Interview: Adam Kaplan Talks KINKY BOOTS

Winner of six Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, KINKY BOOTS, inspired by a true story, features a joyous, Tony-winning score by CYNDI LAUPER, direction and Tony-winning choreography by JERRY MITCHELL and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner HARVEY FIERSTEIN. KINKY BOOTS is at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, December 29-January 3. Tickets are on sale at Blumenthal Performing Arts Box Office: 704-372-1000.

Adam Kaplan is starring as Charlie Price, a man who inherits his father's shoe factory in KINKY BOOTS. Kaplan recently appeared on Broadway in Newsies. I caught up with Adam Kaplan while he was preparing for his Miami performance.

LAW: Where are you now?

AK: Miami, the weather was yucky this week, but it's clearing today.

LAW: Tell me about your childhood.

AK: I grew up in Westport, Connecticut. It was about 45 minutes from New York City.

LAW: What got you interested in performing?

AK: When I was six or seven, my father took me to see West Side Story. I loved it. I then started performing in community theater. After high school, I attended Elon University in North Carolina. It has a fabulous theater program. I took voice lessons, ballet, jazz and tap classes. I loved my time in North Carolina.

LAW: How did you land the role of Charlie Price?

AK: I was in North Carolina performing and I got an appointment to read for Kinky Boots. I flew up on my day off. It was a whirlwind, I flew back and then I got a callback. I was glad it all worked out.

LAW: How do you prepare for and keep the role fresh night after night?

AK: It's still only the 3rd week, but each audience is different and that helps. This show is very vocally and emotionally demanding. I make sure I get enough sleep and I drink enough water. I don't stop onstage [laughs]. I'm onstage so much, I have to time my bathroom breaks. I find new intentions every night and co-star, J. Harrison Ghee [Lola] is wonderful and gives me something new right back.

LAW: What's been the best experience you've had on the road?

AK: In every city people have come up to me to tell me they were moved by the message.

LAW: What's been the worst experience you've had on the road?

AK: [Laughs] Doing laundry in hotels. That's the worst. Suitcases and being far from home.

LAW: What's your favorite thing to do when you're back home?

AK: I live in New York City by Riverside Park. I love spending the day in the park.

LAW: What's your favorite restaurant when you're home?

AK: 'Great tapas bar at Brisciola on 51st between 8th and 9th. I enjoy going there.

LAW: What will audiences take away seeing this show?

AK: You can change the world when you change your mind. Don't judge a book by its cover and keep an open mind. Kinky Boots is topical and current and Charlie Price is my favorite part. I'm looking forward to spending New Year's Eve back in Charlotte.