The Cast

Charlie Price (Steven Booth) is inheriting his father's shoe factory in Northampton, England. It is failing and he doesn't know quite what to do since Price & Sons does not especially thrill him. He will meet Lola (Kyle Taylor Parker) in a bar. This person happens to be a cross-dressing drag queen who has her group of dancers or "angels." Otherwise, Charlie would have ditched the family business and taken up with fiancée, attractive Nicola (Grace Stockdale.) He was ready to lay off workers, including Lauren (Lindsay Nicole Chambers) who offers him some advice. She also delivers the fine and telling number, "The History of Wrong Guys." His interface with Lauren serves to prompt Charlie and in a reprise of "Land of Lola" (performed by Lola and the Angels), he asks Lola to assist him in creating a woman's boot that can also work for a man. This footwear is appropriate for men who dress as women. Charlie had designed a boot but not to Lola's satisfaction so she leads the tune "Sex is in the Heel."

Charlie and Lola also have a common thread they share from earlier times in their lives. Each had a troubled relationship with a father and thus they sing "Not My Father's Son." Later, Charlie provides a telling version of "Soul of a Man." During the second act, it is clear that not everyone in the factory is responsive to the new idea for a product. Don (Joe Coots) is a hefty foreman type and he can intimidate. Eventually, Nicola comes to the factory and it is clear that she and Charlie are a couple no longer. As the plot moves along, "In This Corner" becomes pivotal.

The storyline continues to evolve and leads to the finale, "Raise You Up/Just Be," a galvanizing winner. Cliched as it might sound, the entire company lifts and releases everyone's spirits (those on stage and watching) with rousing song and dance. Call it unfettered joy!

Parker is a superbly versatile Lola. Having been an Angel in the Broadway production and understudy for Lola, Parker had the opportunity to take that role a few times in New York. Now he now shines on tour. Effective with his songs, the actor is a fine complement for Charlie. In that role, Booth must follow the character's development and path. He understands that he has made a mistake or two. Lindsay Nicole Chambers' sweet yet sharp Lauren moves Charlie in a different and key direction. Don, played by Joe Coots, is not one to easily like Charlie but that changes.

David Rockwell's enticing set moves the audience from the factory and then to a bar. The scenes continue to shift. Gregg Barnes has a glittering array of costumes: see Laura and the angels.

The show boasts Lauper's pop rock and very much uplifting score. Fierstein's book amplifies themes of the film and the result is a musical celebrating the value of struggle, with positive conclusions. The musical might not be profound; nor is it frivolous. Kinky Boots, as a totality, unfolds as an emerging large personality—which continues to grow as it avoids stagnation and, instead, is filled with life. "Wow" is an apt description for the floor to wherever red boots.

Early during the first act, the exposition needs time to be presented; this sets up the final two thirds of the production. The shift is notable when the musical rapidly switches gears and flies forward. That this is all drawn from a true story makes it even better. The touring troupe continues to perform with zest which permeates throughout a large performance hall.

Kinky Boots runs at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, Connecticut through June 28th, 2015. For tickets, call (860) 987-5900 or visit bushnell.org. For more information on the tour, visit kinkybootsthemusical.com.

Photo: Matthew Murphy

- Fred Sokol