I had the pleasure of viewing The Tony Award winning Broadway Musical Kinky Boots at the Durham Performing Arts Center on opening night. To give you a little background on this musical it is based on the Miramax Motion Picture Kinky Boots. Geoff Deane and Tim Firth wrote the motion picture, with music by Cyndi Lauper. Kinky Boots the musical was written by Harvey Fierstein and directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.
Kinky Boots tells the heartfelt story of two very different individuals who seem to have nothing in common. Charlie and Simon also known as Lola are the two main characters. Charlie’s goal is to save his family business from dying while Lola is an entertainer who ironically inspires Charlie’s Idea that saves his family business.
As I watched this beautiful story unfold there were many things that stood out to me. One of the biggest things to grab my attention was the stage production itself. The smooth scene transitions and the scenery were flawless. I was able to follow the story and stay engaged along with the stage presence of the phenomenal actors. Secondly, the musical numbers performed were super catchy and though we did not know all the words I know I’m not the only one who found myself wanting to sing along.
Lola and her Angels captured the hearts of the audience. Lola brought life to Northampton in my opinion. She was an eye opener in many aspects which brings me to the last and most important contribution to this musical. Life lessons and lessons learned. Throughout this piece there were a variety of lessons taught. Following your dreams and letting go of those who have no faith in your dreams, Friendship alongside Acceptance being the number one lesson.
Accepting yourself, accepting others, and accepting your situation for what it is. This in my opinion is where it hit home for, if not all then most of us. I personally could relate to not feeling like I belong sometimes and Lola is a perfect example of perseverance. Overall this was a wonderful performance, I wouldn’t hesitate to be the first to watch it again. Kinky Boots will be playing at DPAC until Sunday September 18th.
Disclosure: Contributing writer Briana Snipes received two comp tickets for Kinky Boots in order to facilitate her review of this incredible Broadway Musical.