sexy transgender boots’ magnetism. Parker is outstanding in reprising his Broadway/touring award-winning role of drag performer-diva Lola. And Graham Scott Fleming is endearing as Lola’s foil, twenty-something, small-town, conservative Charlie Price. The two men meet by chance, on a London street, when chivalrous Charlie encounters street scoundrels beating up on a woman, who proves she can take care of herself, but appreciates Charlie’s rescue attempt. She’s Lola, a burly London drag performer, a.k.a., Simon, a professionally trained former boxer.
Charlie’s in London with his ambitious, urban, sophisticated businesswoman fiancé, Nicola (Ashley North), who has big plans for Charlie and her, until Charlie’s dad dies suddenly, forcing Charlie to take over. Their personalities and skin color are different, but Charlie and Lola share the pain of knowing they’re disappointments to their fathers, and they’re struggling to be themselves. Together, they lament, “I’m Not My Father’s Son”.
No matter. Nicola has big plans for she and Charlie. They’ll sell Price and Son’s factory/warehouse to a developer and subdivide it into condos- which Charlie rejects.
Instead, he and flamboyant Lola rejuvenate the business, and Charlie finds support and love with faithful employee Lauren (Maggie McDowell). Lola is challenged in a showdown by surly Price Co. employee Don (Joe Coots), and teaches Don a lesson in true masculinity.
Despite a few jarring moments, plans hum along, especially in the ensemble’s brilliantly choreographed number on a conveyor belt. The triumphant finale brings theatergoers and performers to their feet, reveling in song, “Raise You Up/ Just Be”. For tickets and information, go to: http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/kinky-boots
