Directed by Derek
Walker
Free Rain Theatre
Company
Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
to 28 July
Reviewed by Len Power
11 July 2019
The combination of composer and lyricist, Cyndi Lauper, and
book writer, Harvey Fierstein, proved to be a magical one for the Broadway
musical, ‘Kinky Boots’. Opening in 2013
in New York, the show won six Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for
over 2,500 performances. It only closed
on Broadway a few months ago.
Based on the 2005 British film of the same name, it tells the
story of Charlie Price who inherits a shoe factory from his father and saves it
from the brink of bankruptcy by designing a successful range of high-heeled
boots in partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen, Lola. Their unlikely friendship gives the show a
warmth and heart that is quite beguiling.
Director, Derek Walker, has given us a high energy,
good-looking production that plays fast and furious from start to finish. Three professionals play the major leads,
heading up a talented and enthusiastic large cast of local performers.
 |
| Martin Everett (Charlie Price) and the Company |
As Charlie Price, the inheritor of the factory, Martin
Everett plays his role with considerable depth and sings very well. His solo song, ‘Step One’, was especially
well sung and he was very moving in the duet, ‘Not My Father’s Son’.
As drag queen, Lola, Rania Potaka-Osborne gives a sassy but
very human and appealing performance in this pivotal role. Unfortunately, there were some vocal problems
in the singing of his big song, ‘Hold Me In Your Heart’ and in the duet with
Charlie earlier in the show.
 |
| Rania Potaka-Osborne (Lola) and the Angels |
As the emerging love interest for Charlie, Brittanie Shipway
was a delight in a very physical, comedic performance as factory worker,
Lauren. A good singer, too, she
commanded the stage with her song, ‘The History Of Wrong Guys’.
Amongst the large cast there were standout performances by
Peter Dark, Tim Stiles, Hannah Lance, Chelsea Heaney, Kara Sellars and Michael
Heming. The singing and dancing by the
guys playing the Angels – the drag queens supporting Lola – were outstanding.
The large ensemble performed impressively, singing and
dancing with energy and precision.
Sound balance between orchestra and singers was fine and
Nicholas Griffin’s band performed the colourful music with gusto and
accuracy. The large number of
eye-catching costumes by Fiona Leach was a triumph of design and Cate
Clelland’s substantial set was atmospheric and well-designed.
Michelle Heine’s fine choreography was danced with assurance
by the company and Phillip Goodwin’s clever lighting design was especially
impressive with the scenes showing the inner thoughts of the characters.
‘Kinky Boots’ is a feel-good musical and great entertainment. This production really delivers the goods.
Photos by Craig
Burgess, Family Fotographics
This review was first
published in the Canberra City News digital edition of 12 July 2019
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.
