North Shore Music Theatre's 'Kinky Boots' is a Glittery Success!

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

North Shore Music Theatre presents Kinky Boots. Inheriting his father’s shoe factory, Charlie is reluctant to save the business. Forming an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen performer, they produce a line of red high-heeled boots. During this time, they discover that there is always more to a person than one thinks.

I saw Kinky Boots on Broadway nine years ago. I had an amazing time seeing the show presented on the NSMT stage. Kinky Boots encases dazzling costumes, gorgeous thigh-high boots that I would like to own, and the most heartwarming moral that touched several audiences.

The cast of Kinky Boots did an excellent job with the presentation of their characters. Feeling lost in his direction in life, Charlie Price struggles with who he is. Luke Hamilton was wonderful in his performance, finding a sincere connection to his character.

As the showstopper of the evening, Julian Malone dove headfirst into the role of the sassy, deviant, and headstrong drag queen, Lola. Never be afraid to be yourself. Malone was outstanding in all of his song numbers along with the bold presentation of his character.

You never know who you may befriend. Charlie and Lola’s friendship is a great example of how friendship impacts our lives. Finding that they have more in common than they thought helps them better relate to one another.

The ensemble for Kinky Boots had an important duty. There’s no such thing as a small part in theatre. Playing factory workers, everyone has a different opinion about Lola. You may not agree with everyone’s opinions, like Don (James Fairchild), but that’s the whole point of the show.

Lola’s drag queen Angels were a highlight. The splits during dancing numbers were impressive. Lauren (Audrey Belle Adams) was memorable in her song number, ‘The History of Wrong Guys.’

No show is ever put on its feet alone. A hand goes out to the hard-working technical crew for incorporating amazing sound quality, sets, and gorgeous costumes. The wardrobe team designed spectacular costumes. Oh yes, and the boots. It’s safe to say that everyone in the audience wanted a pair of red boots after seeing them in this show.

Dictated by the live orchestra, songs from Kinky Boots include, ‘The Most Beautiful Thing in the World,’ ‘In this Corner,’ ‘The Land of Lola’, and my favorite song of the evening, ‘Everybody Say Yeah.’

Hopping with energetic songs, everybody (and I mean everybody) in the NSMT audience was having the night of their life singing along or dancing in their seats. Roaring with applause and laughter, we were all silent during the song, ‘I’m Not My Father’s Son.’ That was effective. Theatre is all about bringing people together.

The moral of Kinky Boots is what the show is all about. As described wonderfully in the song, ‘Take What You Got’ life may not go where you want. For myself and a recent college graduate, that is relatable. In case you have to rewrite the plot, make life what you want it to be.

Kevin Hill demonstrated the heart of the show to perfection. Always be yourself. Almost a decade later, Kinky Boots had a bigger impact on me now. No matter your gender, upbringing, or sexuality, we’re allowed to be who we want. Don’t let anyone try to bring you down.

You’re in for a memorable night of spectacular fun if you see Kinky Boots at North Shore Music Theatre. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this show. Buy your tickets before the show ends on November 6.