Kinky Boots Reviews

Washington Post- Highly Recommended

"...There's never a bad time to get a kick out of "Kinky Boots" and the pop musical's uplifting anthems of acceptance. But as legislators across the United States erase transgender rights at historic rates, Olney Theatre Center made a particularly prudent decision to revive this raucous crowd-pleaser that preaches tolerance, embraces gender fluidity and vouches for the merits of found family."

DCist- Highly Recommended

"...Kinky Boots recounts the real-life effort to save a family-owned shoe factory in Northamptonshire, England. In the stage version, featuring songs by Cindy Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, a chance encounter between Lola and Charlie, a straight-laced shoe factory owner, leads to a feel-good musical celebration of life that saves factory jobs and opens closed minds. (Presumably there was less singing and dancing in the real thing.)"

BroadwayWorld- Highly Recommended

"...There's something special about seeing a rising star take the stage in a bucket list role they were born to play. In Kinky Boots at Olney Theatre Center, veteran DC-area actor Solomon Parker III delivers a bravura, breakout performance, in a stunning production that sparkles from the opening curtain to the final bows. Parker plays Lola, a flamboyant drag queen, with a joyous, infectious energy that lights up the stage and powers the entire show."

Talkin Broadway- Highly Recommended

"...The weather outside may still be chilly, but the Mainstage at the Olney Theatre Center is in riotous bloom with its joyful production of Kinky Boots. Director Jason Loewith has brought together some of the Washington area's top talents to share this sweet and timely story about forging the future from a difficult past, powered by Cyndi Lauper's propulsive rock and disco score and Harvey Fierstein's empathetic book."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...Olney's Kinky Boots is poignant, inspirational, and in every part mastery at work. From Sarah Ann Sillers' rich, delicious tone in "Price and Son Funeral" as Trish to Genebach's gruff and bristly Don, the musical is one continuous highlight reel."

MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended

"...When you come right down to it, this musical is about Lola. From the time Parker enters, his Lola is hot, sexy, and sassy. He sizzles as he performs "Land of Lola" with the Angels (Daniel Powers, Malachi Alexander, Quadry Brown, Robbie Duncan, Shane Hall (also Associate Choreographer), Connor James Riley (after 3/12), and David Singleton. As confident as Lola is about herself, that's how little confidence Simon (Lola's real name) has. Parker gives us this insight in the number "I'm Not My Father's Son" which I think is the most memorable of this production. Lola's torch song, "Hold Me in Your Hearts" is also a show-stopper."