Theater Review: 'Kinky Boots' at ACT of Connecticut

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The “Kinky Boots” have taken to the stage of ACT of Connecticut and continues through June 16 at the Ridgefield theater. The joy-filled production is directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck, with music direction by Matthew Stephens.
ACT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine notes that “In a world where the struggle for acceptance and equality continues, ‘Kinky Boots’ invites us to join the revolution of self-discovery, tolerance, and celebration of diversity." The musical features a book by Harvey Fierstein and fabulous music and lyrics written by Cyndi Lauper. On Broadway, the show earned six Tony wins, including Best Score for Lauper for her first time as a Broadway songwriter, making her the first woman to win alone in that Tony category.
“Kinky Boots” is based on the film of the same name written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, and was mostly inspired by true events. It tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits a shoe factory from his father and teams up with a drag queen to save the business by producing a line of high-heeled boots. The two ultimately discover that they are not so different.
Equity member Andrew Cekala does well with the role of Charlie Price in his ACT debut. Equity actor Jonathan Brody (“A Bronx Tale” on Broadway) steps up from the ensemble to play the elder Mr. Price.
Topher J. Babb, an Equity performer, tackles the demanding role of Lola in their ACT of CT debut. Babb, who appeared in “Kinky Boots” Off-Broadway, shines in the role of the drag queen turned boot designer.
Kudos to the actors who play Lola’s Angels: Tyler Keller, Ty Koeller, Kaimana Neil, Pablo Pernia, Joey Socci, and Lola understudy Gregory Carl Banks, Jr. They all master dancing in the impossibly high heeled, thigh high boots. Costumes and wigs designed by Kurt Alger are among the best parts of this production. There is plenty of sparkle for the drag queen “Angels” and Lola’s ensembles are standouts. The fabulous wigs are high and flattering.
Cai Campbell plays the role of Charlie’s girlfriend Nicola, Maggie and ensemble. Jeff Williams gives a notable performance in the role of the factory manager George. Nicholaus Colon reprises his role of the intimidating factory worker Don.
Chelsea Zeno is the factory worker Lauren who is besotted with Charlie. Jessie Alagna is the office manager Pat and WCSU graduate Bella Bosco plays the worker Trish. Mickey White appears as Harry. Randy Donaldson (King Herod in “JCS”) steps out of the ensemble to play Simon Sr. Robert Peterpaul plays Richard Bailey and Val Moranto is the Italian stage manager in the Milan finale. There are no young versions of Charlie and Simon. Also in the ensemble are Randy Donaldson, Danny Grumich, Shaylen Harger, and Tim Shea.
Scenic design by Daniel C. Levine brings the shoe factory to the ACT stage, with the requisite movable conveyor belts. Sound design by Sarah Goodman worked well, and there is some good lighting designed by Charlie Morrison. Liz Pearce served as the dialect coach for the British accents.
Stephens conducts the live eleven-member band on keyboard 1 and the score sounds terrific and not overly amplified. It is “The Most Beautiful Thing.” The show opens strong with the “Price and Son Theme” and offers the heart wrenching “I’m Not My Father’s Son” before the heart pumping “Everybody Say Yeah.”
“Kinky Boots” will “Raise You Up” with its heartwarming message of acceptance and joy. The show runs about two and a half hours with one intermission. The majority of the remaining performances are sold out, but call the Box Office at (475) 215-5497 for last minute availability or to join the waitlist. This show concludes ACT of CT sixth season of operation, with the new season soon to be announced.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been reviewing theater since 2012.

photo credit: Jeff Butchen