NY Theater New Reviews: Kinky Boots and Sleep No More

Kinky Boots

Official Show Description: From Grammy® Award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper and four-time Tony Award® winner Harvey Fierstein comes the exhilarating new musical Kinky Boots, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

Charlie Price (Tony nominee Stark Sands) has suddenly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola (Billy Porter). A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

What I thought: It is a very silly show but I loved it! The songs are very simple but extremely catchy, and you will want to be jumping off your seat and dancing before the night is over. Go with an open mind and I think you will enjoy it. My favorite parts: The costumes and the musical numbers: “The History of Wrong Guys” and “Raise You Up/Just Be”.  I saw it on the first preview, and I believe that although it is a good show, there is still a lot of work to be done. For one part, I would give more singing opportunities to Annaleigh Ashford- she is absolutely amazing, and in my opinion, not used enough. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Lola (Billy Porter) gets a bit too much showtime, and although she is Fabulous (I guess that is the only word to describe it), his/her voice was not as engaging to me and I would have preferred one less number from her.

a little preview

Sleep No More

An absolute experience of a show. 5 floors and 3 great hours of confusion, roller coaster emotions, great performances and sensory overload.. I think  the less you know about this, the better. If you want descriptions and see what it is all about here are some links: NYMag, NYTimes, Gizmodo and Guardian.  My suggestions when you go:

1. wear very comfortable shoes and try not to wear black!
2. separate from the people you are going with – its so much fun to go at it alone and then meet up afterwards to discuss the different experiences
3. dont ask too many questions!
4. eat some candy
5. Stay for drinks at bar afterwards, the singer is fabulous!

I love the Guestbook on their website, that gives twitter recommendations from people. Some of the highlights: