Two Tri-City residents are part of a Cyndi Lauper production that opens in Vancouver next month.
The Arts Club Theatre’s version of Kinky Boots, which runs from June 9 to July 31 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, includes Darren Burkett of Coquitlam (Standby) and Sue Round of Port Moody (cellist).
Based on a true story by Harvey Fierstein and the 2005 film, the musical follows Charlie Price (portrayed by Sayer Roberts) as he leaves London for northern England to save his late father’s company — a bankrupt shoe factory that he now owns.
But Price’s misery turns when he gets inspired by the drag queen Lola/Simon (Stewart Adam McKensy) to create a pair of diva boots.
"I love musical theatre because it is so accessible," said director Barbara Tomasic, in a news release.
"Music gets you right in the heart, and often engages with our truth in a way that text alone cannot. Kinky Boots is like that. It’s infectious and joyful, and underneath there is this important message of compassion and acceptance: 'Be who you want to be, never let them tell you who you ought to be.' I love it."
Also cast in the Arts Club show are Andrew Wheeler as George, Colleen Winton as Trish and Paul Almeida as Richard Bailey.
One of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time, Kinky Boots won six Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score for the pop star Lauper.
In England, the West End iteration earned three Laurence Olivier Awards.
Tickets for Kinky Boots at the Stanley Theatre (2750 Granville St.) start at $43. Go to artsclub.com.
