3D Theatricals Kinky Boots Wows Audiences

3D Theatricals’ production of Kinky Boots, the musical at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts rivals that of the former Broadway and National tour counterparts. It’s a show that enraptures you through the talent gathered in this production from the moment the show starts, until the last big dance number.

Kinky Boots ran on Broadway for 2,505 performances and had two National Tours. To have the opportunity to see one of my favorite shows again and right here in California is exciting. The show at 3D Theatricals is certainly a crowd-pleasing and transformative one that touches hearts.

THE CAST of 3-D Theatricals’ Production of KINKY BOOTS February 14 – March 1, 2020
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

If you’ve seen previous productions, you’re unlikely to notice many differences outside of casting as much of the Broadway or touring production pieces are present in this version, including over 200 pairs of shoes! Director John Tartaglia directs a piece of theater that is tried and true, giving just a touch of his unique style.

When I think of Kinky Boots, the incredible choreography always sticks out, and it’s no different in this production. Choreographer Linda Love Simmons, who happens to also star in the production after a 30-years stage absence, delivers dazzling and inspiring dance numbers with the help of the cast.

CORNELIUS JONES JR. and THE CAST of 3-D Theatricals’ Production of KINKY BOOTS
February 14 – March 1, 2020 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

The real winners of her choreography prowess are The Angels. The crowd first goes wild as they first sashay on stage in, “The Land of Lola.” The skills required for acrobatic dancing at this level, and in heels no doubt, definitely shows the athleticism of The Angels; Eric Stanton Betts, Jake Dupree, Callum Gugger, Gerry Kenneth, Christopher Mosley, and Rodrigo Varandas.

Not to be overlooked is one of our leads, Lukas Poost (Charlie), who’s very likable and empathetic in this role, really embodies his character. In “Everbody Say Yeah,” one of my favorite songs, his vocals are remarkably strong. I just love the tone of his voice with this music.

LUKAS POOST and THE CAST of 3-D Theatricals’ Production of KINKY BOOTS
February 14 – March 1, 2020 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

The number is a stunning display from the entire company as everyone comes together to deliver one of my top favorite musical numbers OF ALL TIME. Everything comes together from the vocals, directing, lighting, and choreography on, of all things, a series of conveyor belts!

The number couldn’t be complete without the strong presence of Cornelius Jones Jr. (Lola), who I last saw in 3D Theatricals production of Shrek The Musical. Jones was absolutely amazing in this role, surpassing all of my expectations (which were already high), slaying the role of Lola. Jones stepped into the role after Toddrick Hall was forced to drop out and seems to be the perfect match for this role. It’s almost like it was written for him.

In a number that made me tear up, “Hold Me In Your Heart,” a back-lit Jones belts lyrics that pull at every heartstring, embodying Jennifer Hudson’s legendary performance in the film, Dreamgirls.

EMILY GOGLIA in 3-D Theatricals’ Production of KINKY BOOTS February 14 – March 1, 2020
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

Emily Goglia (Lauren) posses those girl-next-door qualities that jump off the stage as we see her character go from meek to bold and confident in her scene stealing number “The History of Wrong Guys.”

Jeff Skowron (George) is back again having previously starred in 3D Theatricals Parade. In Kinky Boots he’s part of the ensemble with a supporting character role of George. Despite the relatively minor role he still manages to bring something special to Kinky Boots.

LUKAS POOST, CORNELIUS JONES JR. and THE CAST of 3-D Theatricals’ Production of KINKY BOOTS February 14 – March 1, 2020 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

The rest of the ensemble is incredibly strong, something that’s necessary for a production like Kinky Boots where everyone has to be at the top of their game. 3D Theatricals has done a fabulous job casting each role. The quality of singing and dancing from everyone involved is extraordinary. You fall in love with each of their characters.

The Story

Kinky Boots the musical is the story of Charlie Price, a struggling businessman trying to save his family factory from closure. Luckily, Lola, an expert entertainer is able to help him with an idea that will change the lives of both men. The red kinky boots take the world by storm, and through the highs and lows of creating the fashionable stilettos, the two learn more about themselves. The other workers of Price and Son also learn valuable lessons in compassion and accepting others despite their differences.

The musical features a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Tony Award and two-time Grammy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper. Kinky Boots based on the indie picture originally opened on Broadway in 2013 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where it ran for 2,505 performances. The musical was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won six, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Billy Porter), and Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell).

Broadway Comes to California

Several theatres, including Moonlight Stage Productions and 3D Theatricals, really do bring Broadway to Southern California. During the performance of Kinky Boots the audience will be able to see the to the original Broadway set design by David Rockwell and the costume design by Gregg Barnes.

In addition to the sets and costumes the audience gets to see first-class Broadway actors including many who have resumes that include some of your favorite tv shows or movies.

If you’ve seen Tiny Toon Adventures, Dexter’s Laboratory, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, among many others, then you’ve heard the voice of Candi Milo. She also was part of the first National Tour of Dreamgirls and has appeared in television on Disney’s Girl Meets World, Wilfred, and CBS’s Carol’s Second Act.

Jeff Skowron has appeared on Broadway in the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and, opposite Hugh Jackman, in The Boy From Oz. He has also appeared opposite Billy Bob Thorton in the Christmas comedy, Bad Santa 2.

Touring as Shrek in the National Tour of Shrek The Musical, Lukas Poost has also played Off-Broadway in Black Hole Wedding and That Bachelorette Show.

Cornelius Jones, Jr. while seen around the region in various productions, has also made his mark on Broadway in The Lion King, among others. His television work includes FOX’s A Christmas Story LIVE, SWAT, CBS’s Criminal Minds, and Law & Order.

One of The Angels, Eric Stanton Betts, returns to the stage in this production of Kinky Boots after spending a year and a half on the US and Asia International Tours. You may have also seen him on Deadly Scholars, currently streaming on NETFLIX.

Rodrigo Varandas among so many credits has had the opportunity to tour Internationally with the Peter Pan International Tour.

The Cast

Kinky Boots will star Cornelius Jones Jr. (Lola), Lukas Poost (Charlie Price), and Emily Goglia (Lauren), with Sia Arvinger (Ensemble), Eric Stanton Betts (Angel), Candice Rochelle Berge (Pat/Ensemble), Chris Bey (Ensemble), Chris Bona (Ensemble), Myles A. Carr (Young Lola), Jake DuPree (Angel/Dance Captain), Zach Fogel (Richard Bailey/Ensemble), Javier Garcia (Don), Matthew Garcia (Young Charlie), Cameron Gilliam (Harry/Ensemble), Callum Gugger (Angel), Ceron Jones (Simon Sr./Ensemble), Gerry Kenneth (Angel), Candi Milo (Trish/Ensemble), Christopher Mosley (Angel), Guy Noland (Mr. Price/Ensemble), Dayna Sauble (Nicola), Linda Love Simmons (Ensemble), Jeff Skowron (George), Molly Stilliens (Ensemble), and Rodrigo Varandas (Announcer/Angel).