Stewart Adam McKensy in Kinky Boots. Photo by Moonrider Productions

(PG) *****

Shining Star!

Kick start your summer with a high voltage play. Forget the sand for the comfort of the Arts Club Alliance Stage Theatre and get set to rock the night away with Kinky Boots. Feel the beat and dance the night away in this non-stop fun fest.
Based of course on the hit movie which was in turn derived from the smash London play those oh so British actors and American transplants have nothing on the Vancouver performers and crew that pour their hearts and souls into this one of a kind production for almost three house. And at the heart of it all is succession – and Intolerance.
Raised and bred in an English town in the industrial heartland young Charlie has been groomed to take over the family shoe business. Manufacturing rubber soles, however, just doesn’t make up the DNA actor Sayer Roberts so ably projects. Not necessarily torn between two lovers Charlie sets off to swinging London with his hot to trot hotter than ever girlfriend. Ah, but that change of venue doesn’t last long.
When trouble back home erupts it’s up to Charlie to save the day. Perhaps. Unsure of his ability to lead much less keep the factory alive something strange occurs During that short lived London stay Charlie “ accidentally” runs into Lola. Not necessarily the girl (?) of his dreams somehow these two click with actor Troy McLaughlin turning in a star-making performance if there ever was one. Even more ironic is Lola’s lifestyle and it’s “potential” to revive a faltering business.
Get set for a blast of sexy dancing, wacky characters and superb singing as two men from decidedly different backgrounds through fashion manage somehow to resolve their prejudices and might even find a formula for success.
Here the writing is poignant and passionate with performances that are simply superb. You feel the pain and hurt as emotions boil to the surface in this telling tale of latent prejudices and the way these hurtles just might be overcome

To get tickets to this sensational show go to artsclub.com or call (604) 687-1644. Currently playing until July 27.