Laugh, learn and kick up your heels at ‘Kinky Boots,’ playing on Hilton Head / Review

I already had high expectations when I walked into the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina for its live performance of “Kinky Boots.” But in this production, all of the elements have combined to present the most glowing performance of “Kinky Boots.”

This show, which received 13 Tony nominations and six wins, is known for its high spirits and its even higher heels ... and for good reason! The multi-talented Cyndi Lauper saw to the music and lyrics, and the continuously hilarious actor, writer and, playwright Harvey Fierstein took control of the book.

The story is a hilarious, transformative tale of a failing British shoe factory as it is saved by a brilliant change of focus and design: It creates lady’s high heeled boots … for men! The British factory owner, Charlie Price (Christopher Behmke) who was never interested in shoes at all, and especially not interested in overseeing the operation of a shoe factory, has inherited the failing company from his disappointed and recently deceased father. The high-heeled boot spin comes as a result of Charlie’s meetup and collaboration with Lola, a SoHo drag queen (Clyde Voce), who always cared about women’s shoes. He especially cared for women’s high heeled boots…in the color red!

The cast is simply exquisite. Voce is gorgeous, talented, feisty, and sings and dances with style and grace. Behmke portrays a gracious young man with a future he has planned, carefully, and not particularly focused on the Price Shoe Legacy. Their performances are riveting as they take us through scenes of high energy and gales of laughter to soulful questioning about life’s meaning and what the future looks like.

Many feel that a drag queen is a spirit lifter, and certainly the goddess Lola, filled with wit and pluck, keeps us captivated. And we see an inspired performance of Charlie throughout, but especially when he offers almost a soliloquy as he leaves a voicemail for Lola. It will stop you in your tracks.

Behmke and Voce were supported by a cast of gifted performers who added importantly and impressively to the quality of the musical. The astonishing Angels who backed Lola — there were six of them, drag queens all — danced and sang and took their performances over the top. The factory workers, who supported Charlie with goodwill and determination, enriched the production. Notice particularly Lauren (Karis Gallant), Don (Sam Hartley) George (Jeff Williams) Trish (Katrina Colletti) and Nicola (Mairys Joaquin), Charlie’s intended…ahem.

“Kinky Boots” is of course, loaded with award-winning music, 80’s tuneful sensibilities created by Lauper and performed by the cast with energy and power. You’ll particularly enjoy “Take What You Got,” “Land of Lola,” “Sex is in the Heel,” “Not My Father’s Son,” “Soul of a Man,” “Hold Me in Your Heart,” “Everybody Say Yeah!” and “Raise You Up.”

“Kinky Boots” is also transformational. “Accept Someone for who they are,” was one of the recurring themes. “Find and pursue your passion,” was another. One my favorites was Oscar Wilde’s “Be yourself. Everyone else is already Taken.”

On first reading, the phrases could seem a cliche. But the messages of overcoming prejudice and transcending stereotypes seemed not only to contribute to a change in the characters, but also perhaps a changed audience. Remember Hamlet and his father’s ghost: “These times are out of joint.” Having carefully complied with the pandemic requirements for attendance and seating, and having worn a face mask from the moment we all arrived at the theater, we are more likely to hear these phrases with a slightly different level of comprehension.

What an amazing evening at the theater.

Direction is by New York City’s Evan Pappas, who previously directed “Sister Act” and “The Color Purple.” Choreography is by Todd L. Underwood, director, choreographer of “Legally Blond,” “The Color Purple.” Christopher D. Littlefield is musical director and conductor; Brian C. Riley, lighting designer; Aaron Vockley, sound designer; and Ginger James, stage manager.

“Kinky Boots” continues through Oct. 31, but if you have not booked your seats, contact the box office soon!

This story was originally published October 16, 2021 at 9:46 AM.