Theatre News South Africa

Kinky Boots delivers with camp and heart

Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre's production of Kinky Boots is a fast-paced, stiletto-strutting campy romp with a whole lot of heart at its core and a sweet message at the forefront, namely that we should accept people for who they are. A sentiment that, unfortunately, still needs to be reinforced in this day and age.

The story is inspired by true events and follows the reluctant hero Charlie who inherits his father’s failing shoe factory. To avoid foreclosure, he comes up with a drastic change in design direction and starts designing boots for men – kinky boots to be exact – with the help of the flamboyant drag queen Lolo.

Kinky Boots delivers with camp and heart
© Jesse Kramer

A melding of two different cultures

It took two years to find the right cast and boy does it show. The singing and choreography are on point and the cast really does feel like the meeting and melding of two very different families; the conservative factory workers and the night club drag queens.

Stand out performances go to Earl Gregory, who expertly captures the strength as well as the vulnerability of the larger-than-life Lola aka Simon. Namisa Mdlalose is utterly hilarious and charming as the love-struck factory worker Lauren and man can she belt it out, Goosebumps yo!

Kinky Boots delivers with camp and heart
© Claude Barnardo

Lola’s backup band of fierce “Angels” played by Tshepo Ncokoane, Phillip Schnetler, Chester Martinez and Emile Doubell are intimidatingly impressive and really deliver in the spectacularly choreographed factory and boxing ring dance scenes.

Kinky Boots delivers with camp and heart
© Jesse Kramer

"Kinky Boots was first brought to life on the big screen in 2005 before being transformed into a hit musical, winning six Tony and three Olivier Awards. It features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Tony Award for Best Original Score, Tony Award for Best Choreography and Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, the musical has played to sold-out houses on Broadway and in the West End since 2013."

Don’t miss out on this utterly fun, proudly LGBT and heart-warming production!

Kinky Boots delivers with camp and heart
© Jesse Kramer

Kinky Boots runs at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town till the 31 October. Tickets may be booked directly through the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or through the Fugard Theatre’s website at www.thefugard.com.

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