| RCMPI Presents | ||
Kinky Boots |
||
| A New Musical Inspired by a True Story | ||
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
| Artistic Director: Susan Garner | ||
| Vocal Director: Samantha Pickett | ||
| Choreographer: Holly Perkins | ||
| Orchestral Director: Jennifer Rodrigues | ||
| Kinky Boots is presented with special arrangement with MTI. All authorized performance are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com | ||
Follow Us:
Land Acknowledgement
As a community theatre organization, we are privileged to tell stories on the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We recognize that this land and gathering place where we create and present community theatre is home to many past, present, and future First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. We recognize and declare our collective responsibility to this place and to the histories, rights, and presence of its indigenous peoples. RCMPI is grateful to the land and its peoples, without whom we would be unable to present today's show.
About RCMPI
We are comprised solely of amateur musical theatre lovers who work from show to show and from year to year to bring these shows to the stage. We'd like to acknowledge those who have helped both financially and administratively.
To make a charitable gift to RCMPI, visit https://www.rcmpi.ca/donate.shtml
Life Members
John Allen
Karen Allen
Robert Brown
Gary E. Chapman
Lin Chapman
Helen Dumoulin
Victoria Harrop
Kay McKie
Al Norris
Anne Norris
Stephen O'Connell
Gladys Phillips
Ron Pickford
John T. Powell
Ruth Ralston
Corrine Saunders
Judy Steibelt
Sheila Todd
Bill Unser
RCMPI Volunteer Board of Directors 2023/2024
President: Jen Barson
Vice-President: Jane Martin
Treasurer: Erin Corstorphine
Secretary: Jeff Perkins
Directors: Amy Estill, Tom Gould, Julie Hubbard, Gary Roche, Jen Rodrigues, Catherine Weddell
Director’s Message
“Kinky Boots” originated as a film that was inspired by the true story of a man in the U.K. who saved his family’s shoe factory by (spoiler alert) making footwear for drag queens. In 2013, the movie was turned into a musical with the book by Harvey Fierstein, and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Their production won Broadway’s Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Actor, and Best Choreography.
Yes, “Kinky Boots” is a fun, high energy show, and we hope you have a great time watching RCMPI’s production. Our production team and actors have put their hearts into this show. Huge thanks to each person for their part in creating what you see today. Extra thanks to those who procured the fancy footwear, and those who learned to strut in those heels.
But “Kinky Boots” offers a challenge to audiences along with the fun. It pushes us to be our authentic selves — “Just be who you want to be… celebrate yourself triumphantly!” — and how we need to “accept others for who they are.”
RCMPI selected this show in 2022. During the following year, we saw protests at drag events in the news, including here in Guelph and Wellington County. Divisions and friction also seem to be more out in the open right now between people of different genders, races, and age groups.
With its message of acceptance, maybe “Kinky Boots” is even more meaningful now than it was during the 2013 productions. As Cyndi Lauper says, “you can change the world when you change your mind.”
Susan Garner
Director, "Kinky Boots"
Message from the Board
On behalf of the Board, we extend a warm welcome to each of you to our production of the dazzling and exhilarating "Kinky Boots" musical.
As we embark on this thrilling journey, we are filled with excitement and anticipation to share this incredible story with all of you. "Kinky Boots" is more than just a musical; it's a celebration of individuality, acceptance, and the power of embracing who you truly are.
We are immensely grateful for your presence here tonight, and we hope that you will be swept away by the unforgettable performances, electrifying music, and heartwarming messages that this production has to offer.
We also want to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this show to fruition. Their passion and dedication are truly the driving force behind the magic you will witness on stage tonight.
In addition to the extraordinary talent you will see on stage, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a 50/50 draw during the run of the show, offering an exciting opportunity for you to participate and support our production.
Thank you for joining us on this extraordinary journey. We hope that tonight's performance will inspire you, uplift you, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Jen Barson
President, Royal City Musical Productions Inc.
Song List
Act I
- Price and Son Theme - Ensemble
- The Most Beautiful Thing in the World - Young Charlie, Young Lola, Mr. Price, Nicola, Ensemble
- Price and Son Theme (Reprise) - Ensemble
- Take What You’ve Got - Harry, Charlie, Ensemble
- The Land of Lola - Lola, The Angels
- The Land of Lola (Reprise) - Lola, The Angels
- Charlie’s Soliloquy - Charlie
- Step One - Charlie
- The Sex Is in the Heel - Lola, Pat, The Angels
- The History of Wrong Guys - Lauren
- Not My Father’s Son - Lola, Charlie
- Everybody Say Yeah! - Charlie, Lola, Ensemble
Act II
- Price and Son Theme (Reprise) - Ensemble
- What a Woman Wants - Lola, Ensemble
- In This Corner - The Angels, Pat, Trish, Lola, Don, Ensemble
- Charlie’s Soliloquy (Reprise) - Charlie
- Soul of a Man - Charlie
- Everybody Say Yeah! (Reprise) - Ensemble
- Hold Me in Your Heart - Lola
- Raise You Up - Lola, The Angels, Charlie, Ensemble
- Just Be - All Cast
Cast
Production Team
Susan Garner
Holly Perkins
Samantha Pickett
Jennifer Rodrigues
Jeff Perkins
Julie Van Duzen
Robert Brown
Annette Martin
Corrine Saunders
Gregson Lodge
Anthony Brown
Sandra Conway
Jacqui Tedesco
Paul Briggs
Richard Dawson
Sheila Todd
Carrie Murray-Sprague
Coming Soon
Fall 2024 - Click on the image below for audition information!
The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. www.mtishows.com.
Spring 2025
Legally Blonde is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. www.mtishows.com.
Meet the Company
Elijah Glasgow
Elijah has been performing as long as he can remember. He has played Fizzy in "Bugsy Malone," Judge Turpin in "Sweeney Todd," Hans in "Cabaret," and others. Elijah has directed, choreographed, and produced for various shows, and is excited to be back on-stage for RCMPI’s "Kinky Boots."
Jeffrey Zeuner
Jeffrey has had the privilege of taking on many roles both on- and off-stage. Some past roles include Kyle Best in "Best Brothers," and Frollo in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Jeffrey's performance is dedicated to his daughter, born earlier this month, who will hopefully grow up in a world where she can "be who she wants to be."
Tanya Jarmai
This is Tanya’s fourth production with RCMPI, and she is ecstatic to be back on-stage doing what she loves most in this world – being loud and overly dramatic! Past select credits include Sophie in “Mamma Mia!” (RCMPI), Maureen in “RENT” (RCMPI), and Penny in “Hairspray” (KWMP). Tanya would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support!
Adam Kubik
Adam is excited to be part of this amazing cast! His favourite roles have included Miss Trunchbull in "Matilda," and President Roosevelt in "Annie." Adam would like to thank his friends and family for their never ending support! Enjoy the show!
Kim Cooke
Kim is thrilled to be joining this cast of "Kinky Boots"! Kim is passionate about music theatre, and, in her spare time, works as a music therapist, and loves to write/perform music (@kclynnmusic). She hopes you enjoy the show! Previous credits: Cinderella in “Cinderella,” Heather Duke in “Heathers,” Ursula in “Bye Bye Birdie,” and Ensemble in “Cabaret.”
Anna MacMillan
Anna is excited to appear once again on the River Run stage for her ninth show with RCMPI. Her recent credits include Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella,” and Mrs. Wormwood in “Matilda.” When not on-stage, Anna can be found teaching French immersion, and spreading the love of arts to her students by directing school musicals. Love to her family!
Couper Smith
Couper is thrilled to be back on-stage in the cast of "Kinky Boots," marking his fourth RCMPI production alongside "Cinderella,” "Mamma Mia!," and "Sweeney Todd." Off-stage, Couper is currently finishing his final year of Mechatronics Engineering at McMaster University.
Jane Adair
Jane is thrilled to be both back working with RCMPI again, and surrounded by so many fabulous people to bring “Kinky Boots” to life for you. Previous credits include Tanya in “Mamma Mia!,” Polly in “Crazy for You,” and Rizzo in “Grease.” Remember to “Take What You Got” and make the most of it! Enjoy the show!
August Fox
August is thrilled to join the cast of "Kinky Boots" as Young Charlie in his first RCMPI production! August's previous roles include: John Darling in "Peter Pan: The Panto" (Drayton Entertainment), Kurt Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" (Drayton Entertainment), Les in "Newsies Jr.” (actOUT! KW), and Tommy in "Being Me" (The Singer's Theatre).
Logan Anderson
Logan is thrilled for this opportunity to be in his first RCMPI show. He's been dancing and singing since he was two years old, so, naturally, he took to the stage as a competitive jazz, hip hop, and lyrical dancer for the past four years. He also loves to sing, and is excited to bring his voice to the stage for the first time.
Richard Dawson
Richard is thrilled to have the opportunity to return to the RCMPI stage in the role of George for this production of "Kinky Boots." He was involved in the RCMPI production of "Cinderella" last fall. Prior to that, Richard had been involved in many of RCMPI's earlier productions in the 1980s.
Andrew Huisman
This is Andrew's second show with RCMPI, and it comes immediately after his first show with them. So it's needless to say that he has found a new home with the RCMPI family. He hopes there are many more shows in his future, and that he can continue meeting and making new friends.
Werner Eitzen
Werner thanks the team for including him in another RCMPI show. He has also appeared in shows for Elmira, Guelph, and Elora community theatres. Werner can also be seen on the big screen in Stephen W. Young’s film series “Dickson & Bruce." He's happy to be on stage with Katarina and Debbie. “Thanks for coming out and supporting community theatre!”
Khary Alexander
Engineer by day, everything else by night. Over the course of various productions, Khary has acted, directed, done tech, props, and played in the band. "Kinky Boots" is his fourth show with RCMPI, and he, as always, appreciates the opportunity to perform with such a talented group.
Leah Symons
Leah is so excited to be tackling the challenge of dancing in high heels in "Kinky Boots." She has been involved with RCMPI since she was ten years old, taking on roles both on- and off-stage. Most recently, she was the costume designer for "Peter Pan Jr.," and last appeared on-stage in "The SpongeBob Musical." Enjoy the show!
Louise Agius
Louise has been on-stage for decades for various singing and dancing ventures. She loves fun, adventure, science, and novelty. She adores her family, friends, and her sister's dog, "Monty", who is the greatest singer of all. Louise hopes to dazzle on-stage as an Angel in "Kinky Boots." If you are dazzled, please consider buying Louise a puppy.
Milwaukee Baker
Milwaukee (he/him) returns for his third consecutive spring show, following "Cabaret" (Bobby/DC), and "The SpongeBob Musical" (Squidward Q. Tentacles). Most recently, he directed and choreographed RCMPI's youth production of "Peter Pan Jr." Huge thanks to Justin for sharing him with both shows these past few months.
Elona Love
Elona is thrilled to bits to be kicking her heels up as an Angel in "Kinky Boots"! She is so happy to be on-stage in her third RCMPI show, with previous credits as Queen Constantina in “Cinderella,” and Helga in “Cabaret.” She loves performing, whether its acting, singing, or dancing, and teaches at The Guelph Academy of Dance. Love to Pete and Phe!
Jennifer Manzo
Jennie is thrilled to perform in "Kinky Boots," her third RCMPI production. She played Frenchie in "Cabaret," and was in the dance ensemble in "Cinderella." Jennie has over 25 years of dance and theatre experience. She can be found teaching (and singing/dancing in the halls) at CCVI. Thanks to her husband, kids, and granddaughter for their love and support.
Kassidy J. Parker
Kassidy is back for round three, this time performing in her dream role! She is so grateful to the entire cast and crew for this truly incredible experience! She thanks her friends and family for their support. Kassidy is represented by FilmComm Talent in Toronto.
Nicole Sawrantschuk
Nicole Renee Sawrantschuk is a fifth year student in english and theatre studies major, as well as a studio art minor. Other than theatre, Nicole is passionate about equestrian, fashion, makeup, animals, and wood shop. Recent credits include RCMPI’s "Cinderella" as dance ensemble, Savannah in "Freaky Friday", and Young Republicanette and Heather Chandler Understudy in “Heathers."
Armel Chesnais
Armel is excited to join in for his first RCMPI show with "Kinky Boots," as well as his first musical in years since being Brad in "The Rocky Horror Show." He has been singing in choirs for over a decade, and is looking forward to expanding his experience.
Michelle MacMillan
Michelle is thrilled to be joining the cast of “Kinky Boots” for her second production with RCMPI. Her recent acting credits include “The SpongeBob Musical” (RCMPI) and “The Little Mermaid” (PFP). When not on-stage, Michelle works as an environmental educator, sharing her love of nature with her students. Enjoy the show!
Debbie Sippel Eitzen
Debbie's happy to be back on-stage for "Kinky Boots." She thanks the directorial team for casting her with her family. When not playing make believe with RCMPI, Debbie's other pastimes include scrapbooking, crocheting, power yoga, and instructing dance fitness classes. She's also appeared on stage with the Guelph, Elmira, and Elora community theatres.
Katarina Sippel Eitzen
Previously seen alongside some glass slippers in "Cinderella", Katarina is thrilled her 20th RCMPI production also involves shoes. An avid trombone player, Katarina has BAH in music. She plays with the Cambridge Concert Band, but has played with many ensembles in multiple countries over the years. Let love shine!
Susan Garner
Susan is new to Guelph, but brings decades of experience in community theatre, as director, actor, and backstage at Thistle Theatre Embro, London, and Elmira. For RCMPI, she was ASM in "The SpongeBob Musical." Thanks to all the very talented RCMPI folks, both on- and off-stage, especially Jeff, Julie, Holly, Sam, Paul, and Sandra. This one's for Tim.
Holly Perkins
Holly is honoured to be a part of “Kinky Boots”! Congratulations to the amazing cast and crew for all of their hard work and determination to make this show a complete success. Holly thanks her friends and family for their continued support. And the most thanks to her husband, Jeff, for always being in her corner! To many more… Always.
Samantha Pickett
Samantha Pickett is from Kitchener, and holds a Masters of Opera and Voice from McGill, as well as a Bachelor's of Voice Performance and Opera Diploma from Wilfrid Laurier. Samantha was a member of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio from 2016-2018. She is currently a teacher in Erin, and lives in Guelph with her partner and their two cats.
Jennifer Rodrigues
Jennifer is thrilled to return to RCMPI to conduct the pit for "Kinky Boots." Recent past productions include "The SpongeBob Musical," "Mamma Mia!," "Sweeney Todd," "Fiddler on the Roof," as well as playing in the pit for "Matilda," "Cinderella," "Into the Woods," and "Shrek." She has performed with Drayton, KWMP, Stratford Festival, Stratford Symphony, and the KW Chamber Orchestra.
Jeff Perkins
Jeff is excited to be a part of "Kinky Boots." This will be Jeff's 13th show as Production Coordinator, and 22nd behind the follow spot. Much love to the cast and crew, and, particularly, to Mrs. Perkins for everything.
Julie Van Duzen
Julie returns to RCMPI for her 28th show. You can mostly find her stage managing, but she has also been a part of lighting, costume design, a producer, and even found her way onto the stage. Big thanks to her amazing ASMs - couldn’t have done it without these fabulous people. Thanks to AB for sanity and support! Love always to HN and EN!
Robert Brown
Even after participating in almost 60 productions (37 with RCMPI!) both on- and off-stage, with more than 10 different companies, the excitement of working on a show never diminishes! Thanks for being in the audience!
Annette Martin
Annette first joined the RCMPI community for "Cinderella" by supporting costume design, and helping backstage for a couple of shows. Annette is now excited to be joining the production team as an assistant stage manager for "Kinky Boots," and is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful play. Enjoy the show!
Corrine Saunders
Corrine has been a member of RCMPI since 2001, and, in that time, has participated in more than 40 productions. Her involvement with this company is one of the highlights of her life. She thanks her husband Bob, her sister Judy, and her friend, Gregson, for making it possible.
Gregson Lodge
"Kinky Boots" marks Gregson's 20th show with RCMPI. He is so thankful for the experience of, once again, working with the incredible talent of this assembled cast and crew. It is, indeed, music therapy for him. Thanks to Susan and Alyssa for their encouragement.
Anthony Brown
Sandra Conway
Sandra has been involved with RCMPI for 11 years. She is having a blast designing looks for the drag queens, and telling a story in the factory with the styles and colours of the workers' outfits. Sandra is amazed at Jeff’s patience now that the costume clutter in their house included Peter Pan Jr. costumes as well as a boatload of boots!
Jacqui Tedesco
Jacqui is excited to be working with RCMPI again, and trying something new...Props! In the past, Jacqui designed costumes for RCMPI's "Scrooge," and assisted Sandra with costumes for other shows.
Paul Briggs
Paul has been designing and building sets for 30 years for theatre companies in Guelph and the surrounding area. With over 60 sets and counting, some memorable ones include "Noises Off," "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Of Mice And Men," and "The Drowsy Chaperone." This is his first opportunity to work with the very creative RCMPI.
Richard Dawson
Richard is thrilled to have the opportunity to build the ambitious set for this production of "Kinky Boots." He was involved in the RCMPI production of "Cinderella" last fall. Prior to that, Richard had been involved in many of RCMPI's earlier productions in the 1980s.
Sheila Todd
Sheila has been a member of RCMPI since 1994, and has participated in multiple shows in a variety of roles, both on- and off-stage. She is excited to be part of the Kinky Boots production team, and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Carrie Murray-Sprague
Carrie has really enjoyed working with the exceptional cast and crew of "Kinky Boots." She is thankful to her family for allowing her to be a part of this amazing team for her tenth year and twelfth production!
Orchestra
Michael Bergauer - Bass
Matt Koebel - Keyboard 2
Gregson Lodge - Keyboard 1
Don McDougall - Drums
Fred Smith - Guitars
Crew List
Set, Sound, and Lighting
Lin Chapman - Set Artistic Painter
Jeff Perkins - Follow Spot Operator
Costumes, Make-up, and Hair
Jacob Barrick - Costuming Assistant
Sue McGinnis - Costuming Assistant
Jane McRae - Costuming Assistant
Janet Mosney - Costuming Assistant
Adrian Andrews - Hair and Make-up Artist
Nicole Sawrantschuk - Hair and Make-up Artist
Ishani Sanyal - Hair and Make-up Artist
Esme Stewart - Hair and Make-up Artist
Catherine Weddell - Hair and Make-up Artist
Natasha Benko - Sewer
Sue McGinnis - Sewer
Debbie Sippel Eitzen - Sewer
Special Thanks
Thanks to Dana Bellamy for taking photos of the cast and crew.
Thanks to Judy Steibelt for creating the amazing display for the Farmer's Market.
Thanks to Ambrose Maillet for creating the fabulous boot sketches.
Thanks to Doll Haus Events for providing guidance and support to the special makeup designs used in this show to make it fabulous.
Thanks to Danby for providing a fantastic location for our promotional photoshoot.
Thanks to Danielle Kemp for designing the programme for the show.
Thanks to Silvana Di Bello (BMT), Lisa Arrigo (Theatre Unlimited Mississauga), Lynne Barna (KWMP), Judith Eden (GLT), and Jenine Kroeplin (Drayton Entertainment) for their assistance with procuring costume pieces.
Thanks to Evan and all the staff at the River Run Centre for all of their help.
Thanks to Guelph Little Theatre, Downtown Theatre Project, Scenework Consulting Ltd, and Drayton Entertainment for their support in helping us realize our amazing set design.
Thanks to Strictly Rhythm Dance Academy for their support in providing studio space for choreography polishing.
Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped assemble our set on the River Run stage.
Thanks to Sarah Sabo for taking promotional photos for the show. Click the image below to view Sarah's website.
