By: Ashmar Mandou

The boots are made for dancing! The electrifying Tony and Grammy award-winning musical is currently Kinky Boots is currently playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre for just a few days left. Based on true events, Kinky Boots follows the journey of two people with nothing in common. The story follows Charlie Price who reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. And so, the story begins. “There is a beautiful message in the play, which is about finding your community and learning self-acceptance,” said Felipe Cristancho-Rodriguez, who plays Angel in Kinky Boots. “Along with amazing choreography and songs, of course.” Cristancho-Rodriguez spoke to Lawndale Bilingual News about the deep emotional attachment he has to Kinky Boots and the greatest lessons learned on tour.

Lawndale News: Kinky Boots being your national tour debut; how are you feeling, so far about the whole experience?

Felipe Cristancho-Rodriguez: Oh, my goodness, this tour has not only taught me a lot, not just as a performer, but as a human being. I think the message itself is about acceptance and not only finding your path in life but supporting those around you and their path in life. I think that has really translated on stage and off stage for myself. I think the cast of Kinky Boots has become an extension of my family and have been there to support and uplift me. Especially, this being my first national tour; there were so many questions I had and the family I created here has been so helpful. I feel like now I can take on bigger projects after this experience and have more passion for myself and my identity and how I want to represent myself and the culture that I have within me.

LN: Lawndale News: What did you learn about yourself as well as what you learned professionally regarding this tour?

Cristancho-Rodriguez: Absolutely! I learned about discipline [laughs]. I discovered that maybe it’s not the best to have fast food every night [laughs]. You know, we get out of the show late and sometimes that’s the only option. I think beyond the food choices, I think the discipline of understanding where I am in terms of my energy, physically and emotionally. I think that’s something that translates on stage. We wake up and feel different every day and that’s why I love theatre. This is my goal, my path, my dream. Everyday is a new show and everyday is a new sensation in the body. So, I think that discipline is something that I learned.

LN: Do you remember watching a show or a movie that ignited your passion for pursuing a career in this industry?

Cristancho-Rodriguez: Absolutely. So, this show specifically, Kinky Boots is a very full circle moment for me because this was one of the shows that I recall from a very young age that my mom took me to when it was on tour. I saw the first-ever national tour when they came to Atlanta, which is where I was raised. That, ironically, is what inspired me to pursue this passion and this career. So, to have my first national tour be the one that inspired me and uplifted me and helped me find who I wanted to be, not even just as a person, but as a performer in my career…it’s such a full circle moment.

LN: While Kinky Boots is fun and engaging, there are undertones of self-acceptance and the importance of finding your community. How important are those messages, especially as we celebrate Pride Month?

Cristancho-Rodriguez: Yea, I think the message of the show is about a vulnerable acceptance of no matter where you are, who you are, where you are in your lifetime or in the lifetime of others, it’s rooted in the core value of cherishing each other. It’s about raising each other up and raising each other’s spirit and I think, especially right now, it’s the best time. Being part of the LGBTQ+ and the Latino community I have this immense responsibility to represent both my communities. I feel like the same message of community and acceptance extends to my communities as well and I want to remind them that even during a time when it can be scary, they are not alone.

LN: What message do you have for the young Latinos in Chicago who aspire to follow in your footsteps and pursue a career on Broadway?

Cristancho-Rodriguez: I’ll spare the details, but this is something I wish someone would have told me as I was beginning my career. This career is not easy. It’s very cutthroat and you need to have a backbone, which is something that I, honestly, still struggle with to this day. Especially with being Latin, to allow the passion that we have inherently from our culture, from our families, to allow that to be a life source that pushes you through the obstacles that come with this career. Understanding that for a bit it’s going to feel very lonely and very isolating and in those moments it’s about acknowledging the sacrifices that you make, the training that you have continued to put in, and the kindness that also you put in…because this career is cutthroat and we have to lead with so much love and life.

Kinky Boots is currently at the James M. Nederlander Theatre until June 21st. For tickets, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Photo Credit: Broadway in Chicago