Kinky Boots is coming back to the Times Union Center - don’t miss it!

In April of 2017 “Kinky Boots” came to town for eight delightful engagements.  This year the show will be back in JAX, but for one performance only!  You’ve heard the magnificent review from the many shows that graced the Times Union stage before, so it would behoove you to get your tickets before its too late to see it for the first time or relive this sensational musical once again.

Kinky Boots, produced by TROIKA Entertainment, is the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony^® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy^®Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony Award-winner for Kinky Boots Best Score).  The winner of six 2013 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots features a Tony® Award-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and direction and choreography by Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell.

Kinky Boots tells the uplifting and heartwarming tale of Charlie Price, a young man reluctantly taking over his family’s struggling shoe factory and looking for a fresh idea.  Charlie meets and finds inspiration in Lola, and together they discover that it takes a good friend to make a great pair of friends and boots.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.  Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son.  With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Kinky Boots has won every major Best Musical Award and is represented around the world with the Tony Award-winning Broadway company now in its fifth year, an Olivier Award-winning production in London, an Australian production that opened in October 2016, and an upcoming production in Germany.  Other previous productions include a past US National Tour that played more than 80 cities, an Award-winning extended run in Toronto, two productions in Korea, and a Japanese language production.  The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Kinky Boots is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.

The National Tour of Kinky Boots is produced by TROIKA Entertainment.  The creative team includes Tony^® Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony^® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony^® Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Brian Strumwasser (Make-up Design), Joy Dewing Casting and Wojcik/Seay Casting (Casting), DB Bonds (Associate Director), and Rusty Mowery (Associate Choreographer).  KINKY BOOTS features Musical Supervision by Roberto Sinha, and Arrangements and Orchestrations by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Oremus.

The Broadway production of Kinky Boots is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Independent Presenters Network, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergere, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein and Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Michael DeSantis/Patrick Baugh, Brian Smith/Tom and Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters.

“Kinky Boots”
DATE: Wed. May 15, 2019
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

SHOW TICKETS: start at $39, and may be purchased online or at their box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 632-5050.

'Kinky Boots' walks all over JAX with style

Talk about having a figure better than some females, the ‘Angels’ of “Kinky Boots” (Joseph Anthony Byrd, Tony d’Alelio, John J. Dempsey, Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald, Xavier Reyes and Andy Richardson) can kick higher, sing better and perform to the upmost of their ability in showbusiness.  Talk about ‘Legs for Days’, these actors are stacked and quite fit.  Some of the JAX cast are the spitting image of the cast on Broadway.  Take a look at the video and see if you can tell who’s who in the U.S. Tour cast.

In the orchestra pit is an eight-piece band that carries the music for the entire show.  The guitarists playing “Take What You Got” really stands out - almost as a soloist.  It’s not entirely a musical, nonetheless, the musical numbers are fabulous and very entertaining throughout the night.

Now let’s discuss the magnificent choreography, costumes, and makeup.  As stated above, the dancers jump, spin and strut-their-stuff throughout the evening.  Makeup has to be extra special when transforming a man into a spectacular beautiful woman, and their transvestite makeup is impeccable.  The costumes of “The Angels” and Lola are dazzling and the finale will attest to that fact.

Curt Hansen (Charlie Price) also had to be physically fit as he ascended and descended the stairs of Prince & Son; and let us not forget his donning a pair of stiletto red boots at the end.  As the collaboration between this shoemaker and the Kinky Boot designer (Lola) unfolds, the characters come up with a solution for a failing business.

Timothy Ware (Lola and Simon) has an impeccable British accent, his acting is superb and visual presence as a woman is lovely.  It was noticed that Lola did not have long nails, but how could he when the role called for so many wardrobe changes during the two-act play.

Kudos go out to the factory workers especially Aaron Walpole (Don) who appears to be the foreman of the factory, and he almost sacrifices his honor in a battle of fisticuff with Lola.  What a spectacular dance routine when the cast maneuver back and forth on moving treadmills.  It’s a sight to see.  There are also many funny lines and dance numbers from those in the factory.

 
This show may have many people speculating what type of crowd and what type of people will be attending, nevertheless, it is not recommended for children (even though there are two child actors at the beginning and in the end of the show.  The subject matter may be controversial, yet the actors are wonderful.  You probably seen this production advertised on every local TV channel and guest appearances on some local shows, so you might want to add some tickets for this weekend.


“Kinky Boots”
DATES:        TIMES:
Tues., May 2, 2017   7:30 p.m.
Wed., May 3      7:30 p.m.
Thurs., May 4     7:30 p.m.
Fri., May 5       8 p.m.
Sat., May 6      2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., May 7      1:30 & 7p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

SHOW TICKETS: start at $38.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

'Kinky Boots' stomps into JAX for a limited engagement

Kinky Boots, the smash-hit musical, opens in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Times-Union Center with eight shows.  The show, which is sponsored by the Vy Star Credit Union, brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book), and Grammy® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony Award-winner for Best Musical Score for Kinky Boots).

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.  Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son.  With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots has won every major Best Musical Award.  It is represented around the world with the Tony Award-winning Broadway company now in its fourth year.  The show had a North American First National Tour that launched in September 2014, a London production that opened in September 2015 (where it won the 2016 Olivier Award for Best Musical), and an Australian production that opened in October 2016.  Previous productions include: an extended run in Toronto, two Korean productions and a Japanese language production.  The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Kinky Boots is available on Sony Masterworks Broadway.

Kinky Boots took home six 2013 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the season, including: Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus) and Best Sound Design (John Shivers).  The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades.

“Kinky Boots”

DATES:        TIMES:

Tues., May 2, 2017   7:30 p.m.

Wed., May 3      7:30 p.m.

Thurs., May 4     7:30 p.m.

Fri., May 5       8 p.m.

Sat., May 6      2 & 8 p.m.

Sun., May 7      1:30 & 7p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts

      Moran Theater

      300 West Water St.

      Jacksonville, FL 32202

SHOW TICKETS: start at $38.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

Times Union 2016/2017 open house to draw a large crowd

The FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase, will kick off the “19th Annual Open House” at the Times-Union Center.  On Wednesday, September 14, 2016, doors will open to the public from 4 – 8 p.m.  This will be a perfect evening for families and arts lovers in Jacksonville.  Local food trucks What’s the Catch, Salty Dog, and Nitrogen Creamery will be onsite serving up delicious eats and treats.  Door prizes, a complimentary wine tasting, a cash bar, and live music from The Chris Thomas Band will round out the evening.  Plus, attendees will get an extra special sneak peek at the upcoming season with a special performance from the Tony Award^®-winning Best Musical, KINKY BOOTS.

The theater will also be open to the public to allow attendees to test drive seats available for subscription for the upcoming season. The FSCJ Artist Series will have staff on hand to answer any questions about subscribing or the shows in the season. Attendees will also be able to purchase any available seat for subscription during the event.

The first 100 people to RSVP to artistseries2@fscj.edu today, receive a free gift (Gift must be picked up at the event) when they arrive at the event!  Complimentary parking for all attendees of the Broadway Season Kick Off will be provided by LAZ at the Enterprise Parking Garage.  Attendees can park in the garage and stop by the FSCJ Artist Series Box Office to receive a parking ticket before leaving the Times-Union Center.  Current Broadway season subscribers will be able pick up their season tickets, exchange their tickets, buy single tickets for family and friends, and “test drive” their seats during the event.

The FSCJ Artist Series’ 16/17 Broadway in Jacksonville Season, sponsored by Chase, features THE BOOK OF MORMON (January 17-22), JERSEY BOYS (February 14-19), Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID (March 21-26), KINKY BOOTS (May 2-7) and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA (June 13-18).

“Season Subscriber Benefits”

DATES & TIMES: Performances for each of the four Broadway shows in the subscription package are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. All times are subject to change.  An American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf is available for the Sunday evening performance of each presentation.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Call (904) 442–BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday.  New subscribers can order their season tickets to receive priority seating!  4-Show season subscriptions are on sale now starting at just $137.  Subscription prices vary depending on the show time, day of the week, and seating location.  Season subscriber benefits include: savings off day-of-show pricing on individual tickets, premium seat locations, priority access to tickets for friends and family before the general public, discounted exchanges, access for other FSCJ Artist Series events, and lost ticket replacement.  VIP Seating is available to contributors to the FSCJ Artist Series at five levels: Angel, Producer, Benefactor, Patron, and Donor.  Tickets to individual shows in the FSCJ Artist Series’ 16/17 Broadway in Jacksonville season, sponsored by Chase, will go on sale this fall and winter, but season subscribers have access to tickets for any show in the series now before they go on sale to the public.  Broadway subscribers will also be able to purchase tickets for other FSCJ Artist Series events, including Broadway Specials, Concert and Variety, Dance, Opera, and Family shows at the Kick Off Event.

‘Wayne Brady’ coming to NE Florida at Thrasher-Horne Center

His birthday may have been on June 2nd, but he’ll be in Jacksonville, Florida in August, for one night only!  “Wayne Brady’s August show kicks off another great season for us at Thrasher-Horne Center,” said Executive Director Denton Yockey.  “Our goal is to put Thrasher-Horne Center on the map in Northeast Florida as a place to enjoy top-notch performances.”

For Wayne Brady, music and comedy seem to be at the center of his wildly successful and diverse career.  Wayne has been entertaining audiences with his singing, acting and unmatched improvisational skills for well over a decade.  This diversity has led to a career that goes beyond the term “triple threat.”  Brady has just completed singing and dancing in high heels while receiving rave reviews on Broadway in the role of Lola in the Tony award winning musical Kinky Boots.

Wayne began his career in Orlando working at theme parks as well as performing in several local theatre shows.  This is where his love for improvisation was sparked as he was a member of the Orlando improv comedy theater, SAK Comedy Lab.  In 1998, his career took off with Whose Line is it Anyway? for which he won a 2003 Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety, Musical or Comedy Series.  Wayne went on to host his own syndicated talk show The Wayne Brady Show for two seasons.  He was honored with two Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show Host and the show also won for Outstanding Talk Show.

In 2005, Brady returned to his first love, musical theater, and starred in the Broadway production of Chicago, playing the role of lawyer Billy Flynn.  He made a big splash in Las Vegas with his hit stage show Makin’ It Up.  The show was met with critical acclaim and has been heralded as “pure genius” and “hysterically funny.”  Brady has taken the show around the world playing in such countries as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India.  Wayne again returned to the live theater in 2010 when he joined the all-star cast in the Neil Patrick Harris directed Rent at the historic Hollywood Bowl.

Conquering stage and television was not enough for this unique talent.  He was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for his Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for his single “A Change Is Gonna Come,” off debut album A Long Time Coming.  In addition, Wayne released a children’s album entitled Radio Wayne which took the top spot on iTunes and Amazon kids charts.  On the big screen, Brady has been featured in several films including:  Crossover, Roll Bounce, for Fox Searchlight as well as the animated film Foodfight.

Being an award winning host, it is no wonder why he has been tapped to host several high-profile shows including the NAACP Awards, BET Honors as well as guest hosting The Late Late Show last year.   His role on the iconic Let’s Make A Deal has been garnered with several Emmy nominations including Wayne for hosting.


“Wayne Brady”
DATE: Sat. Aug. 27, 2016   TIMES: 7:30 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: start at $49 – $94 and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 12+ (15% discount), or 40+ (20% discount).  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a not-for profit performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is located on the Orange Park campus.