L-R Jonathan Studdard & Jacob Butler – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
The last time I attended Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre was to review its hit production of “Phantom of the Opera” in October. I was so impressed with the production, I thought it would be a challenge for the theatre to top or even match its quality this season. Well, I am here to confirm its current production of “Kinky Boots,” exceeded my expectations. It’s run continues through March 17.
Starring the phenomenal Jonathan Studdard and Jacob Butler, “Kinky Boots” the musical, with book by Harvey Fierstein and music by Cyndi Lauper, is based on the 2005 British film of the same title. The musical version made its Broadway debut in 2013 and began a U.S. tour in 2014. I happened to see both the Broadway production, starring Billy Porter, and the touring show presented by Broadway in Indianapolis in 2017.
Inspired by true events, the story, set in Northampton, U.K., centers on straight, white Charlie Price, who inherits a shoe factory from his father. Facing the possibility of closure, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a gay, Black drag queen, who performs in a cabaret. The two of them join forces to produce a line of high-heeled boots for a niche drag-queen market to rescue the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola find they have more in common than they initially realized.
Right off the bat, let me say that Jonathan Studdard, who plays the larger-than-life Lola, and Jacob Butler, as kindhearted Charlie, are both extraordinary performers in roles that could not have been better cast. Hats off to director Ron Morgan, who also choreographed the show, not only for casting both artists, but also strong performers in the supporting roles, and those in the triple-threat-infused ensemble as well.
Jonathan Studdard & ensemble – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
I could not help but compare Studdard’s dynamic performance to that of Billy Porter, who originated the role of Lola. There were differences, of course, but when it came to Studdard’s powerful, belting vocals, formidable stage presence, and his interpretation of the irrepressible drag queen Lola, he not only made the role his own, but also surpassed that of Porter’s in pure energy. Studdard’s solo of “Hold Me in Your Heart,” sung by Lola in an elegant white gown, was stunning.
Butler, whose work I have previously admired in other shows, including his role as Quasimodo in BOBDIREX’s 2017 production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” demonstrated that he not only has substantial acting chops, but also above-average vocal talent as well. Not more was his talent evident than in his solo of “Soul of a Man” that was breathtaking.
The chemistry and rapport between Studdard and Butler’s characters were strikingly believable and the combination of their voices in gorgeous harmony during their duet of “I’m Not My Father’s Son” was a showstopper.
L- R Jacob Butler & Jonathan Studdard – Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Used with permission.
Standing out as Lauren, a plant worker who crushes on Charlie, Sarah Daniels’s solo in “The History of Wrong Guys,” was also a highlight of the show. Also impressive were Phillip Crawshaw, Ray Gleaves, Tim Hunt and Jaye Jackson as Lola’s drag-queen chorus called Angels. The versatile performers, whose acting, dancing, singing and female impersonation, in general, were nearly flawless, if not astonishing.
Another star of the show was Amy Gaton’s costumes, which included those of Lola and the Angels, all of which were glitzy and glamorous. Completing their looks were the pitch-perfect wigs by Andrew Elliot, one of the finest wig masters around.
Also deserving of praise was veteran Beef & Boards music director-pianist Terry Woods, who led the six-piece band in doing total justice to Cyndi Lauper’s sparkling and uplifting pop score.
Finally, I cannot overstate the excellence of the Beef & Boards technical team that consistently collaborates to create first-rate productions. “Kinky Boots” was no exception. sound designer Daniel Hesselbrock, scenic designer Michael Layton, and technical director Bill Mollencupp are all a credit to their craft.
What intrigued me most about Beef & Boards’ “Kinky Boots” was the audience, primarily composed of white, middle-aged, and older individuals, who were wildly enthusiastic (I heard lots of screams and whistling) during the entire show. It has been widely reported that “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been influential in making drag mainstream. Lola even references this revolutionary phenomenon within the show. Considering some of the main themes are acceptance and tolerance, the fact that general audiences are receptive to this show during a time of such polarization is proof that “Kinky Books,” besides being highly entertaining, is also, hopefully, serving as a conduit for positive change. I would advise my readers to not dally in purchasing their tickets to this bona fide hit that deserves a sold-out run.
“Kinky Boots” tickets are available at beefandboards.com or by calling the box office 317-872-9664 (closed Mondays).
