As a Musical Theater and an Ally for the LGBTQ+ community, Kinky Boots has always been a show I rave about. On Sunday, I saw it again with my sister, and it taught me more this time than the first time. It really reminded me of so many things I think everyone in the world needs to hear right now. Here are a couple things this show has taught me that I think everyone needs to know.
Drag Queens are people too.
The character of Lola/Simon pretty much drives the entirety of the production, and her backstory really makes it more interesting. With songs like "Not my Father's Son" and "Hold Me In Your Heart" (both of which will make you cry), it tells the backstory of someone you would never expect.
Accept people for who they are.
I won't say too much here because I could easily give away so much of the plot, but the sooner you accept people for who they are, you get a new perspective on life which could literally be life changing.
If you feel like you're falling, shake it up a bit.
The character of Charlie Price deals with a lot of change throughout this show, and when he feels like he's crashing and burning he decides to completely rethink everything he knows. It may not be an easy road to be walking on, but it ends up working out in the best way possible.
Take what you got.
My mom always said to me when I was younger "you get what you get and you don't get upset", this also applies here. Things change in the world, and unless you become that change, you just have to accept where you've come from, where you've been and where you're destined to go.
People may surprise you once you get to know them.
My favorite song "History of Wrong Guys"- while it's hilarious and makes me want to be her, it teaches us to open our eyes because someone who you might be judging by what you've heard or what you think they are, might surprise you.
Just be.
I know all of these are just about acceptance and loving yourself, but it's what the world needs to hear right now. There are so much hate and corruption and terrible things going on that once in a while you need to be reminded that you're on Earth for a reason and that you're important. SO if you get the chance to, take a break from your busy life and go see Kinky Boots, it'll take up less than 3 hours of your time, and it will be a wake-up call so many people need.
It's been on Broadway for 5 years now and it won 6 Tony's (including Best Musical), and it still sells out almost every day. If that doesn't speak for itself, I'm not sure what does. Watching that show as someone who wants to be a performer really showed me how much I can enjoy my work, every member of that show looks like they're having the time of their lives, and I don't blame them, I would too. *Also Brendon Urie is Charlie Price right now and it's a sight to see*.
