Seeing “Kinky Boots” with My Granddaughter

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a touring Broadway performance of Kinky Boots at the Lied Center. I was accompanied by one of my daughters and granddaughters.

If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s based on a true story. Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, a young British man who leaves his family’s struggling factory. After the unexpected death of his father, Charlie returns to his family’s struggling factory and realizes it’s up to him to figure out a way to keep the business alive. He meets Lola, a famous drag queen, who gives Charlie the idea to create ladies’ shoes for men. Soon, the factory is creating “kinky boots” under supervision of Charlie and Lola.

Going to the Show

It had been a long time since I last attended a performance, let alone attended with a grandchild. The grandkids’ participation in sports, church activities and time with friends always seemed to be in competition with theatre. I also take responsibility in not making more offers to the kids.

One would think being retired gives you more time for other activities, but it isn’t always true. It appears I have put my love of theatre on hold, and I need to adjust my life to make room for it.

To be honest, I was a little nervous about my granddaughter seeing the show. You always think of your grandkids as little innocent beings, even though you know they literally have the world in the palm of their hand. The show isn’t PG, but then again, my granddaughter isn’t under the age of 13.

We discussed the content. She laughed at me, telling me that at school transgender kids are accepted, and it’s not a big deal. My granddaughter quickly reminded me, however, not everyone accepts them for who they are…just like not everyone accepts her for who she is in life. She told me there will always be “haters.”

What We Learned

The show’s story was amazing, and there were many lessons to be learned. The lessons we took away included:

• Everyone has obstacles to overcome
• Everyone copes with these obstacles in different ways
• How we cope with those obstacles, how we overcome them, and the relationships we develop during the process are all vital pieces

I thought about the obstacles my granddaughter is overcoming today, as well as those which await her in the future. What struggles is she experiencing today? What struggles will she experience in the future? She certainly found success in high school, but I don’t think her high school experience was exactly what she was expecting. I didn’t ask if she had obstacles in high school. It’s always been my belief that grandmas have a place in the “need to know” hierarchy.

Beyond the themes presented in Kinky Boots, there was simply wonderful dance routines, singing and enthusiasm. You could tell each cast member believed in the show and in their individual effort that contributed to the entire success of the show. Men, women and those individuals transitioning were so athletic and compassionate. Dancing in those kinky boots was a show in itself. We were in awe. We laughed and cried together as we watched the show.

It’s funny how my mind works. I see a show, hear a song or read a book and immediately relate it to my family. After seeing Kinky Boots, questions raced through my mind. Will my granddaughter find her passion in life? Will she continue her positive and enthusiastic approach to life? I only hope she can find and be comfortable in her own kinky boots.