Everybody “Say Yeah” for the exuberant production of Kinky Boots, playing at A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) through June 16. The musical, based on a true story and the 2005 film of the same name, boasts a well-fashioned book by Harvey Fierstein and a bubbly, hook-laden score by pop star Cyndi Lauper. While the show is steeped in the musical-comedy genre, it does address serious themes of acceptance, tolerance and choosing one’s path in life.
Charlie Price has reluctantly taken over the family shoe manufacturing business after the unexpected death of his father. Unfortunately, cheap imports have been the death knell for the industry. With the Northampton company on the brink of bankruptcy, Charlie has a chance meeting with Lola, a drag queen, while on a trip to London. During their encounter he notices her high-heeled boots are not designed for a man’s weight. Back at the factory, as he begins to lay off long-time employees, one of the female workers scolds him for giving up and not coming up with a different line of footwear that can address the needs of an underserved niche market. Charlie thinks back to the boot problem and very quickly, and now with Lola’s help, the idea of a sturdier “Kinky Boot” is born. The pathway to success, however, is not an easy or assured one. There are bumps in the road to producing the new product as tempers flare, intolerance rears its ugly head, and relationships suffer. In the end, however, all the kinks and seemingly insurmountable hurdles are overcome as kinky boots become a worldwide sensation.
Director Nathan Peck, working alongside Scenic Designer Daniel C. Levine’s detailed, versatile set, has crafted a show that is full of high-spirited, energetic moments. Doubling as the show’s choreographer, Peck delivers dance routines that are dynamic and athletic – primarily for Lola’s backing group, The Angels. He has also helmed production numbers, involving the entire cast, that are innovative and thrilling, such as the rousing Act I finale, “Everybody Say Yeah,” that incorporates a stage full of conveyor belts. The Director effectively integrates the lively moments of the musical with scenes of heartfelt passion and introspection by the two central characters, Lola and Charlie. The effect is a well-rounded, highly entertaining stage musical.
Harvey Fierstein’s libretto is breezy, with fully realized characters and well-developed plot points. He punctuates the book with a non-preachy approach to themes of broadmindedness and strength. Cyndi Lauper’s score, her first Broadway effort, is a triumph. There are numerous uplifting tunes and songs that define characters and their motivations. Her composition “The History of Wrong Guys” is a comedic masterpiece, aptly delivered by actress Chelsea Zeno.
The show is ideally cast. Topher J. Babb’s portrayal of Lola is perfectly balanced between over-the-top histrionics, a healthy dollop of sass, and, most importantly, a genuine sense of vulnerability. Andrew Cekala’s boyish Charlie Price convincingly grows from a wide-eyed business neophyte to self-assured, take charge company director.
The featured performers significantly elevate the production. Most notable are Chelsea Zeno as Lauren, a Price & Sons employee who vacillates between self-confidence and indecision; and Nickolaus Colon, who imbues the oafish Don with a roguish sensibility and a persona up for the changes and challenges Lola and company bring to the firm. I was very impressed with the actors comprising The Angels. The performers – Gregory Carl Banks Jr., Tyler Keller, Ty Koeller, Kaimana Neil, Pablo Pernia, and Joey Socci – were delightfully engaging, full of humorous antics, and commanded the stage whenever they were present. Their vigorous dance moves were a consistent high point of the show. They were also the beneficiaries of Kurt Alger’s outlandish, yet wholly appropriate Costume and Wig Designs.
Kinky Boots, a winning production to end ACT’s 6th season. Click here for information on dates, times, and ticket information.
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