Kinky Boots Review

It’s about time I see my first musical that isn’t a high school production.

A few weeks ago (yeah I’m a little behind on my blogging schedule) I got to see the touring Kinky Boots at my sister’s university. It’s been a long time coming. I remember seeing them on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade like, five years ago? All I remember is wanting to see this musical…and raging parents not wanting their child subjected to seeing men in drag. The horror.

They’re Just Shoes

If you know nothing about Kinky Boots, well here’s a short recap: after losing his father unexpectedly, Charlie Price inherited his family’s shoe factory but has no idea how he’s going to save it. On a random night he just happens to run into a drag queen and gets knocked out by her not-so-well-built shoe. From then on the two learn they have more in common than they thought and it’s all thanks to a shoe.

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The World of Lola

As much as you like Charlie, and he is a likable character even though he goes through those stupid moments, Lola and her Angels got the room screaming when they came out. And I will admit the energy of the room changed when they performed. I’ve never been to a drag show (I’d love to) but I can imagine it being similar. They’re fun to watch and put on a fun performance.

More Similar Than Different

One of the main themes to take away from Kinky Boots is how alike we all are, despite our differences. Charlie may not go through the same shit Lola does, but he can relate by being an outsider and based on what we learn from his past, just couldn’t please his dad. Lola went through the same hard childhood as her dad did his best to try to bring out her “masculinity.”

Broadway Direct

Of course there’s much more, like drag queens not getting the respect or understanding they deserve, equality, and changing your view of the world. It’s all relevant.

Overall

This isn’t an overly long review, but I’m not going to nit-pick musicals because, like I said, this is my first proper one. I didn’t participate in my high school’s (mainly because softball happened at the same time) and never got into them, but always enjoyed them. Hopefully that will change.

One of the things I want to point out that I liked a lot is how “normal” the cast is. They’re not glam (well, except for the drag queens) or wear special outfits. Most of them are in plaid and jeans. They’re just people working in a shoe factory.

The songs are great. There are slower ones, but the big ones with all the cast together are my favorites.

Overall, Kinky Boots is about accepting others for who they are and it’s great the way they do that. If you want to see a musical that is a bit different from others, involves drag queens, and has a great soundtrack I recommend seeing Kinky Boots. Hell, just see it any way if you ever get the chance.