"Kinky Boots" on PBS last night.

I was disappointed that an iteration wasn't preserved with Sands and Porter -- fully understanding that filmed editions come with their own timing and contractual issues -- but was pleasantly surprised by the strength of this London company. The two leads, Matt Henry, the Olivier-winning Lola, and (especially) Killian Donnelly, the Charlie, were wonderful. I early on warmed to Donnelly, an entirely different type of actor than the boyish Sands, with his almost Meatloaf vocals. He made the character's turns into intolerance believable and so his "woke" epiphany in his call to Lola was all the more memorable. He seemed closer to the Edgerton type in the film. The show also benefits, logically, from Brits playing Brits, but this was a lovely filmed performance. Mitchell's choreography was well (enough) filmed. It was a straightforward take, but I appreciated the many full-proscenium angles to get the sense of the show being, well, a show. The Lauper score (which I seldom listen to), especially the first act, is a model of how to use uptempo numbers to keep a show moving. I was reminded that it seldom slows, unstopped by the kind of power ballads that often weigh down less successful pieces (though I'm not as big a fan of the 2nd act).

It has seemed under the radar. So glad I didn't miss it.

I never got the chance to see this when it was in movie theatres. But, for those that didn't catch it on PBS it's on BroadwayHD as well (which was how I saw it.) And, it was a very well filmed performance indeed. 

I'm loving this on streaming. Playing it again (middle of the boxing match right now, love Mitchell's using the Angel for the ring ropes) and I listen to the audio at work! KB is really one of my favorite recent musicals. Saw it once on tour in San Francisco, and three times in NYC including the final performance this past April. How the Hirschfeld mezzanine is still standing is beyond me. It was rocking during the finale. Native Californian, I've been through countless earthquakes, but this sort of freaked me out. 

Anyway, what an outside filmed version. Nothing can replace the electricity in the theater, but the closeups are great, and I appreciate how they often just have a static camera on lots of scenes. Too many filmed versions use jump cuts and rapid editing. 

Oh, such great memories despite my continued quibble with Charlie's out-of-nowhere turning on Lola and getting angry in Act 2. His sole purpose was to save the factory. Lola did that. Why be pissed at her? 

But most importantly, who is this Sean Needham (Don) fellow? Super handsome man. Daniel was good but this 'Don' was nice to watch. 

I enjoyed the PBS version more than I did the OBC.  I thought Charlie was spot on and Lola didn't annoy me like Billy Porter's portrayal of him.  The choreography seemed a bit simplistic in parts, especially in the finale, which I don't recall from my first experience.  I also found the guys much hotter in this version than the OBC.