Ever wonder what the secret to being a good person is? The secret to bettering ourselves and the world around us? Turns out it’s actually pretty simple. There are six steps to keep in mind: 1. Pursue the truth. 2. Learn something new. 3. Accept yourself and you’ll accept others too. 4. Let love shine. 5. Let pride be your guide. And 6. Change the world when you change your mind!
These six steps, which come to us courtesy of the iconic LGBTQ Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots, are being sown over at the Little Theatre of Alexandria in a show produced by Amber Champ and Eleanore Tapscott and directed by Kevin Sockwell.
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price (Matthew Rubin), who, following the death of his father, inherits his family’s flailing shoe factory in Northampton, England. Facing bankruptcy and fearing unemployment for his workers, Charlie looks to alternative solutions. Fate intervenes when he meets and subsequently teams up with Lola/Simon (Clayton Alex James), a drag performer greatly in need of sexy yet sturdy boots. Through their collaboration, they not only save the factory but also discover they have more in common than initially realized.
This powerful story of friendship, acceptance, and embracing one’s own individuality as well as that of others has been opening minds and hearts for two decades since the release of the original 2005 film based on the true story of Steven Pateman and his family’s shoe business. In 2013, the film was adapted into a musical, written by Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics created by the incredible ’80s pop legend Cyndi Lauper.
The most consistently proficient performance of the night was Rubin’s overall portrayal of Charlie. He provided an effortlessly quirky charm throughout the entire show; his vocal delivery maintained a lyrical style that perfectly straddled the line between contemporary pop and musical theater — exactly the tone you want for the role of Charlie — and not to mention, he probably had the most convincing English accent of the night!
One of the most powerful performances, though, was the penultimate number in the first act, “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” a duet mainly featuring Simon/Lola (James). The earnest emotion conveyed through his rendition of the beautiful ballad allowed the audience to easily empathize with the sorrowful tune. His genuine emotion was also evident in his performance of “Hold Me in Your Heart,” although the technically difficult song was somewhat wanting. James’ performance of “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” however, was stripped down, pure, and truly let his vocal skills shine.
Another standout moment was the dance number during the final song of Act I, “Everybody Say Yeah!” In addition to James’ dance moves as Lola, wherein he never missed a beat, and Charlie (Rubin) letting go and embodying his own inner “Lola” (i.e., strength, courage, passion, and confidence), the entire cast participated in some sort of colorful movement.
This showcase of moves even included flying splits, perfect pirouettes, and full back handsprings, folding from one end of the stage to the other. These particular moves mentioned were courtesy of Maia Potok-Holms (milan stage manager/ensemble/featured dancer/dance captain) and Alexis Hook (ensemble/featured dancer).
Because the show so heavily involves an ensemble cast, you could plainly witness the level of pure fun each performer had whenever they were all on stage at the same time — which is most of the show. Their boundless energy and excitement leaked into the audience and created an almost immersive experience with plentiful “awws,” “oohs,” laughter, and gasps filling the room.
In addition to the apparent camaraderie of the cast, it was clear how much effort and care the crew put into heightening the overall show. Although there were occasional issues with the mics being drowned out by the orchestra in the first act and picking up offstage actors’ breathing in the second, they still produced a lively and memorable show.
Set Designer Julie Fischer, Set Dresser Siobhan Fisher, Set Painter Mona Wargo, and Master Carpenters Shah Choudhury and Julie Fisher, along with each of their teams, provided nuanced set transitions that were skillfully price-efficient while still effectively carrying the audience to and from each scene’s location with full believability.
Lighting Designers Jeff Auerbach and Kimberly Crago also helped set the scene and mood through altering the light’s coloring reflected against the set’s opaque window backdrop. For instance, red was used to highlight the centered silhouettes of the drag performers (otherwise known as the Angels) as they positioned themselves in the stereotypical Charlie’s Angels pose, playing with the obvious yet delightful and rewarding pun!
Another instance in which the change in the lighting’s coloring aided narrative development was in the final number of the night, “Raise You Up/Just Be.” The lights changed to reflect the full spectrum of the rainbow, mirroring the message of the song — an electrifying LGBTQIA+ anthem about “celebrating” and “elevating” our fellow man in which the six steps for living our best lives and changing the world for the better can be heard, internalized, and, hopefully, paid forward!
Running Time: Approximately two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.
Kinky Boots plays through August 16, 2025 (Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 pm, Sunday matinees at 2 pm), at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA. To purchase tickets ($36, reserved seating), go online or contact the Box Office via phone (703-683-0496) or email (boxoffice@thelittletheatre.com).
The program for Kinky Boots is downloadable here.
For more information about the show, cast, and crew, visit thelittletheatre.com/
Kinky Boots
Music and Lyrics by Cindy Lauper / Book by Harvey Fierstein
Directed by Kevin Sockwell
Choreographed by Michael Page / Music Directed by Aimee Faulkner
Produced by Amber Champ and Eleanore Tapscott
