Theater Review: 'Kinky Boots' Tour at The Bushnell

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

The tour of the joy-filled musical “Kinky Boots” has stepped on to the stage at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford. The musical features a heartwarming and funny book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the Miramax film of the same name, and uplifting music and lyrics written by Cyndi Lauper. The show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.

The President and CEO of The Bushnell, David R. Fay, notes that the journey of this musical is captivating, entertaining and educational. “Centered on themes that include inclusivity, authenticity, and self-discovery, “Kinky Boots” beckons us to explore what it means to truly find your passion, and step into your power with confidence and compassion.” The story encourages acceptance.

The touring cast features Noah Silverman in the role of Charlie Price, who “is honored to be telling this fun and important story.”

Omari Collins “Scarlett D. Von’Du” commands the role of Lola. The NYC-based drag artist is “back in the boots” for the seventh time and gives a wonderfully nuanced performance, embodying the diva Lola just as effectively as the subdued Simon. (“Not My Father’s Son.”)

The talented actor/dancers that play Lola’s Angels include Boston Conservatory at Berklee grad Dargan Cole, Felipe Cristancho-Rodriguez, Jonathan Blake Flemings, Peyton Gaida, Blake Rossmann, and TJ Staten. All six guys switch into the ensemble as well, joining the ensemble members Billy Goldstein, Brandin Jay, Robert Miller and Connor Buonaccorsi.

Jason Daniel Chacon gets to play the role of factory worker Don. The actor brings out all of the comedy in the intimidating Don, who ultimately chooses to "accept someone for who they are."

On press night, ensemble member Shayna Glynn makes her national tour debut in the role of factory worker Lauren. John Anker Bow reprises the role of the factory manager George that he played during the 2017-2018 tour and is just adorable. Ensemble member Natalie Lilavois Yusty covered the role of Nicola, Charlie's status-conscious fiancée. Young Charlie and Young Lola do not appear in the touring version.

On press night, swing Brianna Clark stepped up to the role of factory worker Pat, and Val Moranto (who has appeared at ACT of CT) takes on the role of Trish. Ensemble member Blake Du Bois plays the supporting role of Charlie’s friend Harry and Jayna Glynn, in her tour debut, steps up at the end of Act Two to play the stage manager of the Milan runway. Ensemble member Kyle Williamson steps up to play Nicola’s boss, the handsome realtor Richard Bailey. Dominic Pagliaro, who was part of the national tour of “Pretty Woman,” opens the show in the role of the elder Mr. Price and Thomas Ed Purvis plays Simon Sr.

While this show is billed as containing “some” dancing, the production numbers feature impressively high energy choreography recreated by Rusty Mowery from the original choreography by director Jerry Mitchell. DB Bonds recreated the direction for the tour.

David Rockwell designed the set that brings the two levels of the Price and Son shoe factory In North Hampton, England to the stage, with rolling belts that become dancing platforms for the first act closer “Everybody Say Yeah.” There are some surprises in the lighting design by Kenneth Posner, especially with white spotlights during Lola’s showstopper “Hold Me In Your Heart.”

The costumes by Gregg Barnes, which were Tony Award nominated, are colorful and well-constructed ensembles that allow the dancers to move, even atop their thigh-high boots. The wide variety of boot designs are colorful and fun, always matching the overall theme of the ensemble. Hair design by Josh Marquette and make-up by Jeff Knaggs.

The “Kinky Boots” Touring Orchestra is led by Music Director Caleb Middleton (“Elf the Musical” first national tour) on keyboard. Connecticut resident Marc Sokolson is the assistant music director and also plays keyboard. The six musicians perform Lauper’s fun score so well that the audience can’t help but get caught up in the music.

I highly recommend that everyone “Raise You Up/Just Be” and head to Hartford to see what some many would call “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World.” Strut over to bushnell.org for tickets for performances through March 22.

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