Broadway In Chicago held a press conference for the world premiere and pre-Broadway showing of Kinky Boots at The Oriental Theater Sept. 28.
The new musical, based on the 2005 comedic film, encompasses the talents of four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein authoring the book and Grammy and Emmy winner Cyndi Lauper composing the music and lyrics, with Tony winner Jerry Mitchell as the director and choreographer.
"We were brought in to do this show for all the right reasons," said Fierstein. "I think we all have the heart that this show needed to tell the story that we're telling. We're thrilled to be here in Chicago. I'm very excited. Kinky Boots—we have this great team we put together, like I said we're all friends."
Before hitting Broadway in New York City, the production will play the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Oct. 2- Nov. 4. The seasoned cast of 32 stars includes Stark Sands as shoe factory heir Charlie Price; Billy Porter as drag performer Lola, who helps Charlie revitalize the failing business; Annaleigh Ashford as Lauren; and Celina Carvajal as Nicola.
Creative team and cast members alike expressed connections to the various themes radiating from the show. Topics ranged from identity and family to the father-son relationship, acceptance and community. Producer Daryl Roth said the major themes drew her in upon viewing the film at Sundance Film Festival. She explained to Windy City Times that she and producer Hal Luftig recognized the piece had "musical DNA" and a hidden musical.
"The story has so many heartfelt themes," said Roth. "It's about people coming together to do something great in a community, it's about individuals finding out who they really are, finding their strengths, it's about acceptance, it's about love, it's about so many things that are important to all of us that we need to think about and sometimes and when you're in a theater you have that opportunity to leave your troubles behind and focus on someone else's story. I think the fact that we can relate to these characters and the fact we feel connected to the story is what truly drew us to it."
In a comment to Windy City Times, Luftig quoted a featured lyric by Lauper, "You've changed the world when you've changed your mind," as he explained how the show is not just relatable but timely as its themes are applicable to today's issues such as saving jobs and acceptance of identity.
"My fervent wish is that everybody who is struggling with…maybe their gay or not gay identity, or maybe they're transgender or not, but what it says to everybody when they come to see this is that we just need to accept people and you probably have more in common with that person that you think you don't than you do. If that message comes across the footlights, then we have done our job and I am confident it will."
More information about the production can be found at www.broadwayinchicago.com or www.kinkybootsthemusical.com .
