Genesius Theatre presents “Kinky Boots,” a Tony-Award-winning musical comedy with script by Harvey Fierstein and music by Cyndi Lauper, from Friday through June 30 at its theater at 153 N. 10th St., Reading.
Inspired by a true story and based on the 2005 film of the same name, “Kinky Boots” follows Charlie Price, a young man who has always resisted his father’s pressure to take over the family shoe factory. Just as Charlie is preparing to move with his fiancée from Northern England to the big city of London, he gets the news that his father has died, and that the factory he’s suddenly inherited is going bankrupt. Forced to give up his dreams in order to save the business, Charlie finds unexpected inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos.
As Charlie and Lola 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. The show is timely for the month of June, which is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It features drag performers and centers on the theme of acceptance — not just of others, but also of oneself.
The cast of 28 is led by Bo Irwin as Charlie Price, Michael Roman as Lola/Simon, Mackenzie Buchter as Nicola, Cecilia Cooper as Lauren, and Tommy Heiler as Don. The production is co-directed by Bill Eshbach and Christopher Sperat. Eshbach credits Fierstein with crafting .
