Callum Francis Is The Best 'Kinky Boots' Lola Ever

[BETTY22]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 7:46am

I saw the show last night at its new home on 42nd Street. It is a shadow of its self - these 'boots' are now much smaller and cheaper - however, Callum Francis is a SENSATION. The best Lola I have ever seen.

No wonder the New York Times raved about him. There is a kindness and complexity to him that Billy Porter never found. 

I cannot wait to see what he does next. He's with the show until January. Run, run, run to see him. If you cannot make it to 42nd Street, check out The Today Show on Friday....Lola will be live! 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 8:39am

I completely agree! While I don't think I've seen anyone else in the role, I could not stop watching him.  He is INCREDIBLE. Actually, the whole Stage 42 cast is amazing! 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 9:12am

I'd catch him and the show quickly. Word is that it's not doing well and may close by the end of the year.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 3:35pm

ACL2006 said: "I'd catch him and the show quickly. Word is that it's not doing well and may close by the end of the year."

This might just be me, but I feel like they should have had this as a limited return from the get-go. 

[east side story]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 4:29pm

BETTY22 said: "I saw the show last night at its new home on 42nd Street. It is a shadow of its self - these 'boots' are now much smaller and cheaper - however, Callum Francis is a SENSATION. The best Lola I have ever seen.

No wonder the New York Times raved about him. There is a kindness and complexity to him that Billy Porter never found."

A cactus exudes more kindness than Porter, but I see your point.

 

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 5:19pm

I completely agree.  When I was the original production I wasn't all that hot about the show or Billy Porter even as the critics were raving, however, Callum Francis gives a performance that the show needed.  It is so effortless.

You have no doubt that he is Lola and not just an actor playing a drag queen.  He was really incredible.  The whole cast was a joy and made me actually like the show.

[Valentina3]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 5:24pm

I personally loved Porter in the role. It was my first ever live Broadway musical after several local regional / touring productions, so I am probably a bit biased haha.

Did any of you who saw Francis see J Harrison Ghee do the part? I found them to be picture perfect too, how do those two compare?

[pethian]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 5:30pm

BETTY22 said: "Callum Francis is a SENSATION. The best Lola I have ever seen."

I've been hearing this a lot. Had no intention of seeing this again but am rethinking that now.

 

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 6:29pm

Valentina3 said: "Did any of you who saw Francis see J Harrison Gheedo the part? I found them to be picture perfect too, how do those two compare?"

I’d say their Lolas are in the same family. If J exuded love, Callum exudes joy.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 8:03pm

I've seen Kinky Boots one time just before it closed on Broadway, and was gifted with Callum Francis' Lola. It was (and glad to hear, still is) a perfect performance.

[Dan6]

Posted: 10/25/22 at 9:16am

BETTY22 said: "I saw the show last night at its new home on 42nd Street. It is a shadow of its self - these 'boots' are now much smaller and cheaper - however, Callum Francis is a SENSATION. The best Lola I have ever seen.

No wonder the New York Times raved about him. There is a kindness and complexity to him that Billy Porter never found.

I cannot wait to see what he does next. He's with the show until January. Run, run, run to see him. If you cannot make it to 42nd Street, check out The Today Show on Friday....Lola will be live!"

Does anyone happen to know when in January Callum Francis is leaving? I’ll be in NY the second week of January and am hoping to catch him. 

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/25/22 at 9:32am

Ghee remains my favorite. Wayne Brady surprised me with how good he was. Porter IS Lola. Might have to catch Francis before he leaves. A shame Matt Henry never came over to the US to play the role.