We’re moving along into this final week of previews with an insuppressible energy anticipating Press Night Opening Friday night! Our masked and vax card carrying patrons have been true champions for the greater good of everyone’s health and safety (please don’t forget to bring your proof of vaccination and ID!) – and their communal participation in the sensation that is Paramount’s Kinky Boots is through the roof for every performance! After persistent standing ovations, the cheering crowds have been leaving the theater with shout-outs of praise to the note-taking creatives camped out at the back of the house with only three previews left! Director Trent Stork and his team have tirelessly been attending detailing the company’s performance and the production’s sets, costumes, and choreography while simultaneously gauging the audiences’ response; warm, appreciative, raised on up by the lift of this story’s true meaning and message to all of us to “Just Be”!
Michael Wordly eloquently, exquisitely embodies Lola in a portrayal personal and real. And the fact is that the 2012 Tony-winning Broadway musical is an adaptation of the 2005 British comedy-drama film which is based on a true story. There’s a very palpable, honest humanity to the disappointment and heartbreak one suffers as a young person – and then rising to the fight to honor one’s own identity. Devin DeSantis as Charlie Price, disillusioned son of a shoe factory owner, finds compassion with the drag queen as they both sing “I’m Not My Father’s Son.” Audiences can see themselves empathetically in the story through them. I have seen individuals leave the theater grateful and moved identifying their own true selves. And being extravagantly entertained!
Side Note: Open Call deadline is Monday for Bold Auditions. Go to paramountaurora.com – click on About.
Love and thanks,
Jim
he/him