[ON STAGE] True Story Musical ‘Kinky Boots’ Puts on ‘Nadawoom’ for You

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] "Seeing others as they are" is the central theme of the musical Kinky Boots. The main subjects of understanding are the "drag queens" (men dressed as women). It depicts the process of change among the people at a shoe factory who initially hold prejudices against the drag queen "Lola."

The work is based on a true story that took place in a shoe factory in Northampton, UK, in 1979. The real protagonist, Steve Pateman, inherits the traditional handmade shoe factory from his father Richard. At one time, the factory was thriving, exporting up to 90% of its products, but that prosperous era has long passed. Facing an economic downturn and the influx of cheap men's shoes, the factory was on the brink of closure. At that time, Charlie (Steve Pateman) meets the drag queen Lola (Choi Jaerim) and embarks on a comeback by producing beautiful large-sized shoes that men can wear.

Premiered on Broadway in 2013, the musical won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Choreography. The performance, which opened last month on the 20th at the Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater for its fifth season, maintains the number one reservation ranking (Interpark) thanks to overwhelming support from female audiences. The ear-catching music created by global pop star Cyndi Lauper is the highlight of the work. It is no coincidence that she, who rivaled Madonna in the 1980s, was the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Score. The choreography using the factory's conveyor belt is eye-catching.

The appearance of the 188cm tall drag queen (Choi Jaerim) elicits gasps from the audience. The charm of freely switching between male and female clothing and voice is a major delight that draws viewers into the work. In particular, this casting of Lola (Kang Hongseok, Choi Jaerim, Seo Kyungsoo) is praised for showcasing the appeal of tall stature, enhancing the immersion of the performance. A viewer who watched the Japanese version of Kinky Boots said upon leaving the theater, "The lingering feeling does not fade easily," and added, "The actors' gestures and resonant voices deliver a thrill I had never experienced before."

"I will be by your side when you are struggling. I will be your strength when life is tiring. I will always be with you when life gets complicated." The work, which depicts the process of shedding prejudice and bias to become one, tells us not to conform to others' expectations but to face the world as our true selves. This musical, which conveys the strength to endure the world, will run until October 23 at the Chungmu Art Center.