Entertainment

BY ANNA HESSEL

Theater is back with an entertaining and feisty production of “Kinky Boots” at the historic and beautiful Paramount Theatre in Aurora. With music and lyrics by the legendary Cyndi Lauper and book by the incredible Harvey Fierstein, this musical is brought to life by an enormously talented cast and the brilliant direction of Trent Stork. Audiences will fondly remember Trent’s fabulously helming of Paramount’s stellar production of “Legally Blonde”.

The play implores the audience to “let love shine”, “learn something new”, “pursue the truth”, and accept others by accepting yourself. Male leads Michael Wordly and Devon DeSantis give flawless performances throughout. In one scene in particular, set in the unlikely location of a factory men’s room, Mr. DeSantis and Mr. Worldly’s characters, both of whom feel they are disappointments to their fathers, share one of the most honest and endearing moments on a theatrical stage, proving that one can change the world by changing their minds.

Female leads Sara Reinecke and Emilie Lynn are both pretty, perky, and true to their characters. Children’s cast members Patrick Scott McDermott, Daniel Font-Wilets, and Nolan Maddox do exemplary jobs in their roles. Mark David Kaplan and Mark Lancaster turn in excellent performances with masterful stage presence and outstanding comic timing.

Patrons will hold this production in their hearts and leave the theater refreshed and entertained. “Kinky Boots” has something for everyone: fabulous footwear, funky fashions, and fantastic fun. “Everybody say yeah” and step out to see this phenomenal and frenzied production, kickin’ it through October 17th.

For tickets or more information, including COVID-19 guidelines, go to www.paramountaurora.com.

BY ANNA HESSEL

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace has reopened with a superb production of “Forever Plaid”, a heavenly musical. When a show lacks a large cast, glittering costumes, and exhilarating dance numbers, it must rely solely on the talent of its performers. And “Forever Plaid” does just that, with an exemplary four man cast, comprised of Bryan Eng, A.D. Weaver, Michael Ferraro, and Yando Lopez.

The actors have incredible chemistry and excellent four-part harmony. Each of them has magnificent voices, full of “Heart and Soul”. This play has many “Moments to Remember”. Making stellar Drury Lane debuts are A.D. Weaver as Smudge and Bryan Eng as Sparky, both of them with emphatic comic timing and pleasing stage presence. Michael Ferraro, in the role of Francis, and dance captain Yando Lopez, who portrays Jinx, also give flawlessly believable performances.

This delightful theatrical work takes the audience back in time with familiar songs and a hilarious, spot-on spoof of “The Ed Sullivan Show”. Anachronistic use of hand sanitizer makes for even more rib-tickling comedic moments for the pandemic era audience. “Forever Plaid” has a message of hope and the verity that God has everlasting plans for our talent, even if we feel our accomplishments are nanoscopic. Asthma, nosebleeds, ulcers, and even death can’t stop the Plaids from making music. This production salutes the good guys, seemingly average but actually extraordinary.

No review of this musical would be complete without a mention of Paul Stancato’s masterful direction and choreography, as well as an admirable mention for the “Forever Plaid” band, conducted by Valerie Maze. I found myself humming that great classic, “Love is a Many Splendored Thing”, as I signed the Plaid Book of Life in the lobby. This enchanting show is not to be missed - it has something for everyone. You will leave the theater light-hearted and exhilarated.

“Forever Plaid” runs now through November 7th - for tickets or more information, take a trip to www.drurylanetheatre.com.

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