Kyle Taylor Parker, one of the Angels in the original Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Kinky Boots, will take over the starring role of Lola on the show’s national tour this fall, appearing in San Diego from Sep. 23 - Sep. 28, 2014. Parker will be kicking high onstage in his ruby-red thigh-high boots, along with a bevy of feisty drag queens in this high-energy Broadway blast. With songs by Cyndi Lauper, libretto by Harvey Fierstein, and choreography by Jerry Mitchell, the show opened on Broadway April 4, 2013 and continues to play to standing-room-only crowds.
Q: Kyle, how are rehearsals going?
A: We’re having a blast. Rehearsals are going really, really well. It’s this dynamic, talented cast. I can’t wait to see what the show’s going to look like.
Q: What does it feel like to morph from your former role to the leading role of the "hottest show of the year?"
A: It really is an honor to be moving up into the leading role after being in the ensemble of the original, such a magical experience. From creating it for Broadway, I actually have grown up with the show. Having done the original version, you get to see what the script started out as. I feel privileged to walk in with all this information and experience.
Q: What was it like working with icons Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, and Jerry Mitchell?
A: A dream come true. The realization of a dream I never knew I had. I always wanted to do Hairspray growing up. I wanted to work with Harvey Fierstein so badly. I auditioned for an Equity version of the show, and never got cast. So to be in a room now, years later, with Jerry Mitchell and Harvey Fierstein and on top of that Cyndi Lauper, creating something original, really was the best I could ever hope for.
Q: You actually saw your first Broadway show, Annie, in that very same Hirschfeld Theatre, which then was the Martin Beck. Do you have specific memories of that show?
A: That was when I fell in love with musical theatre and Broadway as a kid. I don’t know if it was seeing the kids on stage or the music, but after that show I said to my mom, "I want to do that." I got into class immediately. I found out that the Hirschfield was Martin Beck from my hairdresser when I was in a dressing room getting my wig on as an Angel in the show, doing my rendition of "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow." I think that’s what they call right place, right time. Magical.
kinky-boots-national-tour
Q: Tell me about your character, Lola. Is she similar to the character of the same name in Damn Yankees?
A: They’re definitely both feisty. There’s so much grit and honesty and charm in my Lola, it really does fuel the rest of the show, similarly to the way Lola does in Damn Yankees. This show really is filled with heart, heart, heart, heart, heart. You start from the basis of this feisty character and you find out what’s underneath the surface.
Q: What is the heart of this show? Everyone’s talked about its spiritual, uplifting message.
A: It’s about acceptance and finding who you are, becoming a man on your own terms. I think that’s what people really relate to: acceptance. Being a good person and accepting people for who they are. Our message is one that many people relate to.
Q: It’s kind of ironic that such a feisty group is called Angels, isn’t it?
A: The Angels are a sassy backup group full of heart and joy and love that really support the story. You see them lift Lola up and lift the story up. Each person is different and special and beautiful, a true sample of individuality and creativity.
Q: Having played an Angel, now you get to inform Lola with your experience. Is it an advantage to start in a different role and then move up to the lead? Does it make your performance more meaningful?
A: I can be a stronger leader because I know what’s happening around me and I’ve been able to see this show from all different angles. The story is one I really know and I can be confident in exploring it.
Q: Is it difficult to rehearse a show that’s going on tour and is going to be in so many different theaters, as opposed to being in your home theater on Broadway? Does it help you to grow as a performer?
A: Absolutely. In rehearsal, I’m having a ball just trying out all the different choices and exploring the character. The fun part of tour is that we get to take the show to so many different places. It’s not a concern, but a joy to share the show with so many people. You learn how to do it no matter what, no matter where we are. If we can do a national tour eight times a week in eight different places, we’ll be giving a consistent fabulous show all across this nation.
Q: Do you feel equally passionate about the music, story, and lyrics, or is there some aspect that twists your top more than others?
A: I’m equally passionate about all aspects of the show. It’s like a perfectly woven quilt: all the fibers come together to make one great thing. The show is not strong without one of those pieces. Working with Harvey, Cyndi, and Jerry was an honor, too, because you got to see what comes from great teamwork. It was a beautiful collaboration. Once we go out on the road, they’re trusting us with the story.
Q: They must have a huge amount of confidence in you all. What are your hopes and aspirations; what do you hope to achieve in your career in the future?
A: I would love to have a life in the theatre telling great stories written by great people, and to be in film and television. This is my heart, being a performer. So I would just love a life in the theatre.
It sounds like you’re well on your way, Kyle. They’re certainly going to love you here in San Diego. I can’t wait.
(0) comments
We welcome your comments
Log In
Post a comment as Guest
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.