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WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
The musical, inspired by true events and a popular 2005 British film by the same name, centers around a gentleman’s shoe factory in Northampton, England and its owner. In order to save his failing family business, the owner forms a partnership with a drag queen in search of stilettos and thigh boots that will fit men who are cross-dressers. Though their worlds couldn’t be further apart, the partners discover that —in many ways— they’re not so different after all.
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FAMILIAR FACE IN STARRING ROLE
Daytonians will be privileged to see actor Timothy Ware as Lola. He performed the part on Broadway 186 times as the understudy for Billy Porter. Ware has also toured the country in “Mamma Mia!” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” When he appeared in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park production of “Thunder Knocking at the Door” in 2012, he was described by CityBeat magazine as a blend of James Brown, Little Richard and Eddie Murphy.
“The message of ‘Kinky Boots’ is that you change the world when you change your mind,” Ware said in a recent phone interview. “Don’t judge a book by its cover. Learn to accept others for what they are.”
Both of the lead characters in the show struggle to live up to their fathers’ expectations.
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“The character of Lola felt shamed because her father put shame on her for being different and wanting to dress like a woman,” he says. “She’s just more in tune with her feminine side. But somehow — and some way — she found pride in that shame and was able to find joy within herself and spread that joy to others. It always comes back to this — how do you learn to love yourself for who you are.”
Ware believes art is the strongest form of communication. “Through performing arts we can reach across the aisle,” he says. “Art has a way of putting ideas and thoughts into a form that allows people to feel like they can listen, observe and maybe change their minds and see a different perspective.”
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WANT TO GO?
What: "Kinky Boots," the Broadway musical
When: May 23-28, 2018
Where: Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Tickets: Prices range from $30 to $97 depending upon the day of the week and seat location. Available through Ticket Center Stage by calling (937) 228-3630, toll-free 888-228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.