“Kinky Boots” his The Saenger Theatre this June 14 through 16. The Tony Award winning musical features a score by musician and performer Cyndi Lauper, and tells the uplifting story of Charlie Price as he struggles to take over the family shoe business, and discovers much more than just a new business – a true friendship and a great big idea.
We sat down with Kenneth Mosley, who portrays Charlie’s life-changing muse and inspiration, Lola, for a Q&A on the travels and highlights of being on tour.
Kenneth has also appeared on stage nationally in “Motown, the Musical,” and on television in “Grace & Frankie” (Netflix) as well as on “Black-ish,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Q: What can audiences expect from “Kinky Boots” and your performance?
Aside from great music, exciting dancing and funny, colorful characters, you’ll get: FUN! JOY! You can expect lessons on love, acceptance, and abandoning narrow traditions to blaze a new trail. From my performance in particular, you’ll experience a fun look into an individual who’s good-hearted, committed to being the best, most loving version of herself – all while singing, dancing and laughing her way to the life of her dreams.
Q: How do you stay fresh for each performance, especially while traveling from city to city?
I focus on the story and meeting each moment as it is, and make sure to enjoy the fun and beauty of the music, and I thrive on the energy of the audience! Nothing like an engaged, responsive crowd!
Q: Do you have a special routine you follow on performance days?
Yes: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Along with stretching and vocal warmups.
Q: What are you excited to see, eat, hear while in New Orleans?
I love New Orleans. A unique city full of fun, food and beautiful music. I hope to experience as much of that (including beignets!) as I can during our stay there.
Q: Do you ever get nervous before going on stage? How to do deal with those nerves?
I don’t get a case of nerves too often at all. But when I do get nervous, I suppose I attempt to turn off the overthinking switch in my brain and just enjoy every moment and capitalize on the adrenaline and excitement nerves can produce when tamed properly.
Q: What is one role you have always wanted to play?
I’ve always wanted to play Jimmy “Thunder” Early in “Dreamgirls.”
Born/raised: Albuquerque, NM
Education: BA, Broadcast Journalism, Southern Methodist University
Favorite movie: “A Beautiful Mind”
Favorite TV show: currently “This is Us”
Favorite food: everything brunch!
Guilty pleasure when you’re not working: travel and I’m a TV enthusiast.
