Everybody Say Yeah!

Kinky Boots – Paramount Theatre

Have you ever heard the term “triple threat” used when in describing theatre talent, and wondered what exactly that meant? It’s a multi-skilled actor, who’s at the very top of his game. He’s an artist who is unrivaled and has mastered the skills of acting, singing and dancing, all equally excellent. Well, Chicagoland, get ready to offer standing ovations every night to an entire company of triple threats, all poised to knock your socks (or pantyhose) off!

Today, local audiences are jubilantly celebrating the cautious, yet much-anticipated return of live theatre to Chicagoland, as well as the glitzy, professional, Broadway calibre musical, for which the Paramount Theatre has become known. Artistic Director Jim Corti has brought the very best talent to the Aurora venue, both on and offstage, and this production is bound to be hailed as a monumental event that’s easily the stellar, must-see musical of the season. 

“Kinky Boots” is an exciting, contemporary musical about being comfortable in your own skin, living up to your potential and accepting others without criticism or prejudice. The show enjoyed a pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago, back in 2012. It was conceived, composed and choreographed by its own triple threat creative team of Harvey Fierstein (book), Cyndi Lauper (music and lyrics) and Jerry Mitchell (director and choreographer). This talented triumvirate adapted the 2005 British film of the same name into a campy, effervescent, heartwarming musical comedy that offers a powerful message for everyone. 

The musical tells the true story of Charlie Price, a young Englishman, who tries to keep his family’s floundering shoe factory in operation after his father’s sudden death. With motivation from a chance encounter with a flamboyant drag queen named Lola, and assistance from a spunky factory employee named Lauren (who ultimately falls for Charlie, her new boss), together they revitalize the shoe industry by designing and manufacturing colorful, sparkling, thigh-high boots for cross-dressing drag queens. The result is glum factory meets glittery nightclub, with a sincere lesson about being true to yourself.

Going on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Musical, this first local production succeeds on every level. Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning libretto allows his wonderful characters the space to learn and grow. In spite of his fiancee Nicola’s tight rein over him, Charlie gradually develops his own voice in the shadow of his father’s legacy. Lola learns about what it means to be a man through his work with Charlie and both men, in turn, learn how to trust and depend upon one another. 

The show also succeeds largely through Cyndi Lauper’s infectious pop rock score. Ms. Lauper’s songs range from soulful, heartfelt ballads (“I’m Not My Father’s Son” gorgeously  sung by Lola and Charlie), to playful character songs (Lauren’s delightful “The History of Wrong Guys”), and rousing, can’t-stay-in-your-seat dance hits (“Raise You Up”). Musical direction by Kory Danielson, who also conducts the gifted Paramount orchestra, makes Lauper’s score absolutely soar beyond the balcony. Talented Trent Stork’s direction, with his eye for detail, delight in wicked fun and special moments of tenderness, makes this show particularly heartfelt and full of joyful delight. Co-choreographers Isaiah Silvia-Chandley and Michael George spice up the show with their unbelievably vigorous, vibrant brand of choreography. The end result is a musical that spontaneously brings the audience to its feet.

As Charlie, talented Chicago favorite Devin DeSantis, who has delighted audiences as Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” and as Marius in “Les Miserables,” both at Paramount, is as likable as he is earnest in this starring role. Mr. DeSantis has a gorgeous voice and all the requisite dance moves. Devin demonstrates his vocal prowess in numbers like “Step One” and “Everybody Say Yeah,” and especially in his stirring, eleventh hour ballad, “The Soul of a Man.” It’s a beautifully poignant and powerful piece that goes right to the heart.

Bringing the naughty-but-nice perkiness so appropriate for the role, lovely Sara Reinecke is bewitching as Charlie’s spunky love-interest, Lauren. Her charming characterization and vocal work are forever spot-on, showing off that pixie quality that makes this actress so endearing. Remembered for her scene-stealing performances in Paramount’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “Legally Blonde,” and especially as Judy in Firebrand Theatre’s “Nine to Five,” Ms. Reinecke absolutely lights up the stage, especially in her tour de force number, “The History of Wrong Guys.”

But this production truly belongs to Michael Wordly as Lola. Cast in the role for which Billy Porter won his Tony Award, Mr. Wordly is completely unique and positively magnificent. Audiences who’ve traveled to Broadway may have enjoyed him in revivals of “The Color Purple” and “Miss Saigon.” But at the Paramount, Michael really shines his light as Lola, in a characterization that’s never all one note, as might be expected in this kind of role. The artist’s work is definitely broad and over-the-top, when it needs to be; yet he’s restrained, poignant and profoundly moving when, as Simon, Wordly shares the pain that hides behind all the glitz and glamor of his drag queen alter-ego. Besides the show-stopping drag performances, “Land of Lola” and the Milan Fashion Show finale (with his astonishing ensemble of six drag performers, the Angels), along with the seductive “Sex is in the Heel,” Mr. Wordly offers two of the evening’s most impassioned songs. He breaks our hearts with “Not My Father’s Son,” and again in his extraordinarily earnest eleventh hour torch song, “Hold Me in Your Heart.”

This electrifying, high-kicking Folles de Footwear, “Kinky Boots,” features an ensemble cast of supporting triple threats who bring so much enjoyment to Chicagoland. Special acknowledgement goes to Patrick Scott McDermott, as Young Charlie, and Daniel Font-Wilets, as Young Lola, both of whom radiate a deep love for performance in these cameo roles. Co-Scenic Designers Kevin Depinet and Christopher Rhoton, working closely with Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, have fashioned an environment for the cast that dazzles and pops. Their false proscenium, comprised of shoes displayed in plexiglass containers, is a whimsical touch that’s truly inspired. The incredibly inventive and colorful costumes and wigs, created by Ryan Park and Katie Cordts, add still another layer of unpredictable fancy and eye-popping fun to this production.  

Since this joyous musical first premiered in Chicago, where it was originally cobbled, a few changes have created a tighter, better focused show. However, throughout all the glitz and glamour, heels and heart, the message in this Paramount production is stronger than ever: Let love shine; accept yourself and you’ll accept others too; let pride be your guide; and, above all else, you change the world when you change your mind. The story is engaging, the characters appealing and the message is so  worthwhile, particularly today. “Kinky Boots” absolutely kicks butt and demonstrates, once again, that “Sex is in the Heel.” All I can say is that live theatre is, at long last, blissfully back in Chicagoland, so “Everybody Say, Yeah!”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 18-October 17 by the Paramount Theatre 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630.896.6666, or by going to www.ParamountAurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.