Today is my birthday!
Happy October 6th everyone!
The start of my day was cheering on Steppenwolf as a Steppenstar cheerleader at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf vs. Goodman homecoming game (separate post with photos soon). After the game ended, we were shuttled to bar near the Cubs to mix and mingle. After spending the beautiful afternoon on the roof over looking Wrigleyville, I decided I wanted to try to rush a Broadway show for my birthday. Carlene decided to make the journey to the Bank of America Theatre with me. We asked the box office agent if we could get rush seats. He said absolutely. I asked what time the show was that night. He looked up at me and said, "2?" "2?" I repeated to Carlene. "What time is it? We left the bar at like 1:30!" It was 1:50. We just made it. Carlene went downstairs and faster than I have ever witnessed in my life, performed a quick change out of her football uniform into play appropriate clothes (as she had no prior knowledge of the days events, I still have no idea where the outfit came from).
The show pretty much matched expectations. I knew it would be silly. I knew there would be a loose plot line/story focused on drag queen. And I knew Annaleigh Ashford would be fantastic. Given the genre, I can't help but compare the show to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I think Priscilla was overall more fun and heart warming (come one, a little kid kangaroo?). I will give Kinky Boots some leeway; I know it is in previews and currently a work in progress. There were a few things that just didn't make sense (why did he turn homophobic all of sudden in the last 15 mins in order to have a change of heart song at the end? He had the ending viewpoint originally!). I do think Annaleigh was underutilized (her one song hilariously stole the show).
As with most musicals I drag friends to, I am always curious to how they will react to the shows. I am happy to report that my guest Carlene had a wonderful time. She had told me beforehand that she hates musicals, so I was a little nervous. After laughing and grinning throughout, she enthusiastically asked in my ear during curtain call, "When can I buy this soundtrack?!?," which I'm taking as a sign that she thoroughly enjoyed the show.
Was it Broadway ready when I saw it? Nope.
Do I think NYC critics will slaughter it? Yes.
Would I send friends to go see it anyway? Yes. I don't think the show is groundbreaking, and I don't think it will win any awards. However, I do think that anyone who goes will have a fun time at the theater. You will bounce in your seat. You will grin from ear to ear. You will be basking in the glow of spotlights, sequins, and drag queens What else could you want for an evenings entertainment?
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