Kinky Boots will Raise You Up!

Never put much heart in anything before.
You strut into my life and help me go for something more.
Now I stand up for myself.
Now I stand out from the crowd.
Now I’m standing on high heels,
If Dad could see me now!

Kinky Boots will Raise You Up! The Canadian production of Kinky Boots burst into the Toronto theatre scene with rave reviews after its official opening on Sunday at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Based on the 2005 film Kinky Boots by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, which was inspired by true events, the musical tells the tale of Charlie Price (Graham Scott Fleming), who is reluctant to take over his late father’s Northampton shoe factory.

To save the business, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen, Lola (Alan Mingo Jr.). Lola, aka cross-dressing Simon (Alan Mingo Jr.), was disowned by his father because he wanted him to become a prizefighter. Now, Lola is lighting up London with his flamboyant performances with his Angels.

As Charlie begins to lay off workers, Lauren (AJ Bridel), gives him the bright idea to find a potential niche market… drag queens With Lola’s help, Charlie develops a plan to produce a line of high-heeled boots. In the process, he and Lola discover that they are not so different after all.

The hit Broadway musical has music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper and a book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein. Lauper was in the crowd at the official opening, and joined the cast on stage at the end of the musical to a standing ovation.

You’ll love all the characters, especially the dynamite Lola who is brilliantly played by Alan Mingo Jr. You’ll laugh throughout Lauren’s song, “The History of Wrong Guys” and want to jump up from your seats during “Everybody Say Yeah” and “Raise You Up/Just Be” with the entire cast. Graham Scott Fleming belts out “Soul of a Man” during the second act, followed by a powerful tear-jerking ballad by Mingo Jr., “Hold Me in Your Heart”.

Kinky Boots has now been extended to November 8, 2015 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. For tickets, visit: http://www.mirvish.com/kinkyboots