Kinky Boots – The Musical in Concert ★★★★ Theatre Royal Drury Lane | August 8 & 9, 2022


Kinky Boots is back on the runway, and it's not just the heels that provide some uplift! Here's a celebration of diversity and self-acceptance that is a wonderfully positive experience. This concert production is bursting with energy and the show's optimistic spirit is palpable. Not surprisingly, the audience loved it. Joel Harper-Jackson does a splendid job as uncertain and insecure Charlie Price, who reluctantly inherits his father's dying shoe factory and gradually grows into his new role. He subtly transitions from being defined by others to a new sense of confidence and self-awareness until he wows the audience with "The Soul of a Man." Courtney Bowman brings a great voice to the character of Lauren and is a fine comic counterpoint to Harper-Jackson's Charlie. However, it is Cedric Neal who owns the show. His self-assurance as Lola and his vulnerability as Simon are both riveting and endearing. His rendition of "Hold Me In Your Heart" was a show stopper. This is a performance that inspires not just Charlie, but all of us. It's a shame that this production of the beloved musical has such a short run but catch it if you can.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Mark Senior.

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