Miracle on Galena Boulevard! “Kinky Boots” lights up Aurora!

Highly Recommended ***** Anticipation of being at a live theater opening again has been something. After almost two years of “darkness”, our theater community began to anticipate what would come as the world adjusted to the post-Covid era. While we are not out of the woods yet, our theater community is doing all they can to make life “almost normal” once again. In the past weeks, we have attended a number of smaller venues where it was easier to manage the audience. We knew that the Paramount Theatre would be THE regional theater to be first. They announced it some time ago- the first regional theater to do a local production of “Kinky Boots”. This was announced in May, so while they have been preparing, we have been anticipating!

Last night, we attended the opening of this magnificent production. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the productions done at Paramount , or as some of us call it “the house that Corti and Rater built”, since their first production they have wowed their audiences. the critics and of course the Jeff Awards people. Last night was no exception! The pandemic may have slowed them down but they are back in full throttle putting another perfect production on their stage.

“Kinky Boots” is a very “adult” story about a failing shoe factory that is inherited by Charlie Price (Devin DeSantis knocks it out of the park). The workers are like family to him so closing the shop will hurt the entire community. Lola ( brought to life by the incredible Michael Wordly, who the audience falls in love with) a “drag queen”. They are on different sides of life’s spectrum and yet their chance meeting changes both of their lives. Lola has a problem finding shoes/boots that will fit with comfort ( for a man to wear) and so do a great number of others. Charlie sees the idea that could save the factory and perhaps his entire community.

Based on an actual story with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, this production will astound you from start to finish. Under the direction of Trent Stork with slick choreography by Isaiah Silvia-Chandley and Michael George, you will find yourself clapping your hands and screaming delight when Lola and “her” Angels do their thing! I must give them a special note as these performers did things that I am not sure our bodies are meant to do! Terrel Armstrong, Anthony Avino, Matthew Bettencourt, Christopher John Kelley, Anthony Sullivan Jr and J. Tyler Whitmer- thank you for what you do!

The ensemble is an amazing group, many of whom are familiar to Chicago audiences. Charlie’s dad is played by Neil Friedman, the office manager by the always reliable Mark David Kaplan ( in rare form for his great comic touch) Sara Reinecke is adorable ( you will adore her  rendition of “The History of Wrong Guys”. Dana Tretta is perfect as Pat. Her petite body is tossed around like a feather and her comic timing is a sheer delight. As I said earlier, this ensemble works! I do not want to forget that the story opens with a number where we meet Charlie as a lad ( Nolan Maddox and Patrick Scott McDermott, alternating) and young “Lola” (Daniel Font-Wilets).

I also do not want to omit the “bad guy” Don ( played to perfection by Mark Lancaster). He is the worker who doesn’t like what he is seeing and feels that Lola is taking over the factory, the town and perhaps his life. There is a wonderful side to this story and a boxing match that is well choreographed. This is also where a message is delivered that  will leave an imprint.

The strength of this production is in the cast that brings the story to life. We feel that we know them all. Charlie’s life seems to be upside down when his dad dies, but circumstance brings him to a space where he meets Lola and we then see his life ( and perhaps that of the entire community) find a happier place. It is magical!

The technical aspects of this production are flawless. The set ( Kevin Depinet and Christopher Rhoton) is not as powerful as the Broadway production but achieves the same ending without the expense of conveyer belts. Bravo! Ryan Park’s costumes are amazingly powerful in particular those of Lola and her Angels. Gregg Hoffman’s lights and Adam Rosenthal’s sound are right on target and the wigs and makeup by Katie Cordits perfect. Jesse Gaffney handles the props and again, another flawless part of this production.

If you are ready to go back to theater and want to have two-and-a-half amazing hours, then you MUST see this production.

There are some rules:  Bring your photo ID and vaccination card. Arrive early as they will check. At this point, masks are to be worn at all times . There are drinks available, but no foods and snacks in the theater.

“Kinky Boots” will continue at The Paramount Theatre, located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora thru October 17th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Thursdays   7:00 p.m.

Fridays    8:00 p.m.

Saturdays   3 p.m. and  8:p.m.

Sundays   1 p.m. and  5:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $36 ( a fabulous bargain for theater of this quality) and can be purchased at  www.ParamountAurora.com or by calling 630-896-6666

There is ample parking in Aurora ( the second largest city in Illinois), some free, some inexpensive garages/lots and of course, valet parking is available.

Live Theater is BACK!

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Kinky Boots”.

photos by Liz Lauren