There's nothing like seeing old favorites return to their fans' favorite roles. And that's what has happened with Tony Award winning show Kinky Boots. Billy Porter, who won a Tony for the part of Lola, and Stark Sands, who was nominated for a Tony for the role of Charlie, stepped back into their roles on September 26. Clearly in their elements, each actor was greeted with cheers when they stepped on stage.
Porter looked like he never left the show, back in thigh high heels and dresses as if he had opened the show yesterday and never left. He clearly has not lost his ability to embody the character as he made some of the best facial expressions I've ever seen, and let his voice shine in every song he was a part of.
Sands also looked to be in his element as well, and was clearly comfortable in the character despite the time that's elapsed since he opened the show.
One of the things that made my inner (and outer if I'm honest) Broadway nerd grin was that the songs sounded so much like the cast album! I've rarely had a chance to see full original casts, and as Porter and Sands carried the show, I had chills the entire time.
Another part of the show worth mentioning is the newest Lauren, DeLaney Westfall. She plays the part marvelously, having taken over from Taylor Louderman who will star in the upcoming production of Mean Girls. Her rendition of "History of Wrong Guys" was a highlight of the show and she captures the awkwardness of the character beautifully.
If you can, don't miss the chance to see Billy Porter and Stark Sands back in Kinky Boots through January 7, because it is certainly something everybody can say yeah about!