Touring ‘Kinky Boots’ struts its way into your heart

Bob Abelman

Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics

If “Billy Elliot” and “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” had a baby, it would be “Kinky Boots.” 

Frequenters of PlayhouseSquare’s touring Broadway musicals may recall that “Billy Elliot” – a show based on a British film with music by pop star Elton John – was set in a northern mining town and featured a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream about becoming a ballet dancer come true.

“Priscilla: Queen of the Desert” – which was based on an Australian movie produced by pop icon Bette Midler – was about two drag queen entertainers and one aging transsexual who struggle against the odds and take an epic road trip through the outback. 

“Kinky Boots,” currently on tour and on stage at PlayhouseSquare, shares the same DNA (dramatic narrative apparatus).