Checking in with KINKY BOOTS

Before heading to DOLLY last night, I went to TKTS and got a ticket to KB (was a bit surprised that at 50% off it was still $90, but I was 7th row center).

I’ve seen the show multiple times on Broadway and on tour and I believe I’ve seen every Lola except Billy. J Harrison Ghee IS Lola. My favorite from start to finish. Always giving 110 percent. Yesterday he was marking his fourth anniversary with the show (starting with international tour). He carries this show and I can’t say enough good things about him.

Brava David Cook. I knew his vocals would be great but his acting also blew me away. A very convincing Charlie. Great, consistent accent. Remarkable performance.

The actress who played Lauren definitely plays it with more edge and ‘bad ass’ than any previous Lauren’s I’ve seen. It makes her a tad less endearing but still funny (and at times funnier).

HUGE PROPS to original cast members Daniel Stewart Sherman (Don) and Jennifer Perry (Trish) who.. after five years.. are still as fresh and authentic and good as ever. I could watch Jennifer and her facial expressions all day.

I don’t know exactly what to make of the Angels. I love them, but it seemed like at least two of them were ‘mailing it in’ and not going ‘FULL OUT.’ I’ll say this.. all of them didn’t match the energy and intensity of their Lola. And I hate the two alternative finale outfits that two of them were wearing last night (no green/black outfit worn in the OBC by the tall, skinny African American Angel or shimmery green/silver worn by the Latin or African American Angel). In fact, yesterday was the first time I’ve seen the show when all the Angels were white.

All in all - the show remains in great shape. Orchestra looked to be about 65 percent full. I love this show. It was like visiting an old friend.

Kevin Smith Kirkwood and Blaine Krauss must have both been out. They both cover Lola. None of the Angel swings are black. I ? Charlie Sutton, but he needs to move on to something else. He was clearly marking it back when I saw it in April.

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A lot of people don't seem to realize that David was originally a theater major in college then switched to graphic design. I always hoped that he would come to Broadway someday and I'm so glad he did. ! I thought he even sounded better than previous Charlies and I just loved his portrayal.