reviewed by Adam Crowe

Hello again, ASOTA Nation! Indianapolis Theater continues to re-awaken, and while Ken does some healing at home, I'm back to bring you news of the local scene.  This time, I bring tidings of musical excellence from a beloved local venue. Better yet, this particular event has only been running for one week, so tickets might actually still be available.

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is often home to beloved classics. But until March 27th, it is presenting something new – Kinky Boots – directed and choreographed by Ron Morgan. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music/lyrics by Cyndi Lauper (yes, that Cyndi Lauper), Kinky Boots is another in the tradition of movies to stage adaptations. Like Newsies and Hairspray, Kinky Boots is based on a non-musical film.  In this case, a 2005 British film of the same name. The story follows Charlie, who inherits his family's shoe factory, only to realize that cheaper competition is putting it out of business. After a chance encounter with a whirlwind of a drag performer named Lola, Charlie must decide if he'll throw his long-time employees to the winds of unemployment or take a chance on building a new line of specialty shoes – for men who wear "kinky boots".

Lola (Jonathan Studdard), right, sings "I'm Not My Father's Son" to Charlie (Jacob Butler) in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's production ofKinky Boots

As in the other movie-to-stage musical examples I mentioned, Kinky Boots is most concerned with how the characters navigate changing times and the need for human beings to be their true selves.  Charlie and Lola must forge a relationship that allows them both to get what they need.  Given current events across the country, the show's messages of acceptance and truth are as important as they are timely.

Don (Peter Scharbrough) fights Lola (Jonathan Studdard) in a challenge he initiated in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's production ofKinky Boots

The music isn't all the "pop" that one might expect from someone like Lauper, but it is alternatively fun and touching and perfect for explaining who these characters are and for moving their stories along. Feinstein's book is, for me, stronger than his work in Newsies and serves the story well.

Not surprisingly, Beef & Boards has assembled an excellent cast. More of a surprise for the audience might be the Star-making turn of Jonathan Studdard as Lola. Making his B&B debut, Studdard is simply fantastic. In the role originated by Tony and Emmy winner Billy Porter, Studdard's performance is not to be missed. In the equally important, if less showy role of Charlie, Jacob Butler captures the character's dilemma and is heartfelt and funny. Butler delivers a convincing portrayal of a man who must grow up and decide what is most important to him in his life. Sarah Daniels portrays Lauren, a factory employee who helps Charlie figure out his best self – and may win him in the end. Daniels is even more fun than she was in Newsies.

Lola (Jonathan Studdard), center, sings "The Sex is in the Heel" with the Angels in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre's production ofKinky Boots.

The remaining cast is uniformly excellent and includes lots of local talent. Eddie Curry plays factory Forman George with his usual sparkle. Mark Fishback, Logan Moore, Sally Scarbrough, Amy Owens, Bridgette Ludlow, Samantha Russel Joshua L.K. Patterson, and Ike Wellhausen make for fantastic factory hands, as well as other characters. Ms. Scarborough's Italian fashion show operator is brief, but delightful. Lola's comrades are equally dazzling, brought to life by Tim Hunt, Phillip Crawshaw, Ray Geeaves, and Jaye Jackson. Some personal favorites included Peter Scarborough as factory employee Don, Devan Mathias as Charlie's fiancé Nicola, and young performers Evan Cohen and August Owens, who's brief turns as the younger Charlie and Lola stand up to the more seasoned adults around them just fine.

Beef & Boards' intimate setting adds to the thrill of the story, and new Chef Larry Stoops (and his great staff) really delivers on the dinner buffet.  Ticket availability will likely be tight for this production, so don't waste time.  Tickets and other details can be found at https://www.beefandboards.com.  In the interests of efficiency, you might want to go ahead and look into tickets for Suzanne Stark's return to the role of Dolly Levi inHello Dolly, opening March 31st!

  • – photos by Julie Curry