The cast of “Kinky Boots.” Photo by Matt Liptak.
“Kinky Boots” struts right into the heart of Alexandria audiences with flashing lights and skyscraping heels at The Little Theatre of Alexandria. The Tony Award-winning “Kinky Boots,” with book by Harvey Fierstein, is based on the 2005 British film of the same name. It was mostly inspired by true events and follows the unlikely duo of Charlie Price (the son of a shoemaker who just inherited his father’s struggling business) and Simon/Lola (a highly successful and emboldened drag queen) as they team up to save the Northampton shoe factory. Along with its eclectic and eccentric workers, the two partner to serve the niche and underrepresented market of designing and manufacturing high-heeled shoes for men. With music and lyrics by the iconic 80s pop star, Cyndi Lauper, the musical can really be described as part narrative, part drag show, resulting in one bright and colorful celebration of individual expression, acceptance, and shoes!
…bright and colorful celebration of individual expression, acceptance…
Coming off an undoubtedly packed and exhausting tech week, the energy going into opening night was a little muted but definitely picked up by intermission thanks to its two leads. As the show’s protagonist, Matthew Rubin as Charlie Price brought tremendous energy to his role, a no doubt, unsurprising phenomenon for the young actor who won a Cappie for his portrayal of Jack Kelly back in high school. Rubin pulls off the role with relative ease, showing off smooth runs and honey vocals, especially in “The Soul of a Man.” Clayton Alex James emerges as the perfect foil to Charlie’s unsure and frantic nature with his own portrayal of Lola/Simon as bold, confident, and unafraid to ruffle a few feathers. James’ own rich vocals added to Rubin’s made “I’m Not My Father’s Son” one of the most poignant and moving numbers of the evening, fully captivating the audience. It also marked the pointed energy shift the production needed into the much livelier “Everybody Say Yeah!” James also showed off Lola/Simon’s softer side in the second act’s “Hold Me in Your Heart,” a number that could have proven more powerful on its own without the added character on stage throughout the song.
Equally as impressive, if not more so, were the standouts from the ensemble. Cooper Sved shines as both an ensemble member, a joy to watch in the background of any scene, but especially as Charlie’s gone-in-flash best friend, Harry. He exhibits charisma, charm, and strikingly satisfying tenor vocals in “Take What You Got.” Lola’s Angels also each found a moment to dazzle, notably Tyler Ward’s solo in “In This Corner.”
The choreography by Michael Page seemed challenging to execute by some of the actors but was most effective in group numbers, with Alexis Hooks and Maia Potok-Holmes (Dance Captain) really taking center stage as featured dancers. They exhibited their skills with pirouettes, leaping flips and jumps across stage, and much more in songs like “Everybody Say Yeah!” and “Raise You Up/Just Be.” Potok-Holmes showed off her comedic chops as well when taking the stage as the Milan Stage Manager, proving to be a crowd favorite.
The real star of the night, however, was the choice technical elements. The conveyor belt reveal during “Everybody Say Yeah!” was particularly exciting thanks to set designer by Julie Fischer as well as the extraordinary lights display in the upstairs windows and frames in “Raise You Up/Just Be” by lighting designers Jeff Auerbach and Kimberly Crago. The set design as a whole served the production well, with commendation made to director Kevin Sockwell for his use of the stage, both behind and in front of the curtain.
Hidden behind some of these colorful windows was the live, ten-piece orchestra led by music director Aimee Faulkner. While there were some sound balance issues, the band kept things tight. They definitely added a driving force and that extra kick to the production, resulting in the audience clapping along happily to the final number.
With sequins, stilettos, and song, LTA’s production of “Kinky Boots” delivers a colorful evening celebrating queer expression, the freedom of being oneself and, of course, a great pair of shoes.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
“Kinky Boots” runs through August 16, 2025 at the Little Theatre of Alexandria at 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
