Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Without question, the show - which has returned to Chicago for a brief engagement at the Oriental Theatre - connects with audiences. And this should not be surprising given that its story (penned by Harvey Fierstein, and based on the Miramax film), is a feel-good tale dealing with gender issues (including the choice of bathrooms), the acceptance of differences, social class distinctions, and the tension between fathers and sons. It also is derivative of such other hits as "La Cage aux Folles" and "Billy Elliot.""
ShowBizChicago - Highly Recommended
"...The energy and comedy from the cast filled the theatre with moments that only a show stopping musical can. The music, famously scored by the endlessly talented Cindy Lauper, was a perfect example of the healing power of art. The choreography and direction of Jerry Mitchell was outstanding and had a passion and rhythm that had audience members swaying to the dance moves and music with glee, with moments of tears and laughter erupting throughout the performance. The costumes by Gregg Barnes were stunning, and when combined with the lighting design by Kenneth Posner, became even more extraordinary."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Oscar Wilde supposedly said, "Be yourself. All the other lives are taken." That's defiantly the gospel credo of Kinky Boots, a musical movie spin-off that played Chicago four years ago en route to Broadway fame. It's returned for a one-week touring engagement at the Oriental Theatre, having garnered a record six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Fine-tuned since its shakedown tour, this feel-good, spunky uplifter builds bridges between supposedly hostile worlds, turning a true story into a good time."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...In short, Kinky Boots simply did not give me that overwhelming, enveloping feeling musicals often give you when the story and the music fill the theatre so fully that your imagination, your emotions - your very being - is held captive in awe and wonder. That is not to say others didn't experience this: there was, after all, a standing ovation on opening night. However, this same audience applauded at the mere presence of men in drag, so . . . if that sounds like you, this musical is for you."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"..."Kinky Boots", 2013 Tony Award winning best musical, is a bright and glitzy feel-good show. Chicago audiences aren't just enjoying "Kinky Boots", they're jumping up and cheering! If you want an evening out that's really fun, "Kinky Boots" is for you."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Back for another high-kicking Folles de Footwear, “Kinky Boots” is enjoying a brief return to the city where it was originally cobbled. Since this joyous musical premiered in Chicago, a few changes have been made, creating a tighter, better focused show; however, all the glitz and glamour, heels and heart are still present in Jerry Mitchell’s entertaining production. The story is engaging, the characters likable and memorable and the message is positive and rewarding. “Kinky Boots” absolutely kicks butt and demonstrates, once again, that “Sex is in the Heel.”"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...I liked the production at the Oriental but I loved the 2012 version. Part of my origin al pleasure resided in the exultant performance by Billy Porter, which sets an impossibly high bar for followers in the role, even if they are as accomplished as J. Harrison Ghee. I don’t recall being as bothered by the erratic and hyper emotional second at in 2012 as I was this time around. Perhaps this is a show that makes such a superb impact on first viewing that subsequent visits will inevitably, and perhaps unfairly, suffer by comparison. But the audience at the Oriental Theatre was loaded with millennials who were apparently having a wonderful time."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...To be sure, this Kinky Boots is a first-rate production of a funny, soulful, insightful musical that not only entertains but encourages patrons to introspect. And for those who don't want to think too deeply, the finale, "Raise You Up/Just Be" offers this Spark Notes approach to a 12-step program for all:"