There’s a moment in Kinky Boots when irresistible drag diva “Lola” sings “The Land of Lola” and she implores us to:
“Leave that humdrum place of glum behind
Once you walk inside these doors, you’re mine
Now let me blow your mind.”
And for two years, audience members who’ve seen Tony Award winner Billy Porter excel as “Lola” have been captivated and had their minds blown by his performance. Unfortunately, Porter soon will put “Lola’s” stilettos on the shelf as he embarks upon his next Broadway venture in the upcoming musical revival Shuffle Along or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed.
Porter, who also won a Drama Desk Award for this role, has starred in Kinky Boots since the musical had its 2012 pre-Broadway premiere in Chicago. In addition to awards, he has received resounding critical acclaim for his performance. Thom Geier from “Entertainment Weekly” once wrote that Porter “portrays drag queen Lola with enough sequined swagger to make RuPaul look like a wallflower. Thanks to Porter’s star-making turn, Kinky Boots delivers some pumps-up kicks.”
His final performance as “Lola” will be November 20. We’ll miss Porter’s electrifying performances but we’re tremendously excited about his next role.
Thank you @PorterBacks. It's been a helluva journey!! pic.twitter.com/s4sSxMLBiU
— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) November 1, 2015
For those who are wondering who can possibly fill “Lola’s” stilettos, don’t fret. Porter is handing over Lola’s heels to someone who’s equally capable of sashaying around the stage. Funny man and all-around performer Wayne Brady is set to take on the role beginning November 21. If you want to see him strut his stuff, tickets can be purchased here.
Wayne Brady as Lola in Kinky Boots.
Everybody say FABULOUS! @WayneBrady struts into Lola's sparkly red boots 11/21! https://t.co/DflgFobJDu pic.twitter.com/wXcT07E4eN
— Kinky Boots the Musical (@KinkyBootsBway) November 6, 2015
