AN UPBEAT, HIGH-HEELED HIT! KINKY BOOTS PLAYS ACT OF CT NOW THROUGH JUNE 16
By Kiersten Bjork (May 25, 2024)
Kinky Boots, currently playing at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut (ACT of CT) in Ridgefield, is an electric evening of theatre that celebrates being human. Filled with high-energy songs and impressive dance numbers, it has a fantastic message, reminding audiences to “just be who you wanna be, never let em tell you who you ought to be,” to “accept yourself and you’ll accept others too,” and that “you change the world when you change your mind.”
Kinky Boots, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, is based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name. It’s the story of Charlie Price, the next in line in a long line of shoemakers at “Price & Son,” as he finds himself in charge of a factory that he wanted no part in running. Forced to figure out how to save the struggling factory in order to save the friends and honorary family who work there, Charlie realizes that there may be more to the factory and the relationships he has there than he originally thought. When Charlie finds himself in need of a niche market to save the factory, enter Lola – drag queen and performing powerhouse who might be just what Charlie needs to change the fate of Price and Son, and change the way he sees the world and those around him. Kinky Boots is full of laughs, love, and joy, mixed in with all of the pain, sadness, and insecurities that life throws your way. Featuring a catchy score with songs such as “The History of Wrong Guys,” “Everybody Say Yeah,” and “Soul of a Man,” you’ll be on your feet clapping and dancing along by the end of the killer finale, “Raise You Up/Just Be”!
Kinky Boots is directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck, with music direction by Matthew Stephens. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The direction and choreography employed throughout the show are incredibly dynamic – and much is in line with the original Broadway production. The iconic treadmill choreography is on full display in “Everybody Say Yeah” and really wowed the audience with the sheer physicality and skill of the performers. One interesting thing about this production is that there is no “Young Charlie” and “Young Lola” used – in previous productions that I have seen, child actors have portrayed these two roles in the opening number, but in ACT of CT’s production, the performer playing Charlie as an adult gave us a moment of Young Charlie, but there was no Young Lola. I’m curious as to the reason behind this – perhaps there’s a version of the script that doesn’t employ the child performers? – but don’t think much was lost with the removal of the two younger versions of the characters. A few lines were reassigned, but other than that, no major differences.
Kinky Boots, currently playing at A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut (ACT of CT) in Ridgefield, is an electric evening of theatre that celebrates being human. Filled with high-energy songs and impressive dance numbers, it has a fantastic message, reminding audiences to “just be who you wanna be, never let em tell you who you ought to be,” to “accept yourself and you’ll accept others too,” and that “you change the world when you change your mind.”
Kinky Boots, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, is based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name. It’s the story of Charlie Price, the next in line in a long line of shoemakers at “Price & Son,” as he finds himself in charge of a factory that he wanted no part in running. Forced to figure out how to save the struggling factory in order to save the friends and honorary family who work there, Charlie realizes that there may be more to the factory and the relationships he has there than he originally thought. When Charlie finds himself in need of a niche market to save the factory, enter Lola – drag queen and performing powerhouse who might be just what Charlie needs to change the fate of Price and Son, and change the way he sees the world and those around him. Kinky Boots is full of laughs, love, and joy, mixed in with all of the pain, sadness, and insecurities that life throws your way. Featuring a catchy score with songs such as “The History of Wrong Guys,” “Everybody Say Yeah,” and “Soul of a Man,” you’ll be on your feet clapping and dancing along by the end of the killer finale, “Raise You Up/Just Be”!
Kinky Boots is directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck, with music direction by Matthew Stephens. The original Broadway production was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. The direction and choreography employed throughout the show are incredibly dynamic – and much is in line with the original Broadway production. The iconic treadmill choreography is on full display in “Everybody Say Yeah” and really wowed the audience with the sheer physicality and skill of the performers. One interesting thing about this production is that there is no “Young Charlie” and “Young Lola” used – in previous productions that I have seen, child actors have portrayed these two roles in the opening number, but in ACT of CT’s production, the performer playing Charlie as an adult gave us a moment of Young Charlie, but there was no Young Lola. I’m curious as to the reason behind this – perhaps there’s a version of the script that doesn’t employ the child performers? – but don’t think much was lost with the removal of the two younger versions of the characters. A few lines were reassigned, but other than that, no major differences.
The cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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The cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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Charlie Price is played by Andrew Cekala with a boyish charm. Charlie’s doing his best to figure things out as he goes, and Cekala successfully conveys both the struggles Charlie faces and the passion that drives him through to the end of the show. Cekala has a great voice that fits well within the pop stylings of the score.
Topher J. Babb is a fantastic Lola! Babb has all of the spunk, strength, and composure that, when combined, really brings out all of the facets of Lola’s character. From dynamic, high-energy dance numbers like “Land of Lola” to the softer, heartfelt ballads like “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” Babb shines in the role, a true triple-threat in every sense of the term. I particularly enjoyed the humor that is infused in many of Lola’s lines and the ways that Babb chose to accent or punctuate the delivery to add to the audience’s amusement.
Lola’s Angels are played by Gregory Carl Banks Jr., Tyler Keller, Ty Koeller, Kaimana Neil, Pablo Pernia, and Joey Socci. The entire group is very well cast – these performers can sing, they can dance, they can work that stage like nobody’s business. The numbers with the Angels are always my favorite because of the sheer impressiveness of the dances that they perform. High kicks, splits, jumps, tricks – they can do it all, and do it in platform and stiletto heels, nonetheless!
Chelsea Zeno is hilarious as Lauren; she’s sweet, she’s sassy, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. “The History of Wrong Guys” is such a fun song to watch and to perform, and it’s clear that Zeno enjoys every minute of it. Zeno even hits the iconic pose from the Broadway production with the air-compressor/fan effect, much to the audience’s delight.
Nicola, Charlie’s girlfriend, is played by Cai Campbell. Campbell portrays the driven Nicola with strength and poise. Nicola knows what she wants, and she’s determined to have that future, and Campbell really lives within the intensity of her character well.
Topher J. Babb is a fantastic Lola! Babb has all of the spunk, strength, and composure that, when combined, really brings out all of the facets of Lola’s character. From dynamic, high-energy dance numbers like “Land of Lola” to the softer, heartfelt ballads like “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” Babb shines in the role, a true triple-threat in every sense of the term. I particularly enjoyed the humor that is infused in many of Lola’s lines and the ways that Babb chose to accent or punctuate the delivery to add to the audience’s amusement.
Lola’s Angels are played by Gregory Carl Banks Jr., Tyler Keller, Ty Koeller, Kaimana Neil, Pablo Pernia, and Joey Socci. The entire group is very well cast – these performers can sing, they can dance, they can work that stage like nobody’s business. The numbers with the Angels are always my favorite because of the sheer impressiveness of the dances that they perform. High kicks, splits, jumps, tricks – they can do it all, and do it in platform and stiletto heels, nonetheless!
Chelsea Zeno is hilarious as Lauren; she’s sweet, she’s sassy, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. “The History of Wrong Guys” is such a fun song to watch and to perform, and it’s clear that Zeno enjoys every minute of it. Zeno even hits the iconic pose from the Broadway production with the air-compressor/fan effect, much to the audience’s delight.
Nicola, Charlie’s girlfriend, is played by Cai Campbell. Campbell portrays the driven Nicola with strength and poise. Nicola knows what she wants, and she’s determined to have that future, and Campbell really lives within the intensity of her character well.
Topher J. Babb in Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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Topher J. Babb, Andrew Cekala, and the cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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The other members of the factory crew include Jeff Williams as George, Nickolaus Colón as Don, Jessie Alagna as Pat, and Bella Bosco as Trish. Each gives their role a strong sense of character in both physical choices and vocal inflections that creates a wonderful menagerie of personalities. Williams is so fun to watch as George, as he accents his performance with a dramatic flair. Don is always one of my favorite characters to watch over the course of the show because he has such a wonderful arc, and Colón lives within his story and transformation so well.
Charlie’s childhood friend Harry is played by Mickey White who starts the show off strong with his rendition of “Take What You Got.” White brings out the suave, somewhat cavalier demeanor of Harry, and gives a very enjoyable performance in the role. Additional featured performances come from Jonathan Brody as Mr. Price, Randy Donaldson as Simon Sr., Robert Peterpaul as Richard Bailey, Val Moranto as the Milan Stage Manager, all of whom make the most of their moments in the spotlight. The production is also enhanced by talented supporting ensemble members, including Danny Grumich, Shaylen Harger, and Tim Shea, with Em Hadick and Stephen Petrovich serving as the swings for the show. Overall, the production is very well cast, and every member shines in their track.
Charlie’s childhood friend Harry is played by Mickey White who starts the show off strong with his rendition of “Take What You Got.” White brings out the suave, somewhat cavalier demeanor of Harry, and gives a very enjoyable performance in the role. Additional featured performances come from Jonathan Brody as Mr. Price, Randy Donaldson as Simon Sr., Robert Peterpaul as Richard Bailey, Val Moranto as the Milan Stage Manager, all of whom make the most of their moments in the spotlight. The production is also enhanced by talented supporting ensemble members, including Danny Grumich, Shaylen Harger, and Tim Shea, with Em Hadick and Stephen Petrovich serving as the swings for the show. Overall, the production is very well cast, and every member shines in their track.
The cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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Chelsea Zeno and Andrew Cekala in Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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Scenic design by Daniel C. Levine evokes the original Broadway design throughout the show. The production opens with the Price and Son brick factory that gives way to the machinery, conveyor belts, and tons of fantastic props found within. The moveable center piece transforms from Mr. Price’s office to a part of the stage at Lola’s club, and beyond, with additional furniture and scenic pieces added as needed to bolster other scenic locations like the boxing ring, a bathroom, and more.
Lighting designer Charlie Morrison does a beautiful job supporting the world of the show through light and color. There are so many fantastic opportunities for fun lighting effects in this show due to the numbers in Lola’s club, the slow-motion style of the boxing match, and the Milan runway, and Morrison goes above and beyond to create a dazzling display that elevates the production overall.
Costumes and wigs by designer Kurt Alger are stunning, many reminiscent, if not matching those of the original Broadway production. The costumes for Lola and the Angels are personal favorites, particularly the iconic outfits for the Milan runway and finale.
Sound design by Sarah Goodman is well-executed. Big musicals with a live pit are typically tricky, and the sound balance throughout the show is great. The orchestra and performers were leveled nicely, and there were never any issues with the musicians overpowering voices. There were a few moments of microphone feedback during the show, but it was early on in the run and I’m sure that any other hiccups will be fixed with a few more runs under their belt.
Lighting designer Charlie Morrison does a beautiful job supporting the world of the show through light and color. There are so many fantastic opportunities for fun lighting effects in this show due to the numbers in Lola’s club, the slow-motion style of the boxing match, and the Milan runway, and Morrison goes above and beyond to create a dazzling display that elevates the production overall.
Costumes and wigs by designer Kurt Alger are stunning, many reminiscent, if not matching those of the original Broadway production. The costumes for Lola and the Angels are personal favorites, particularly the iconic outfits for the Milan runway and finale.
Sound design by Sarah Goodman is well-executed. Big musicals with a live pit are typically tricky, and the sound balance throughout the show is great. The orchestra and performers were leveled nicely, and there were never any issues with the musicians overpowering voices. There were a few moments of microphone feedback during the show, but it was early on in the run and I’m sure that any other hiccups will be fixed with a few more runs under their belt.
The cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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The cast of Kinky Boots at ACT of CT (Jeff Butchen)
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Kinky Boots is an upbeat, high-heeled hit! Featuring fantastic performers, a killer score, and dances that will have you bopping along in your seat, this is one that you won’t want to miss. Experience the production for yourself – see Kinky Boots at ACT of CT before it closes on June 16!
Kinky Boots runs May 23-June 16, 2024, at ACT of CT in Ridgefield, CT. Tickets are available online at actofct.org or by calling the Box Office at (475) 215-5497.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Kinky Boots runs May 23-June 16, 2024, at ACT of CT in Ridgefield, CT. Tickets are available online at actofct.org or by calling the Box Office at (475) 215-5497.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.