Billy Porter Extends Contract through 2016
WOW. I certainly wasn't expecting that!
Congratulations to him, it's nice to see an actor stick with a role this long nowadays.
Broadway Star Joined: 11/15/13
I'm sure he enjoys the stability and the paycheck, and it's gonna be hard to follow up a role like Lola in Kinky Boots. He's smart to to do it as long as possible.
This makes me very happy. There's something really refreshing about seeing an actor right now bring this level of enthusiasm and commitment to a show.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
Has anyone seen him in the role recently? Just curious whether he's still giving a fresh performance.
I saw him over the summer and he was phenomenal
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
I saw him in June he is still as fierce as ever!
So according to the story Billy is taking a three-month break, and Kyle from the tour is taking over during that time. Has anyone seen Kyle in the role?
Plus, I think it is great that Billy is taking a little bit of time off to play Lola in Pittsburgh! Way to show the hometown some love. Bravo, Billy!
Updated On: 1/7/15 at 01:49 PM
Guess this means he won't be opening the show in london
Billy is the QUEEEEEEN. Kyle isn't so bad himself. (saw Kyle 4x he is amazing as well)
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/12
Do they have to offer the tour understudies new contracts for playing the role for so long? 6 weeks each.
I wonder if they'll bill those understudies as leads for those 3 months, and if they'll bring in an extra Lola cover.
Kyle is alright . Kind of a carbon copy. But the performance is a little hollow. If you have not seen it wait for Billy.
The Playbill article also mentions Porter is temporarily joining the tour when it visits his hometown of Pittsburgh this summer for one week.
On a slightly related casting note, will Jeanna de Waal be doing Finding Neverland on Broadway? Might Haven Burton return to replace her once again?
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
I totally look forward to seeing Kyle in the role and looking forward to Billy coming back.
But isn't it great that Billy gets to do it for a week in his home town..that's wonderful.
Just saw Kyle in Costa Mesa on Sunday night and he was FABULOUS! His "Hold Me In His Heart" was an Eleven O'clock showstopper!
Read the Broadway World review for the stop in the OC which is spot on.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Reviews-Everybody-Say-Yeah-to-the-Delightful-KINKY-BOOTS-Tour-20150106?PageSpeed=noscript
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/12
It's so special that Billy gets to perform this in his hometown.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
Billy Porter is directing George Wolfe's The Colored Museum this Spring at the Huntington in Boston. A sure to be must-see.
^ That is a FABULOUS heads-up. I think I should come up to see that, no?
I was the musical director for a production of that in college. Only white person in the room and I loved it.
PalJoey and I were in the opening crowd scene of the PBS version.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
Total gay gasp. I am REALLY looking forward to finally seeing a production of The Colored Museum.
Colored Museum info
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/13
Thanks, indeed for the heads up! I'm unfamiliar with the piece, but am quite intrigued by what I've read so far.
March is a horrible month for me, but I hope I can make this work.
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