SEATTLE — Guys in drag are nothing new in the entertainment world.
The ancient Greek actors dressed as women; the first ballerinas were men.
And while the lead character in the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” is fabulous in drag, the story is more of a feel-good tale about people who survive in troubling economic times, the relationships between fathers and sons, and the Golden Rule.
Through Oct. 26, the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle is hosting a touring production of “Kinky Boots,” which won last year’s Tony award for best musical.
The sets, the lighting, the orchestra, the costumes, the music (by pop star Cyndi Lauper), the choreography (by director Jerry Mitchell) and the story (by actor Harvey Fierstein) are equally as fabulous as the work by the cast.
All the elements come together in the outstanding, energetic number “Everybody Say Yeah” at the close of the first act and in “Raise You Up/Just Be” at the finale.
Wow!
Here’s the plot line:
Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to save the business and live up to his father’s legacy, Charlie considers laying off many of his family’s longtime employees. But, then, inspired by a cross-dressing entertainer named Lola, he ventures on with a new idea to make stiletto-heeled, shiny “kinky” boots. He hires Lola to design the boots and the factory begins to turn around. In the process, Charlie, Lola and the factory staff find out that they have much more in common than their first instincts allowed.
The brilliant Kyle Taylor Parker, a member of the original Broadway cast of “Kinky Boots,” struts his/her stuff as Lola, the singer and dancer, and is touching as Simon, the son of a man who does not accept Lola. One of the highlights of the musical is Parker’s “Not My Father’s Son,” a song with a sentiment that Charlie shares.
Playing Charlie is Steven Booth, whose credits include a national tour of “Happy Days” as the lovable Richie Cunningham. Booth has a wonderful voice and one of the better British accents in the cast.
The tough, macho factory guy named Don is performed by stage and TV actor Joe Coots. His entrance in the musical’s finale is worth the wait.
“Hairspray” veteran Lindsay Nicole Chambers just about steals the show with her comic portrayal of Lauren, the sweet, young factory employee with a crush on Charlie.
Basically, the show is just a lot of fun.
Oh, and, either before the curtain or at intermission, be sure to take a selfie photo with one of the Lola understudies stationed by the souvenir table in the lobby.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
“Kinky Boots” runs through Oct. 26 at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave. Tickets at www.5thavenue.org or by calling 206-625-1900.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
