REVIEW: KINKY BOOTS

With music and lyrics originally composed by Cyndi Lauper it’s no wonder Kinky Boots was a hit on Broadway and hence now makes its way Down Under.

Kinky Boots is about transgender issues in a shoe factory that needs to be relevant to stay in business. “Lola” a transgender person played by Toby Francis is a sensational lead character who breathes life into a failing shoe factory, Price and Son in Northampton, England.

Through Lola’s outrageous personality, exuberant determination and persistence, Price and Son take their factory from the brink of failure to a roaring success.

Lola demonstrates to the factory owner and staff that their old way of manufacturing shoes no longer works in a changing world and inspires them to change, because no women or man wants to buy ugly shoes. Lola’s vision brings to life “Kinky Boots…the sex is in the heel…”

Lola’s character, the star throughout the show, takes you on an emotional ride by singing various songs with faultless vocals and character performances. Hold Me In Your Heart the standout ballad.

The cast was vibrant with the energetic blend of drag queens and ordinary factory workers making for an upbeat colourful very funny musical production.

Kinky Boots sends a strong message about the reality of what happens to people when they are so different in appearance or thinking to the norm and the emotional courage and strength required to gain acceptance for who they are.

Kinky Boots is a Triumph.

Until July 23, Various performance times. Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell St, Haymarket. $60-$170+b.f. Tickets & Info: http://www.capitoltheatre.com.au/kinky-boots/

Reviewed by Lynda Wehipeihana, Music Executive.