The musical, “Kinky Boots”, is a comedic, yet dramatic representation of how society views people with a different sexuality and how they react to controversial issues. For this specific musical, transvestites are presented as “loud, unattractive, and full with underlying issues and problems” (Kelly). It depicts an unrealistic dramatization of how transvestites are considering that they are often portrayed in a comedic manner, not actually giving justice to who transvestites really are. In the story, the main character is Lola, a black male who dresses as a transvestite and is not accepted by his own father. While stereotypes often depict transvestites as outlandish and unappealing, the audience will still be able to identify with Lola’s character as his positive and negative sides are revealed, which helps audiences to become more involved and accepting.
As a musical, Kinky Boots is able to touch the emotions of the audience with its rendition of a very controversial subject, that is, sexuality. Society is still not as accepting of the idea of men dressing up as women, and the only times these cross dressers are accepted is when they are portrayed in a comical and unintelligent manner. However, with Kinky Boots, they were portrayed in a more positive manner, as they somehow became a ‘hero’ for one of the protagonists, Charlie Price who is the son of the owner. In effect, Lola becomes Charlie’s liberation and provider of second chance (Brantley).
Kinky Boots helps one overcome prejudice and rise above stereotypes. This is quite evident in Don’s animosity towards Lola, as he is not accepting of the fact that Lola is a man who dresses like a woman. This stereotypical depiction of men is realistic in the sense that in general, most men are averse to the idea that one of their ‘people’ chooses to act like a woman, thus, the altercation between the two characters. In the end, Don shows a more accepting and respecting attitude towards Lola when Don sees the goodness of Lola’s heart after Lola let him win in their boxing match to spare Don the humility of losing (Brantley).
Kinky Boots is also about finding one’s passion. In the case of Lola and the Angels, they are passionate about what they are do as performers, to the point of performing onstage even when their high heels cannot properly support a man’s weight. But their love for their craft is what makes them keep on performing. In the same manner, while Charlie was initially hesitant about changing the type of shoes the company produces, he soon realized that it was the only way to save the company and keep the employees’ employed. In the end, everyone realizes that no matter what shoes they produce, as long as it is what they want and what they are producing, then it is what makes everyone else happy (Brantley).
As a whole, Kinky Boots depicts how media and society are slowly paving the way for a better understanding of who and what transvestites are. While transvestites are initially thought out as sources of amusement, they are now slowly gaining acceptance as they are positively depicted in movies or plays they star in. With a more encouraging reviews and feedback from the audience, transvestites will soon find a place in society where they will be viewed as equals and as individuals who can lead successful and productive lives as well.
Works Cited
Brantley, Ben. “High Spirits, Higher Heels.” 2013. Web. 10 December 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/theater/reviews/kinky-boots-the-harvey-fierstein-cyndi-lauper-musical.html?_r=0>.
Kelly. “Kinky Boots.” 2007. Web. 10 December 2014. <http://www.kelly-bedazzled.blogspot.com/>.
