Kinky Boots – John W. Engeman Theater – Theatre Review

By Jessica Kennedy.

Attention ladies, gentlemen, and those who have yet to make up their minds, Kinky Boots opened at the John W. Engeman in Northport theater this weekend! Directed by Igor Goldin and running through July 3rd, this feel-good musical is a must see!

Based on a 2005 British film by the same name written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Kinky Boots was adapted for Broadway in 2013; the play received 13 nominations and 6 Tony wins, including Best Score and Best Musical. The music by Cyndi Lauper is delightful with lyrics that are both fun and emotional. The play’s main plot line follows the story of Charlie Price (Zach Hess) as he attempts to escape his life’s trajectory as a 4th generation shoemaker, only to find himself responsible for his father’s factory and its motley crew of employees when his father passes away. The business is close to bankruptcy, and Charlie would rather run off to London with his beautiful fiancee Nicola (Sofie Flores); however, he finds himself unable to simply give the business up. An unlikely encounter with a captivating drag queen by the name of Lola (Omari Collins) sets Charlie on a path that will challenge him to finally accept himself and his destiny.

I had seen this musical prior to last night’s performance, so I had an expectation as to what the show would offer. However, I was not expecting the performance to be as wonderfully hysterical as it is! The characters are genuine and endearing, yet I found the actors’ portrayals to be wildly funny and profoundly human. Omari Collins as Lola is captivating. His vocals are simply stunning, especially when accompanied by the powerful voice of Zach Hess as Charlie Price. Their rendition of “I’m Not My Father’s Son” was one of my favorite songs of the night. The Angels wowed in each of their appearances with great vocals and fun, flirty choreography by Natalie Malotke. Edward Juvier’s version of George is more playful than I’ve previously seen, but it is a great compliment to the atmosphere created by the other workers, including the charming Pat (Kristen Kane) and the adorably cloddish Trish (Suzanne Mason). Lily Kaufmann’s portrayal of Lauren is as witty as it is charming, and her rendition of “The History of Wrong Guys” had me laughing out loud! All the levity of the surrounding cast made Demetrio Alomar’s Don seem all the more rigid and brutish; the juxtaposition of his character and those around him leads up to a satisfying- and sexy- finale! So whether your footwear is classic or kinky, come and enjoy this exhilarating show and its gifted cast!

Running time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Kinky Boots will be playing at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport until July 3. For directions, tickets and current entrance requirements click here: http://www.engemantheater.com.