Stark Sands and Billy Porter next to some kinky boots
Forget fancy names like Cyndi Lauper. If there’s a single compelling reason to see Kinky Boots, a lively new musical based on a 2005 British comedic film that’s currently making its pre-Broadway tryout at Chicago’s Bank of America Theater, it’s Billy Porter’s bravura turn as sassy drag queen Lola.
Lola serves as both muse and catalyst for breathing life into a failing rural England shoe factory — a family businesses handed down from the beloved and deceased owner to his reluctant son, Charlie (the likeable but bland Stark Sands) who, in a last-ditch effort, transforms their outdated product to fill an untapped, niche market: transvestites.
As embodied by Porter, Lola is a star-making performance that gives this full-voiced, explosive performer something to sink his stiletto heels into. Mark my words: look for Porter come Tony time. Read the full review here >
Chicago Theatre Addict 
A great show! I loved it!
i saw it the first night and thought it was a bit slow……i thought billy porter was very hoarse…..build up the love story a bit and maybe you have something. i’ll be skipping it on b’way unless it gets an overhaul