Kinky Boots

Wanneroo Repertory’s Kinky Boots’ reputation preceded it. Selling out in a fortnight, weeks ahead of its September 12 opening, it seems to have broken Perth box office records. The excitement was well deserved. This is a top-tier production with tight direction, excellent music and a fabulous cast.

Leading the cast are two stellar performers. Zac Bennett gives credence and gorgeous vocals to the role of Charlie Price, giving us a protagonist who is flawed but loveable, anchoring the production beautifully. Manuao TeAotonga is a glorious Lola, a beautifully layered performance with a wonderful flair for drag paired with great emotional depth, in a very welcome return to the stage.

The supporting cast are also excellent, with well-drawn characters that felt real. Dixie Johnstone sung up a storm as Lauren, Chris McCafferty gave us great character development as Don, Gillian Binks was a likeable Pat, Helen Carey was lovely as rough round the edges Trish, Chris Gerrish was a convincing George with a lovely finale and Tania Morrow captured Nicola nicely.

Lola’s Angels were an eclectic and excellent collection of drag queens, giving us great personalities that were much more than boys in frocks. Outstanding teamwork from Juan Carlos, Carlie Darlington, Wayne Evans, David Gray, Helen Kerr and George O’Doherty. The ensemble and minor roles included lots of familiar faces whom we are used to seeing as leading lights, forming a top notch chorus with style, verve and energy. Choreography, by Dixie Johnstone, was impressive and well executed.

On opening night Jack Blower appeared in his first featured role as Young Charlie in a well-focused performance, while Cooper Edwards made his stage debut as a very endearing Young Lola. Audiences on other evenings may see Cooper as Charlie, or William Turner as Young Lola or Charlii Price as Young Charlie Price (yes…really).

Vocally very strong under the supervision of Music Directors Maddy Innes and Taui Pinker, the show is backed by a top-notch band. Sound Design by Daniel Toomath could not be faulted.

Looking great, the costumes designed by Meg Andrichem-Considine, are a superb blend of fabulously flashy and gritty realism. The set, designed by Mal Anderson and John Johnstone, gives us a great feel of a generations old factory, transforming nicely to other locales. It was sensitively and sensationally lit, as designed by Dene Jones.

Opening night audience was not the ‘expected’ Kinky Boots crowd, with several large bus loads of senior citizens in the audience bringing a touch of realism to Lola’s performance in the nursing home. A testament to the wide appeal of this production, it received a standing ovation and loud acclaim.

Kimberley Shaw