Music theatre alum Adam Kaplan ‘12 shares his experiences in joining the National Tour of “Kinky Boots”
Alumnus Adam Kaplan ‘12 has found many successes in the performing arts in the few years since he has graduated, lighting up the stage on Broadway in “Newsies” and at many regional theatres, and now starring as Charlie Price in the National Tour of “Kinky Boots.”
Based on the 2005 film “Kinky Boots,” which was inspired by true events, the musical (written by Tony, Grammy, and Emmy-winner Cyndi Lauper and Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein) tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits a shoe factory from his father. Kaplan portrays Charlie, who forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola in order to save the business. With Lola’s help, Charlie develops a plan to produce a line of high-heeled boots. In the process, the two discover that they are not so different after all.
Kaplan was performing in North Carolina over the summer, portraying Finch in Flat Rock Playhouse’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” It was there that he got the call from his agents about an audition appointment in New York. Kaplan was luckily able to fly to the city on his day off.
“It was a whirlwind of 24 hours,” Kaplan said. “As soon as I finished my audition I hopped in a cab and went right to the airport to make it back in time for the show the next day.” When Kaplan closed the show about a week later, he had a series of work sessions with various members of the “Kinky” creative team, where they put him on tape for everyone to sign off on. Members of this creative team include Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, and Jerry Mitchell. “It was a very exciting but nerve wracking process,” Kaplan said.
When asked what it will be like transitioning from the Broadway stage to a touring production, Kaplan noted that changing cities every week or so would definitely be a challenge and an adjustment. “The traveling part of the job is definitely going to add to my overall exhaustion. That being said, I’m very excited to bring this show across the country. I sometimes forget that the vast majority of the population can’t drive or fly to New York to see a Broadway show. It’s also an important story to tell about acceptance and truly thinking outside of the box. I couldn’t be more excited for the year ahead!”
On advice to future performers, Kaplan said, “Be nice to everyone. #1. It’s just easier to go through life that way. And #2. You never know who you’re going to be working with in the future. Your reputation is too important to screw it up by being a diva.”
Kaplan also noted that he would love to return to Broadway in the coming years, but he has also started to pursue more camera work (TV, film, and commercials) and has been enjoying that side of the acting world as well.
Click this link to see if Adam and the cast of “Kinky Boots” are coming to a city near you:
http://kinkybootsthemusical.com/tour.php
