Through Feb. 18, OFC Creations Theatre Center is producing “Kinky Boots,” the accoladed musical that hasn’t been seen on a Rochester stage since 2015.
The production stars Nicholas Japaul Bernard, a disabled Seattle-based actor who is returning to his hometown of Rochester. With Bernard, OFC Creations is setting the bar for accessibility within the theater.
“Kinky Boots” follows the character of Charlie Price, who has inherited his father’s near-bankrupt shoe factory. In need of finding a way to save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration from a drag artist named Lola. Together, the unlikely pair identify a niche market in need of quality heels, turning the business around and learning from each other along the way.
The show has a successful history that resulted in a tour through Rochester. After winning six Tony awards, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical, the musical went on a national tour, stopping at Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre in 2015.
The show has not been produced in Rochester since—until now. “Kinky Boots” is the fourth of six shows in OFC’s Broadway in Brighton Series, which combines regional and nationwide professional talent under the direction of founding executive director Eric Vaughn Johnson.
This production’s team includes more out-of-town artists than any other OFC production. Much of the team has worked on productions of “Kinky Boots” in the past, including makeup designer and cast member Darion Matthews, who did the makeup design for the off-Broadway production. Johnson finds that these team members elevate this production with their knowledge of the material.
“These artists come to us with so much knowledge and experience from doing this show previously, but they don’t let that hinder the process,” says Johnson. “They help those who don’t know the show as well as them, and it comes from a place of wanting the production to be the best it can be.”
When “Kinky Boots” stopped by on tour in 2015, Bernard was in the audience, watching his childhood best friend in the cast. At that time, Bernard was navigating his disability.
“Right before I saw the tour, I had been dealing with newly becoming disabled,” says Bernard, who plays Lola. “I had a type of cancer in 2015 and was in and out of the hospital. There were unforeseen circumstances that happened with my surgery and I ended up having some paralysis in my lower legs, which makes me have to wear braces.”
Although initially captivated by the role of Lola, Bernard felt he’d never be able to take on this role with his bilateral foot drop. He thought he’d never be able to wear heels—a costume element integral to Lola’s character and the story.
Last year, Bernard worked on a production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” in Seattle in which he wore cowboy boots with a slight heel. This set off a lightbulb—just before Johnson reached out with the role of Lola.
“Eric offered me the role around the time I was figuring out my comfortability with wearing heels,” says Bernard. “I would’ve said no a year ago, but I just so happened to be figuring out what the actual limitations of my disability are, and being surprised that there is more room for me to grow and explore movement.”
Johnson and Bernard met while working on a production of “Miracle on 34th Street” in Rochester, Bernard’s last local production before moving to Seattle.
“He is a huge personality in the best sense, and brings so many layers to every character,” says Johnson. “He does his homework and comes in with his own set of ideas, and (we) are able to create a beautiful product.”
To create an environment where Bernard can do his best work, OFC Creations has hired a costume designer solely in charge of Bernard’s costumes for Lola. The team has also created a pair of heels for him to wear in the role.
“When working with an actor with a disability, we want them to know there is someone who is listening to them and ensuring they have a successful experience,” says Johnson.
Accessibility has also been an ongoing conversation at OFC Creations. Unlike many older theaters, OFC’s stage has a ramp, providing an accessible route for performers. Further, accessibility considerations extend to the theatergoers in addition to the theatermakers.
OFC offers accessible seating to patrons from multiple vantage points within the theater, rather than just the back of the house. “Kinky Boots” will also have an ASL interpreted performance on Feb. 16.
Accessibility also extends beyond physical needs. OFC Creations does not charge for parking at its theater center, and its space includes three unisex bathrooms. Although these features seem small, Johnson finds that they cultivate the best experience possible for audience members.
“We are problem solvers as theatergoers and theatermakers, and if there is an opportunity to give someone a better experience, we’re going to make it happen,” says Johnson.
As for what the team behind “Kinky Boots” wants audiences to take away from this production, Bernard sums it up well.
“I hope audiences leave this production able to see things from another perspective and have a little bit of empathy for people they know nothing about,” says Bernard. “My favorite moment in the show is the finale song ‘Just Be.’ I remember hearing it and thinking, ‘That’s it—just be!’ It’s such a succinct way to encompass so much.”
Tickets for “Kinky Boots” can be purchased here.
Evan Coleman is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and a recent University of Rochester graduate. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected].
Absolutely loved the show! Mr. Bernard was fabulous as Lola. I didn’t even know he had a disability. It certainly did not affect his performance. Looking forward to seeing him in other productions.