TORONTO -- It's boot camp in the most literal sense, but with stiletto heels.
The cast of the Canadian premiere production of "Kinky Boots" have embarked on bunion-busting rehearsals to learn how to perform in the sky-high heels required for the Mirvish Productions show, which begins performances at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on June 16.
"I have a LOT of respect for women who wear heels now. HUGE respect," said Alan Mingo Jr., who stars as Lola, a drag queen who helps shoe factory owner Charlie Price (Graham Scott Fleming) turn around the struggling business with a line of high-heeled boots.
"Before when I would see women in tennis shoes and they're dressed up, you're kind of going, 'That's odd.' Now I get it. If I don't see women walking around in tennis shoes, then I have a question, like, 'What are you doing in those stiletto heels all over the place?'
"It's painful."
Acclaimed playwright Harvey Fierstein wrote the book and pop star Cyndi Lauper did the music and lyrics for the six-time Tony Award-winning show, which is based on the 2005 film.
The story follows Charlie as he turns around the fortunes of his late father's near-bankrupt shoe factory thanks to the help of cabaret queen Lola and her backup dancers, called "angels."
Many of the cast members who play the angels are dancers and have performed in heels in other shows.
But those playing the factory workers don't have that experience and have a steep -- and toe-cramping -- learning curve, said associate director D.B. Bonds.
"It's funny, in three months from now we'll probably be giving them notes onstage saying, 'You look too comfortable now,' especially for the factory workers," said Bonds.
"We don't want it to be unsafe, obviously, but the more little wobbly they look, it's fine because we buy that they've never worn those before."
Mingo Jr. has been wearing the boots eight hours a day, nearly every day, for four weeks now. He said he's been studying the likes of Whitney Houston, Diana Ross and RuPaul to tap into his character.
Fleming hasn't had to practise extensively in the stiletto boots, though, as his character is supposed to look like he's struggling in them.
"I got them two days ago and I put them on and after an hour my foot was cramping," he said. "I give so much respect to those angels and Lola for dancing in those."
Bonds said the boot camp has been a bonding session.
"There's something about the inclusion of this show, of every type -- gay, straight, black, white, factory worker, angel," he said, noting such inclusion applies to not just the message of the show but also the cast.
"Yesterday watching all of them put on their kinky boots together, it is kind of like what the show is about -- all of them laughing and having a good time."
