ORLANDO –Whether you’ve already seen the smash Broadway hit Kinky Boots or are new to it, I think you’ll still feel wowed by the Orlando Shakes production, which meets one of the sternest tests of reviving a big hit: get your casting right.
Anthony Festa as failing shoe factory heir Charlie Price and Jos N. Banks as drag show diva Lola couldn’t possibly have delivered more captivating performances; there’s a fantastic contrast between Charlie, desperately seeking a way to revive his ailing factory, and Lola, the London drag performer who thinks he knows just what that factory should be producing, which makes the show enormous fun.
Both men have instantly likable traits and blatant warts, and their often uneasy collaboration to produce the world’s ultimate kinky boots is a riot. By the show’s uplifting ending, you’ll be ready to slip into those cherry red kinky boots yourself and hit the dance floor.
What is the Musical Kinky Boots?
Orlando Shakes decided to end their current season with a bang, producing the hit show by playwright Harvey Fierstein with songs by Cyndi Lauper as their grand season finale … not knowing that by the time the production opened, Florida would be thrust into an ugly culture wars battle over drag shows, with the Florida Legislature voting to revoke the food and beverage licenses of businesses that allow children to watch drag performances. So much for free speech rights for drag performers, and it’s noteworthy that Orlando Shakes, which has been operating for decades, suddenly felt the need to hire security during this show’s run in the event that anti-drag activists might target it.
No one did during Saturday’s performance, but it is significant that the audience packed into the show like sardines in a tiny can was roaring with enthusiasm and excitement by the play’s rousing ending. Is the state truly certain that we all live in terror of drag shows?
What did Orlando Shakes Get Right About Kinky Boots?
The audience had good reason to cheer so emphatically during the final curtain call. The production’s attributes are many, and its faults are virtually non-existent. From the moment that Charlie, who is ready to give his workers two weeks notice as the factory prepares to shut down, meets the exuberant Lola (whose real name offstage is Simon), both their lives change course radically. Charlie needs to produce shoes that people want to buy, and Lola is convinced there’s a market for red boots that are sexy and make a statement. Charlie brings Lola on to help produce those kinky boots, but alas Lola is truly a fish out of water in a factory located in a blue collar city not known for sharing London’s progressive social values.
Or is he?
Along the way there are conflicts and confrontations, many of them very funny, some touching and poignant, and others quite sad, including Lola’s performance in front of the very ill father who had disowned him years ago. The end epitomizes the term crowd pleaser and should leave even the grouchiest anti-drag activist feeling upbeat. This production has a lot of heart and soul, and you won’t resent at all how often it tugs at your own heartstrings.
Festa and Banks seem so perfect in their roles and deliver such commanding performances that it almost seems like a two man show, but there are other charming performances to enjoy, including Kelly Felthous as Lauren, the factory worker who secretly loves Charlie, and Zach Nadolski as Don, another blue collar factory worker who resents Lola but later finds his own value system being significantly challenged.
The show has all the trademark strengths of the best Orlando Shakes productions: gorgeous sets, a superb ensemble cast of talented singers and actors, expert fast pacing by director Joseph Walsh and eye-popping choreography by James Tuuao. Massive kudos also go to costume designer Gregg Barnes for some truly spectacular outfits, especially by Lola and her Angels.
Everyone should see this upbeat show about being true to who you are before its ends. This is a fabulous anecdote to today’s sour culture wars.
Where Can I See Kinky Boots?
Kinky Boots runs through Sunday, April 30 in the Margeson Theater at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater , 812 E. Rollins St. in Loch Haven Park. Call 407-447-1700 for tickets.
The first act runs for 75 minutes, and the second act is 55 minutes with a 20 minute intermission. The Orlando Shakes has a special Kinky Kolada drink during this show’s run.
Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian during the show, and children under 5 are not admitted.Learn more here.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright, and author of the book A Christmas Eve Story. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
