By George Basler
Alex VanTassel has two big reasons why she signed up to be music director for Kinky Boots at the Endicott Performing Arts Center. She loves the show’s music, and she loves the show’s message. “It’s a fun show that also makes you think and feel something real,” the singer and musician said.
The musical, which is being presented by the EPAC Repertory Company, opens Thursday (July 13) for a weekend run. It features a cast of some 30 performers including two who have done shows in New York City and on national tours. They are playing the dynamic duo at the heart of the show.
Kinky Boots, with music and lyrics by pop star Cyndi Lauper and book by Broadway veteran Harvey Fierstein, emphasizes the message that “you can change the world when you change your mind.” It was a major hit on Broadway, running for six years and winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2013. It returned to New York in 2022 in a downsized revival.
Based on a 2005 British film, which was inspired by real events, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits a failing shoe factory from his father and turns its fortunes around by forming an unlikely partnership with Lola, a cabaret performer and drag queen.
Their business plan is to produce a line of high-heeled red boots for the niche market of performing drag queens. Along the way, Charlie and his co-workers overcome their prejudices and learn to accept people different from themselves.
The show’s message of open mindedness and acceptance is one that people need to hear at a time when drag queens are being vilified and used as political fodder by some public officials, said Stephen Kane, who is playing Charlie in the EPAC production.
“There is social warfare going on. This show can help combat it,” he said. Kane grew up in Broome County and got his start as a performer with EPAC’s Children’s Workshop and later the EPAC Repertory Company.
VanTassel makes a similar point. “It’s better for everyone to have an open mind and accept other people for who they are,” she said, adding Kinky Boots has “a beautiful story that I want people to see.”
The musical has proven to be a real crowd pleaser, said Pat Foti, EPAC’s artistic director, who is directing the production. “Everybody loves it,” he noted.
Fierstein’s book is filled with heart and humor while Lauper wrote a great score that ranges from pop numbers to electronic music to ballads, said VanTassel, who is a songwriter herself.
The EPAC production will also feature spirited dance numbers choreographed by Andrew Bailey. VanTassel and Bailey have both worked on previous EPAC shows.
Sheridan Anetron Marina, who is playing Lola, called the part “a dream role of mine.” He admires the character’s confidence and power in being 100 percent authentic. But the part is a demanding one as well. “Walking and dancing in stiletto heels when you have the weight of a grown man is quite a feat,” he said, with a laugh.
The show is also demanding for other cast members. The score is written in a very high range, VanTassel said. Ensemble members must sing and dance while some wear high heels. “Our community members are stepping up to the job. They sound amazing,” VanTassel said.
The show is rated appropriate for audience members 10 years of age, and older. There is no inappropriate language and very little risqué material, Kane said. The production is more quirky than kinky.
IF YOU GO: The EPAC Repertory Company will present Kinky Boots July 13-16 at its playhouse, 102 Washington Ave., Endicott. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday’s performance is at 3 p.m. Reserved seating tickets at $25 ($20 for seniors, $20 for children 12 and under) can be purchased at the EPAC website, www.endicottarts.com; at the EPAC box office, or by calling 607-785-8903.
