Enter The World of Lola in Kinky Boots

I remember watching the film Kinky Boots more than a decade ago starring Joel Edgerton as Charlie Price and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola, which was based on true events written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. I was so entertained with the story and thought to my self that this would be a great a musical. Little did I know then that this charming film would make its way to Broadway in 2013 featuring the music of Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious and uplifting book by Harvey Fierstein.

When news that Atlantis Theatrical Group was staging it in Manila, my excitement level went through the roof. Opening Night was a huge success! Once I entered the theater and took my seat, I knew I was in for a fun ride. As the band played its first note and the lights lit the stage, we were transported to another dimension, the dazzling world of Lola, deliciously played by Nyoy Volante accompanied by his Angels – Ritz Beltan, Jorge Jahnke, Michael Jahnke, Jazztin Cacayan, Mark Pineda and Gerhard Krysstopher. We were completely enthralled by the commanding stage presence of these wickedly talented divas. Volante gave a tour-de-force performance in heels that literally lit the stage on fire, especially in the divalicious numbers Land of Lola and Sex Is In the Heal. He also showed his vulnerability in the heart-wrenching ballad Hold Me In Your Heart.

Philippine Theatre has found a new leading man in the person of Laurence Mossman whose charming portrayal of Charlie Price made most of the women in the audience including my own daughter swoon. His sensitive interpretation of the song Soul of a Man is noteworthy.

I may sound biased here but I could not help but be so proud of my sister Yanah Laurel who displayed her impeccable comic timing and wit in her portrayal of factory worker Lauren. She brought the house down in her solo History of Wrong Guys, which made me laugh so hard to the point where I was already in tears. Good job Yan!

I applaud the hard-working and brilliant cast for being fine examples of what actors should be like. They simply showed that there are no small roles.

I applaud the hard-working and brilliant cast for being fine examples of what actors should be like. They simply showed that there are no small roles. They took each character and made them stand out in the best way possible. Kudos to Tricia Canilao, Jamie Wilson, Nel Gomez, Christine Flores, Sarah Facuri, Steven Conde, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Ron Gohel, Jill Peña, Japs Treopaldo, Juancho Escoto, Albert Silos and Teddy Velasco.

I could not get over the exhilarating choreography of Cecile Martinez, especially in the show-stopping finale number of Act 1 Everybody Say Yeah where treadmills were an integral part of the number. You have to see the show to know what I am talking about.

Bobby Garcia’s direction and vision for the Manila staging was crystal clear. He conveyed the importance of love, understanding and acceptance in this show and I thank you Bobby for continuously giving us excellent world-class productions.

I loved everything about this production – Set Design by Faust Peneyra, Lighting Design by Adam Honoré, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Kevin Heard, Wig and Make Up Design by Johann dela Fuente, Musical Direction by Molinder Cadiz, and Vocal Direction by ManMan Angsico. I could go on and on and on. I will definitely watch it again!

Kinky Boots returns this March at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

You can get your tickets at Ticketworld, call 891 9999 or visit https://www.ticketworld.com.ph/Online/default.asp

Show photos courtesy of Atlantis Theatrical Group

Curtain Call Photos by FrancoLaurel.com