November 17, 2022
By Rachel Scofield
Opening tonight and running through Sunday, Pickerington North Theatre’s production of Kinky Boots should not be missed.
The musical, which features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, follows Charlie Price (Ryan O’Malley), who has recently inherited his father’s failing shoe factory. Despite his initial reluctance to run the business, Charlie becomes desperate to save his workers’ jobs. By happenstance, Charlie meets Lola (Christian Strong), a drag cabaret performer in need of better stilettos. With Lola’s designs and Charlie’s staff, the duo hopes to save the factory. The story is based on true events.
“We feel that the message of Kinky Boots is a story that needs to be told, especially during our world today,” said director Allen DeCarlo-Boyd. “Being a true story, we feel like some people may resonate with it. For some it may hit close to home.
The message speaks for itself, and our hope is that our community will leave with the message that if you change your mind, you can change the world!”
O’Malley agrees with DeCarlo-Boyd that the play “has a message that everyone can relate to. Just be yourself and maybe you don’t have to follow in your father’s footsteps. Yeah… just be who you want to be.”
O’Malley also said that the score “is fantastic – I love the music in this show!”
Performances of Kinky Boots are November 17-20 in the Pickerington Performing Arts Center. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:00 pm with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm.
Tickets cost $12.00 and may be ordered online at the Pickerington Local School District Box Office.
Upcoming shows for the Panthers Theatre include: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever December 8-10, Oklahoma! April 13-16 and Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark May 5-6.
