Review: Kinky Boots

Has it happened that I’m writing about Kinky Boots seven months after the premiere? Yes, this has happened. I was lucky enough to see the musical in the audition audience in August 1.5 weeks before the premiere, but since it was still a kind of rehearsal situation, I wasn’t allowed to write a single line about it, at least not here on the blog. On social media, I did praise that bet as well, we saw a whole show without any extra breaks (director Samuel Harjanne could have interrupted the performance) and the whole thing seemed like a complete package. I didn’t go to the premiere despite the invitation because “I’ll have time to see it later”. That was not the case! The Kinky Boots craze took over this underground in no time, the autumn performances were booked out before Lola could snap her fingers, and the musical has received a lot of rave reviews and social media comments. What would I have to add to them, now that I finally managed to see an “official” show? Let’s try.

Charlie (Petrus Kähkönen) takes over the management of a traditional but unsuccessful shoe factory after his father dies. Sales are not really good and it seems that we will have to put the straw in the bag and lay off the employees. By chance, Charlie bumps into Lola (Lauri Mikkola), who is not an ordinary guy but a divine drag queen. Lola has a concern: there is no way to find gorgeous high heels with a heel that can withstand a man’s weight. This is where the idea takes off. Charlie and co. start making spectacular and also durable shoes for special use.

This is not just about shoe making, nope. The most important lesson comes from accepting others and, above all, yourself as you are. There is also something to think about in the so-called “Summer House”. The “mother wished for a priest for her son”, the relationship between fathers and sons, and expectations that were never met. “Shoes that are too big”.

Let’s talk about the same things that I already boasted about in August in the aftermath of the test audience trip:

* Wow, what a show! You don’t have to leave Finland to see high-quality musicals. By the way, I’ve decided to stay within the borders of Finland in the next few years, even when it comes to theater trips. First of all, I can’t afford to travel. Secondly, at the same time, I contribute to opposing climate change when I don’t fly anywhere. Thirdly, I want to support the expertise that we already have.

* Geez, what Lola! I don’t think anyone could guess Lauri Mikkola for the role of Lola, but then the “dark horse” came and rushed to victory. What a voice, what charisma, what moves! WHAT AN INSANE SOUND!

* Geez, what Lola’s Angels (Anton Engström, Paavo Kääriäinen, Tomi Lappi, Jero Mäkeläinen, Henri Sarajärvi and Christoffer Strandberg)! Well, huh huh, what a group! The entire hall is electrified in an instant when Lola’s Angels arrive at the venue. I felt especially strong leg, thigh and buttock envy when I admired this group. If I put on kinky boots, my ligaments would snap right from the first steps, and I wouldn’t look like anything on my feet anyway. But these guys!

* Geez, what a Petrus Kähkönen! “Soulful man” is such a delicacy that. A man and a voice, yes. Still in Helsinki this spring, in the autumn in Tampere as a bell ringer…

In addition, I would especially like to mention Anna Victoria Eriksson in the role of Lauren, a great character and the “Charlieeeee, really!” is very ingenious. Lauren’s crush gets a little out of hand. It’s great to watch the rhythmic pacing of the crowd on a moving conveyor belt, with attitude and skill it goes and doesn’t swing its hips. After all, we can’t stay upright even on a treadmill that isn’t running.

Of the individual songs, my favorite is “Jäänhan sydänes”, which Lola performs in a nursing home. Great lights, great scene all. At first sight (and also the second time) I was reminded of the winner of the song Conchita Wurst performing her power song, I felt quite uplifting in the stands while watching and enjoying this, and it felt like I was rising a meter in the air from my seat.

Sometimes you just have to use power words. After all, this is a HELL of a big deal! Go and see and you will know what has been the buzz since the autumn. Nothing else to add.