Review: Kinky Boots on Broadway – You’ll Want to Try These Boots On!

By Nancy Johnson Horn, Editor

You may have heard of Kinky Boots the movie, get ready to kick your heels up for Kinky Boots, the Musical on Broadway. I was fortunate enough to see it in previews two weeks ago. I highly recommend seeing it — it was fun, the music was catchy (Cyndi Lauper!) and the cast was energetic.

Official Synopsis: Charlie Price inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola (Billy Porter). An amazing drag queen who needs some sturdy stiletto boots, fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola helps Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

My Take: I really liked the show. The story was engaging and has a great message about tolerance for everyone (the message about when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world is important). I really liked the dance numbers. But I didn’t love the music. Although I really wanted to. Most of the songs worked well as musical numbers, but there were a couple of ones that just didn’t do it for me (I’m specifically referring to the one with Charlie and Lola as they talk about their fathers – for me, it would have worked better as a scene, not a song). It’s not on the level of Wicked or Rent with music you’ll be blasting in your living room.

However, the cast was terrific, most of the musical numbers will make you smile and tap your toes (like Everybody Say Yeah and The Sex is in the Heel) —  and you’re going to be awed by Billy Porter as Lola. You’ll also love the boots — look for the very British ones (those were my fave). All in all, this is a musical to see with your friends (possibly a girls’ night out?)

Thank you to Kinky Boots the Musical for providing tickets in exchange for an honest review. I recommend you see it too.