Sometimes to defend your very soul you have to be savage, not average. This is the just kind of savage grace exhibited in Kinky Boots. It is the “in your face, I’m here and I’m staying just as I am” courage that no one should have to wear to live on the earth- but many, many do.

Maine State Music Theatre opened Kinky Boots on August 11 and the show runs through August 27.

Theatergoers love musicals about self-acceptance and Cyndi Lauper accentuates that in her first musical score.  Harvey Fierstein, the powerhouse behind "La Cage aux Folles,” penned a wonderful script based on true events that lets the underdogs win and win big. How can the show be anything but an anthem to empowerment?

Basically, Charlie is struggling to save his family’s shoe business. Lola is a fabulous entertainer who Charlie sees one night being attacked on the street. Ever the gallant, he tries to rescue her and instead she rescues him.

With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen. In the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship. As Lola says “One never knows what joy one might find amongst the unwanted.”

The magic of “Kinky Boots” really ramps up to the sky from the moment Stephane Duret hits the stage as Lola.  Lola sings, dances, and has a mean right hook. Duret brought it all to the stage and served it up in heels that most women would be terrified to stand in, let alone walk or dance. Let’s face it, spikes like that are for one thing and it ain’t comfort. As Lola says “Look to the heel, young man. The sex is in the heel..”   Duret played Lola in the Tony winning production on Broadway and he is worth the price of admission all on his own.

Talk about dance? The Angels did back flips in those boots, all the way to the ever-loving ground splits, and danced their pretty hearts right out. It is impossible to single out any one of these spectacular dancers.  The Angels (Jonathan Bryant, Donovan Hoffer, Chad Takeda, Joshua Bellamy, Diego Cortes, Devin Price, and Jalen Michael Jones) are an absolute delight.

Matt Farcher as Charlie Price and Liz Shivener as Lauren were sweet and believable in roles more familiar to audiences than Lola and the Angels.   You knew from the start they’d end up together and they did but with some memorable moments along the way. Shivener’s song “The History of Wrong Guys” was a highlight, and she sold every note. Fracher shone in “Charlie’s Soliloquy” and the duet with Duret “Not My Father’s  Son”, one  of the most poignant moments in musical theater history.

Blake Hammond ( George), who reminds this reviewer of everyone’s favorite uncle is charming as the only father figure alive in the show worth his salt.  Rounding out the cast and well done: Amber Carson (Trish), Abby C. Smith (Pat), Shane Donovan (Harry), Nathaniel Hackmann (Don), Jay Poff (Mr. Price), Ron King (Richard Bailey), and Taylor Quick (Nicola). Young Lola and Young Charlie are played by local young actors Milo Livingston and Aidan Walton. The ensemble cast includes Monica Blume, Mikayla Jane, and Diego Cortes. Brooke Taylor Cottrell and Preston Karp are Swings.

 Kudos to the entire creative team Marc Robin (Director), Kenny Ingram (Choreographer), Ben McNaboe (Music Director), Paul Black (Lighting Designer), Robert Kovach (Set Designer), Shannon Slaton (Sound Designer), Kevin S. Foster II (Wig Designer), Anna Grywalski (Costume Designer), and Amy M. Bertacini (Stage Manager).

“Ladies, gentlemen and those who are yet to make up your mind”- This final offering of the “Come Back” year is worth the trip. Get your tickets now for a rollicking and heartwarming show with some serious kick- ass thrown in for the ride.

Performances take place at the Pickard Theater, 1 Bath Road, Brunswick, Maine. For tickets, visit www.msmt.org or call (207) 725-8769.

All photos thanks to Jared Morneau Photography and MSMT.