Now, here's a musical that's both funny and heartwarming to boot. Broadway's Kinky Boots is taking over the Singapore stage with an explosive score by Grammy and Tony-Award winner Cyndi Lauper. Our verdict? This musical will have you head over heels.
The Tony Award-winning musical charts an unlikely partnership between a man who unwillingly inherits his father's shoe factory after his passing and a drag queen who keeps the business alive with her demand for new stilettos. The plot remains as relevant and if not, even more so now as it did when it debuted in 2005 as the Geoff Deane and Tim Firth film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joel Edgerton. But don’t expect it to be on par with its mediocre film counterpart. In a time where gender identity, acceptance and inclusion are hotly debated, the narrative is both important and relatable.
The chemistry between the two leads is unmissable. Charlie, the smalltown shoe factory owner from Northampton is the yin to Lola's yang. The high-energy drag queen and her Angels steal the show whenever they take the stage and it's hard to keep track of the other characters. Not only are your eyes fixed on the razzle-dazzle of their stunning costumes and make-up but also the impressive dance moves that come with stiletto heels. There’s no denying that Lola’s Whitney Houston-esque diva persona puts her best foot forward – from the way she walks, talks and sings – and is the true star of the show.
However, while we’re convinced that Lola and the Angels are from the big, bad city of London, we’re less certain about the small towners and their small mindedness. The discrimination faced by Lola at the factory lacked depth. While the idea is there, the aggression could be further pushed to seem ‘real’ to make us feel more for the characters. We’re looking at you, Don and friends. But ultimately – plot hiccup aside – Cyndi Lauper nails penning numbers that are downright catchy and when it comes to the choreography, it’s too good to boot – just look out for the conveyor belt!
