CAMBRIDGE – Winner of six Tony Awards, London’s Olivier Award and a Grammy Award®, Kinky Boots will kick-off the 2020 Season at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from March 11 to April 5.
The show features a score by Cyndi Lauper.
Based on true events, this uplifting musical chronicles the story of Charlie Price, who is struggling to save a men’s shoe factory he inherited from his father in Northampton, England. When all seems lost, a chance encounter with the dazzling drag queen Lola spurs an outrageous idea for creating “women’s boots for women who are men.”
With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair eventually embrace their differences and outfit themselves for success by creating a sparkling line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen.
“With its unwavering message of self-acceptance and inclusion, Kinky Boots has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment.
“It’s energetic, fun, and packed with great music that will appeal to everyone. Plus, the cast is fantastic. After the overwhelming success of Priscilla Queen of the Desert last season, we know audiences will love Kinky Boots.”
Director and choreographer David Connolly is at the helm of this blockbuster Broadway musical.
Connolly is joined by music director Konrad Pluta, set designer Brian Dudkiewicz, costume designer Ivan Brozic, lighting designer Kaileigh Krysztofiak, stage manager Dustyn Wales, assistant stage manager Jasmyne Leisemer, assistant stage manager Nadene Riehl, and assistant choreographer Christine Watson.
JOS N BANKS
Jos N. Banks makes his Drayton Entertainment debut as Lola, a vivacious drag queen who helps Charlie try to reinvent the factory while battling his own demons. Banks previously performed the role of Lola on the international tour of Kinky Boots.
Sayer Roberts takes on the role of Charlie Price, a young man caught between the life he envisioned for himself in London and his devotion to his late father’s fledgling factory in Northampton. Roberts recently played Brad in the Stratford Festival production of The Rocky Horror Show, and Marius in Les Misérables at both the Vancouver Arts Club and Chemainus Theatre Festival.
AJ BRIDEL
AJ Bridel will play Lauren, a feisty factory employee at Price and Son’s Shoes who finds herself falling for Charlie despite her best efforts to avoid it. Originally from Kitchener, Bridel played this role in the 2016 Toronto production of Kinky Boots and was nominated for a Dora Award for her performance.
Jayme Armstrong is Charlie’s ambitious fiancée, Nicola, who is unimpressed with his time spent trying to revive the factory. Armstrong has appeared in a variety of Drayton Entertainment productions including Rocky: The Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Holiday Inn, Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde, and Chicago, among many others.
Fresh from his role as Buddy in Elf: The Musical, Tim Porter will play a very different type of character when he takes on the role of Charlie’s cool and confident friend Harry, who is a successful shoe salesman.
Paul Jerry Schwarz is Don, the close-minded factory foreman who struggles to accept Lola and the new direction that the factory is taking. He appeared in the Drayton Entertainment production of Good Ol’ Country Gospel last season.
Veteran actor Patrick R. Brown is George, the factory’s reserved manager who wants to help Charlie adjust to his new role.
Joining Schwarz and Brown on the factory floor are Blythe Wilson as Pat and Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Trish.
George Absi, Michael Derworiz, David Houle, Billy Lake, Reece Rowat, and Noah Tremblay are The Angels, Lola’s fellow drag queens, and back up dancers at The Blue Angel Nightclub.
Justin Bott, Stacey Kay, Michael-Lamont Lytle, Erica Peck, Stephanie Pitsiladis, Andrew Scanlon, and Sandy Winsby round out the glamourous cast.
Kinky Boots is on stage from March 11 to April 5 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge.
Regular performance tickets are $49.50 for adults, $29 for youth under 20 years of age and $40 for groups of 20 or more and select discount dates. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.
Tickets may be purchased at Drayton Entertainment Box Offices, by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.
