Raise You Up!
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes
Now is the time to get all glammed up and see Kinky Boots, now playing on the Mainstage at Huron Country Playhouse. It was meant to be on stage in 2020 when it was cancelled due to you-know-what, but now is the time! If you are into musicals like I am, this is one of the best! And if you are unable to make it to Grand Bend, you can purchase tickets for the Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge for August.
What do you do when you inherit an obsolete old factory, and find out your father didn’t have faith in you and was working on a deal with your fiancée to sell the place, and meanwhile you have found an unusual solution to save the factory, which involves a drag queen? Welcome to Kinky Boots, based on a true story which became a fabulous Broadway show, thanks to well-known actor and playwright Harvey Fierstein and the sensational songwriter and singing star Cyndi Lauper. There was a movie before the musical, but the live show with Lauper’s music needs to be seen!
If you didn’t see the Mirvish show in Toronto, no need to worry – you are getting top-notch entertainment right in Grand Bend! Charlie Price, who struggles to save the men’s shoe factory, is played by Stratford Festival veteran Sayer Roberts. Jos N. Banks has toured internationally as Lola, and no wonder – he is perfect for the role. The audience loved his portrayal of Lola on opening night! AJ Bridel, who played lovelorn Lauren for Mirvish, is reprising the role for Drayton Entertainment. Justin Stadnyk and Sandy Winsby were also in the Mirvish production. As well, there’s Stacey Kay, a favourite at Grand Bend beach concerts, and many more familiar faces, all exceptionally talented Drayton regulars. And you can’t go wrong with David Connolly as director and choreographer!
You will also see a top-notch set, from the outside of the old factory to the interior with a series of conveyor belts and racks of boxed shoes, The factory is converted to other locations as needed. For example, a boxing ring is swiftly created by the actors before your eyes. The finale’s big red boots in lights are very Vegas-like, while the kinky boots and drag costumes are inspiring!
There are so many touching messages included in the lyrics of Lauper’s songs: “I’m not my Father’s Son” You must “Take what you’ve got,” and “change with the times,” “Let me raise you up,” “It’s beautiful,” and “Just be.” The message about acceptance applies in different ways, such as from father to son, macho factory worker to the boss, accepting yourself and, of course, accepting others’ differences. The journey to inclusivity and non-judgemental relationships makes it a family-friendly show.
For some upbeat glam, incredible singing, dancing, music, and positive messages, go see Kinky Boots in July (Huron Country Playhouse) or August (Hamilton Family Theatre). For musical enthusiasts, it is one of the best modern musicals and a Drayton Entertainment must-see!
Kinky Boots continues until July 29 at Huron Country Playhouse, Mainstage, then moves to Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge from August 3 to August 20. Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 519-238-6000, Toll-Free at 1-855-372-9866, or by checking www.huroncountryplayhouse.com for availability.
Photo: Trayvon Ward, AJ Bridal, Jos N. Banks, Sayer Roberts, and Billy Lake. Photo by Drayton Entertainment.
Kinky Boots
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Directed and Choreographed by David Connolly
Performed by Sayer Roberts, Jos N. Banks, AJ Bridel, Alyssa Curto, Paul Jerry Schwarz, Patrick R. Brown, et al.
Produced by Drayton Entertainment
Mainstage, Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
July 12 to July 29, 2023
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes