Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots

Book by Harvey Feirstein

Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Performed by Tiverton Amateur Operatic Society

On Monday 9th September at The New Hall, Tiverton

Directed by Pauline Farr

Assistant Director – Michelle Lockyer

Chorus Master – Dan Kilshaw

Choreographer – Abbie Weston

Kinky Boots premiered in Chicago, USA on October 12th 2012 and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Original Score and the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. With a storyline of family values, struggles to succeed, teaching all to ‘accept someone for who they are’ and a catchy score, it is understandable it was a hit with audiences.

Having never seen the film or the musical production before and felt excited to see Tiverton Amateur Operatic Society perform this flashy and thought-provoking musical.  And it started well, with an ensemble belting out ‘Price and Sons’, with good harmonies and diction from all, whilst building the set with stage props. A nice cameo from the actor playing Mr Price as he shows his pride for the product he makes, classy men’s shoes and delightful performances from the two very young actors who portray young Charlie and young Simon, both with confidence and clear diction and a touch of comedy. Well done both of you.

Charlie has grown and sadly loses his dad. Expected to take on the running of Price and Sons, Charlie, reluctantly returns from London to save the company from bankruptcy and the long-service staff from unemployment. The actor taking on this role was confident and tackled the challenging score well, with lovely acting throughout especially in ‘Charlie’s Soliloquy’ and with Lola/Simon in the bathroom scene during ‘Not my Father’s Son’, carefully acted and very emotional from both. Harry, who tries to persuade Charlie to ‘Take What You Got’ was a good antagonist.

The minute Lola stepped on stage with her angels, the show went up another notch. With a superb voice, charisma and thoughtful acting, this actor blew the audience away but producing a believable and loveable character. Dressed perfectly at all times along with The Angels  who looked amazing, with ‘high kicks’ and even ‘higher bouffant’ (as stated in the programme) constantly giving their very best, racy performances throughout. The choreography given them by Abbie Weston was impressive too, especially with the heels worn by Deidre Darling and Valerie Von Hussell, who towered above Charlie in one scene, which stopped the show at one point as the audience found it hilarious. Well done indeed girls.

I loved the character of Don, the factory foreman, who shows his negative attitude toward Lola and the Angels, unable to accept them and their ideas for the factory, when forced to make amazing boots for drag-queens. This was well-acted and believable when showing his anger and then his subsequent acceptance and appreciation of Lola. As was Lauren, who, with a lovely voice and a great tonal quality, sang ‘History of Wrong Guys’ and created a very likeable character as opposed to Charlie’s Fiancée, Nicola. The actor portraying Nicole was perfectly manipulative, with a natural sweet tone, to her voice during ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’.

The leads were supported by a hard-working ensemble in such numbers as ‘Sex is in the Heel’ and ‘Everybody Say Yeh’ . These were full of energy, cleverly choreographed  and enthusiastically  performed. ‘ What a Woman Wants’ was, again, tastefully performed by Lola with Pat, Trish, Don, ensemble and then the final number of ‘Raise you Up/Just Be ‘ was a rousing ending indeed.  I must mention the cameo role of Milan Stage Manager, few lines but very funny.

Lighting and projection had been designed with thought. Good use of projection on the cyclorama including the factory, pub and the Milan Italian runway along with the muted greys and browns of the boxing ring scene. The sound engineers controlled the sound and balance of the personal mics and recorded soundtrack well.

Setting the boxing ring was inspired by the director, Pauline Farr, using the angels to create the ring with ropes, giving the audience a view from both the outside and inside of the ring and the use of the raised area, stage right, for Mr Price’s office.

Costumes for Lola/ Simon and the angels were exceptional, some being provided by the actors themselves. Lola’s fabulously gorgeous dressing gown, the Angels and Lola’s differing red and black sparkled seductive apparel in ‘ Land of Lola’ plus the incredible footwear and sexy boots worn by the guys in ‘Raise You Up’!  Added to this were the wigs and ‘drag’ makeup, which was on point. 

This production delivered in many ways but having the added bonus of three professional drag-queens brought a whole different depth to a funny, emotional and clap-happy show. Well done to all involved.

A well presented and engaging production.

 

Lyn Burgoyne ( Noda Representative, District 5 -Mid and East Devon)                                                                       

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