Kinky Boots

The Canadian Cast of Kinky Boots. Photo Credit: Cylla von Tiedemann.

Hot on the heels of six Tony wins and a successful opening in the West End, Kinky Boots kicked off its Toronto premiere in style last night at the Royal Alexandra Theatre—just after the Pride parade.

Based on the film by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, with book by Harvey Fierstein Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the story of Charlie (Graham Scott Fleming) who has inherited his father’s nearly bankrupt shoe factory Price & Son in Northampton, England—a job he didn't sign up for. Trying to save his family business, he finds inspiration—and friendship—in the form of Lola (Alan Mingo Jr.), a larger-than-life drag queen (also known as Simon) with fabulous taste in footwear. The unlikely partners have something in common: each struggles to live up to his father's expectations. Charlie doesn't think he has what it takes to run a shoe factory and Simon's father, a boxer, disowned him for showing up to a match in drag. Together they have the passion to be successful, but Charlie must first learn to open his mind to different possibilities. 

The Toronto production of Kinky Boots boasts a stellar cast, including Vanessa Sears as Charlie's materialistic girlfriend Nicola, Daniel Williston as macho factory worker Don, CBC Over The Rainbow finalist AJ Bridel as Charlie's quirky colleague Lauren. Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell's big musical numbers are a joy to watch, particularly the upbeat "Everybody Say Yeah" at the end of act one and "Raise You Up/Just Be" at the end of act two. Both songs involve brilliant dance sequences by Lola's Angels (Dan Domenech, David Houle, David Lopez, Stewart Adam McKensy, Geoff Stevens and Jesse Weafer), a group of drag performers. Other highlights include Bridel's hilarious rendition of "The History of Wrong Guys," and "Not My Father's Son" performed beautifully by Fleming and Mingo Jr. Lauper's score ranges in style from pop to funk and had the audience up on their feet clapping and cheering in celebration at curtain call.

Featuring dazzling costumes by Gregg Barnes and gorgeous scenic design by David Rockwell, Kinky Boots is the feel-good spectacle of the summer. Inspiring, moving and highly entertaining, this motivational musical spreads a positive message of love and acceptance that is very much in keeping with the times we live in. Catch it while you can.

Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.