Inspired by actual events, Kinky Boots is an uplifting tale of acceptance and forgiveness set to music and punctuated by dance.
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
Kinky Boots, The Story
Charlie Price was born into his family’s shoe-making business and, as often happens, is expected to take over when his dad hands over the reins. But that time came early and unexpectedly, and now the responsibility of running a shoe factory falls firmly on his shoulders. Charlie soon finds out that the business is less than solvent.
Faced with tough choices, Charlie decides to change the product. Men’s shoes are not selling, so with the help of a Drag Queen, Charlie makes plans to manufacture and sell women’s shoes for men, and Kinky Boots are born. Now remember this is based on actual events, with some embellishment.
There is a lot of glitter, glam, and a whole lot of sole, as a group of drag queens help get the new boots to market. This proves to be a challenge that only teamwork can overcome. As the new boots are created, many of the people involved in the process discover who they really are.
Based on a book by Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots is a fabulous ride that will leave you laughing and bring you moments of pure emotion.
Here are Some Photos from Kinky Boots
The Performances
As with any production, the cast brings life to the characters and breathes life into the story. Bruka’s production of Kinky Boots has a cast that you will fall in love with. Dynamic characters deserve dynamic actors, and you will see just that.
Kinky Boots has an excellent ensemble cast, with two lead actors who are forces of nature.
Michael Davanzo plays Charlie Price, the son expected to step into his dad’s shoes. Davanzo brings the emotion of a man at the crossroads of life to the character of Charlie Price. The audience can feel Price’s dilemma, should he take the safe path or listen to his heart and create the life he deserves that he never knew possible. We have seen Davanzo portraying many characters in many roles, and he always knocks it out of the park. His performance in Kinky Boots is one of his best yet.
The role of Lola, the hardened Drag Queen with a heart of gold, is played by John Paul Rivard. As you would expect, the role of Lola is a bigger-than-life role, and Rivard is absolutely perfect for playing Lola. John Paul Rivard is a powerful talent; from directing to performing, Rivard is pure joy to watch on stage.
Bottom Line
Kinky Boots is a fun and emotional story with performances you will not want to miss. You will walk away feeling hopeful that any challenge can be overcome if you follow your heart and be true to yourself.
Be sure to get your tickets now, as this will be a sold-out run.
Kinky Boots
You Change the World When You Change Your Mind
Written by: Harvey Fierstein Music and Lyrics by Cindy Lauper
CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
GEORGE, played by ALEXANDRIA PAULETTO
MR PRICE/SID/HOOLIGAN, played by RODNEY HURST
YOUNG CHARLIE, played by BAY EATON
TAMZEN/MILAN STAGE MANAGER, played by ELIZABETH HODGDON
KERRY/HARRY, played by CHARLIE CHAPPELL
MARGE/ANGEL UNDERSTUDY, played by BELLA MASON
GAELEN/BARTENDER / ANGEL UNDERSTUDY, played by JEN FLYNN
LAUREN, played by KELSEY MATO
PAT, played by HANNAH SAGE SLOAN
DON, played by JAYTON NEWBURY
DEWIE/RICHARD BAILEY, played by CHRISTOPHER ROSS
YOUNG LOLA/ANGEL, played by THOMAS CRUZ
TRISH, played by ROBIN SOLI
CHARLIE PRICE, played by MICHAEL DAVANZO
NICOLA/VOCAL CAPTAIN, played by KRISTINA WORTHLEY
LOLA, played by JOHN PAUL RIVARD
ANGEL/DANCE CAPTAIN, played by STEPHEN MOORE
ANGEL, played by JOHN WADE
ANGEL, played by TOM CRUZ
ANGEL, played by AJ CLOPTON
ANGEL, played by JAYMES ESCOBEDO
CREATIVES & CREW
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, MARY BENNETT
CHOREOGRAPHER/CO-DIRECTOR, ALEXANDER BIBER
MUSIC DIRECTOR, BILL QUINBY
CONDUCTOR, LIAM QUINBY
STAGE MANAGER, KAITLYNN COOPER
ASST STAGE MANAGER, ROSE SAMBRANO
ASM\DRESSER, RILEY MCKINNLEY
COSTUME DESIGNER, DEBORAH MORRISON
SET DESIGN, LEWIS ZAUMEYER
SOUND OPERATION & LIGHTING DESIGN, DAVID SIMPSON
LIGHT OPERATIONS, JESSEY RICHARDS
PERSONA ADVISOR & DRAG COACH, MISS GINGER DIVINE
FACILITY & EMOTIONAL FLUFFER, RACHAEL GOTTAS
Bruka Theatre has partnered with OUR CENTER to help with outreach for the LGBTQ+ community.
Check out Our Centers website to learn more about this vital community resource.
Kinky Boots plays June 23, 24, 28 (PWYC), 29, 30, July 1, 6, 7, 8, 12 (A), 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 2023. Sunday Matinees: July 2 & July 16* @ 2:00 PM
*Followed by a talk-back with the company
Senior/Student/Military $29 General Tickets $33 All Tickets $35 at the Door
A = Artist Night $20 All Tickets PWYC = Pay What You Can = $5 minimum
THE KINKY BOOTS ONLINE TICKET LINK: https://www.bruka.org/boxoffice
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