Review: KINKY BOOTS at Popejoy Hall

Kinky Boots, a musical full of joy, warmth, laughter - and a soundtrack full of music that makes one want to get up and dance - arrived at Popejoy Hall on Thursday night. The musical, which is based on a true story, inspired the 2004 British comedy-drama movie of the same name. It includes music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, a man from the working-class town of Northampton, England, who inherits a shoe factory, Price and Sons, that has been in the family for generations, from his father. At this point in time, the once prosperous factory is failing, and Charlie is left with the impossible decision of finding a new market to sell shoes to or fire his workers (and friends) and close the factory down. When Price is at his lowest point, Charlie has a chance encounter with Lola, a drag queen and entertainer. Shortly after meeting Lola, Charlie realizes he has found his niche market - making "kinky boots" for drag queens.

Without a doubt, Lola is the heart of Kinky Boots, and from the moment she steps onstage, she steals the show. Kenneth Mosely, as Lola, plays the part to perfection, showing Lola's desire to be her own person ("Not My Father's Son") and her struggles with her family relationships ("Hold Me in Your Heart"), all the while bringing a warmth and humor to the role. Karis Gallant, as Lauren, has incredible comedic timing, which was highlighted in two songs where Lauren explores her growing feelings about Charlie ("The History of Wrong Guys" and "The History of Wrong Guys (Reprise)") amid laughter from the audience. As Charlie, Connor Allston expresses the difficulties Charlie has in his life as he tries to balance who people want him to be and what he wants out of life ("Charlie's Soliloquy" and "Soul of a Man"). The entire cast is incredible, and the Angels (fellow drag queens and performers of Lola's) manage to make dancing in six-inch stilettos look easy.

Kinky Bootsis an endearing musical about accepting oneself and the struggle we can go through to find our path, despite the expectations of family and friends. This incredible journey is set to music only Cyndi Lauper could write. Kinky Bootsis an entertaining experience for the whole family that will leave audiences smiling for days.

Kinky Boots is at Popejoy Hall from March 7th- March 10th, with performances at 7:30 PM on Friday, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Saturday, and 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM on Sunday. Tickets range from $43 - $88 plus fees. They can be purchased at unmtickets.com, the UNM Bookstore ticket office, or by phone at 925-5858 or 877-664-8661.

Image source: Popejoy Hall