Will KINKY BOOTS run longer than HAIRSPRAY? Should it?

[Zamedy154]

Both are two of my favorite shows. IMO, HAIRSPRAY is the superior show and has more heart, a stronger book and a better score. It had a very healthy six and-a-half year run.

Thoughts?

[Kad]

While I adore Hairspray and frankly did not think very much of Kinky Boots, if it's connecting with audiences enough for them to keep buying tickets, that's really all that matters as far as whether it "should" run longer.  

[haterobics]

If it sells tickets consistently for a longer period of time, then it should totally run longer. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Well, Hairspray ran for 2,642 performances. Kinky Boots is currently at ~2,082 performances, so by my approximation, it will have to run until about September 2019 to surpass Hairspray.

As for whether or not it "should," it's all about the market. Kinky Boots has been very smart in its casting.

[dramamama611]

There is no "should".  There is no explaining why some shows get cut short or others last as long as they do.  It just IS.

[raddersons]

I think Hairspray's a better show overall, but I can appreciate Kinky Boots because it's drag for bridge-and-tunnel moms. I don't love the show, but it's an accessible way for them to dip their toes into gay culture and understand it a little bit more. So if it runs longer than Hairspray, I'd be fine with it.

Besides, it seems to keep with the pattern of "shows that have been running forever that I don't really love". Soon Bway will just be shows I roll my eyes at, and they'll all have been running for 10 years.

[lightguy06222]

WRAP IT UP KINKY.

[DottieD'Luscia]

I have seen Hairspray numerous times in terms of Broadway, tour, and regional productions. I have yet to see Kinky Boots.

[bdn223]

While I adore Hairspray, at this point in its run, the show was running in fumes and was casting any B or C list celebrity who could vaguely fit the type of one its large ensemble cast of characters. It did give us some great Pennys with Diana Digarmo and Alexa Vega, but then gave us Beaver playing Wilbur. Roth seems to have very much perfected the stunt casting model with Kinky Boots. Unlike Hairspray, which has a large ensemble cast, Kinky Boots really only has 3 main characters (Charlie, Lola, and Lauren). Therefore Roth has had to actually find “celebrities” with actual stage presence, as they actually have to act instead of doing bits. In doing so Kinky Boots has been able to stay fresh, as its not fitting a Circle into one of several square pegs like Hairsprays stunt casting, but instead giving a fresh coat of paint, to a car.

[quizking101]

I Also think the popularity of the 2007 musical film adaptation accelerated Hairspray toward its closing.

While Kinky Boots has its source material, it does not yet have an easily accessible version of the musical version, and that may play a role in accelerating it past Hairspray.

FWIW, I love both shows and both hold a special place in my heart.

[Mildred Plotka]

Drag has gone pretty mainstream thanks to Drag Race. I’m sure Kinky Boots is benefiting from this and really good word of mouth.

[DAME]

Kinky right now is in great shape. Saw Wayne and David Cook yesterday afternoon and the show was on fire. I never thought it was a good show . But nevertheless a good time is stil to be had. Anyone remember the Kinky Vs Matilda debate ?

[Up In One]

Its got a few others to get ahead of first ...

Hello, Dolly! 2,844
My Fair Lady 2,717
Hairspray 2,642
Mary Poppins 2,619
Avenue Q 2,534
The Producers 2,502
Cabaret (1998 Revival) 2,377
Annie 2,377
Man of La Mancha 2,328
Rock of Ages 2,328
Abie's Irish Rose 2,327
Oklahoma! 2,212
* Kinky Boots 2,050
Smokey Joe's Cafe 2,036
Pippin 1,944
South Pacific 1,925

[Fordham2015]

bdn223 said: "While I adore Hairspray, at this point in its run, the show was running in fumes and was casting any B or C list celebrity who could vaguely fit the type of one its large ensemble cast of characters. It did give us some great Pennys with Diana Digarmo and Alexa Vega, but then gave us Beaver playing Wilbur. Roth seems to have very much perfected the stunt casting model with Kinky Boots. Unlike Hairspray, which has a large ensemble cast, Kinky Boots really only has 3 main characters (Charlie, Lola, and Lauren). Therefore Roth has had to actually find “celebrities” with actual stage presence, as they actually have to act instead of doing bits. In doing so Kinky Boots has been able to stay fresh, as its not fitting a Circle into one of several square pegs like Hairsprays stunt casting, but instead giving a fresh coat of paint, to a car."

Not sure if you meant to quote "You're Timeless to Me" there ("All I need is a fresh coat of paint" but well done either way

[Fordham2015]

DAME said: "Kinky right now is in great shape. Saw Wayne and David Cook yesterday afternoon and the show was on fire. I never thought it was a good show . But nevertheless a good time is stil to be had. Anyone remember the Kinky Vs Matilda debate ?"

Kinky all the way for me- I found Matilda to be a real drag

[ACL2006]

KINKY BOOTS will be around through the summer at least. Urie did the show a lot of good last summer, bringing in $1 million+ a week. I do think it needs a name come the Fall to keep going. It would be great if it lasted long as I think it's a fantastic show.

[Zamedy154]

I just watched a video of the curtain call/speech celebrating the 5th year milestone and I've gotta say:

-I'm not a fan of the two 'newer' Angel costumes for the finale. I prefer all of the original outfits.

-At least one of the Angels looked like he couldn't care lessto be on that stage. He was literally barely moving his arms to the dance number. I hope Jerry Mitchell gave them a FULL OUT tongue lashing following the show.

[Bwayornoway]

Happy 5th to Kinky Boots - I feel like it's the little engine that could in a way.  The casting has been so important to keep it alive and fresh with buss - especially when they brought Billy back a few months ago and now Wayne again.  BUT  I side with Hairspray as being a favorite- I wonder when the revival will be?  

 

[greenifyme2]

Zamedy154 said: "I just watched a video of the curtain call/speech celebrating the 5th year milestone and I've gotta say:

-I'm not a fan of the two 'newer' Angel costumes for the finale. I prefer all of the original outfits.

-At least one of the Angels looked like he couldn't care lessto be on that stage. He was literally barely moving his arms to the dance number. I hope Jerry Mitchell gave them a FULL OUT tongue lashing following the show."

I was there tonight. He must not have gotten that lashing....

other than that, and David Cook’s singing, the show is in great shape and I haven’t heard such a responsive audience in a long time.