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Hey Kyle! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. How is Kinky Boots going so far?
Hi! You can call me K.T.P.(my nickname)! I’m so excited to be doing this! Kinky Boots is a blast! I can’t help but have fun! We see you're a graduate of AMDA. Can you tell us a little about your college experience? Were you interested in theatre as a child? I loved my time at AMDA! I loved the fact that I got to spend my days singing, dancing, acting, and most importantly... DREAMING! Like any program you get what you put into it, and I couldn’t help but put my whole heart into my college experience. I’ve wanted to be on Broadway since I was five years old and AMDA really helped me understand what it takes to make that dream a reality. What was the first Broadway show you saw? What do you remember from it? Annie! I remember seeing kids on a Broadway stage and thinking “I can do that”. I was bitten by the bug! I immediately begged my mother to get me into classes. What has been your favorite moment you've ever witnessed in a theatre whether it's a show.. a certain performance.. a certain musical number.. dance break..anything! Some of my favorite moments in theatre have been witnessing the work of Legends in person either up close or from the audience. Audra Mcdonald, Patti Lupone, Billy Porter (and obviously Harvey Fierstein , Jerry Mitchell and Cyndi Lauper) To me, Kinky Boots has a universal message. Do you feel audiences who come to see Kinky Boots leave more open minded about how they view other people? I sure hope they do! I think audiences leave feeling many things after seeing the show,one of which is JOY! The relatable characters, the relevant message and the “high heeled heart” of this show leave the audience with a feeling of hope, pride and sooo much JOY! How did it feel to make your Broadway debut in one of the most raved about musicals of the season? What was the audition process like for the show? I’m honored and beyond grateful to be making my Broadway Debut in a show as special as Kinky Boots with people as special (and beautiful) as these! It’s literally a dream come true! I was on tour with In The Heights while I was preparing for this audition and had never walked in heels before. I spent my days on tour in “Kinky Boot Camp": practicing in heels with the girls,and working on my British Dialect with the only Brit on tour (shout out to Chloe Campbell and my other amigas in the Barrio!) How was the transition from working on the show from Chicago to New York? Was it difficult keeping on top of all the changes being made? The transition from Chicago to New York was very exciting! We spent a lot of time discovering the show and making changes in chicago, so by the time we got to New York we were so grounded in the story that taking notes and changes was pretty fun and exciting. Every change felt like the perfect step in the right direction. In our last interview, Kyle Post talked about Widdi Bantour! Have you named your angel? Did you draw inspiration from any other drag queens or celebrities? Yes! “Miss Patti LaParker”! I was inspired by the sass of Patti Labelle, the flirty elegance of Sheryl Lee Ralph and the ferocity of Patti LuPone. 6 short questions: Favorite food? BURRITO BOWL!!! Favorite movie? ANNIE HALL Favorite musical/play? MMM CAN I SAY KINKY BOOTS? (if not... Dreamgirls) Dream role? SIMBA Favorite T.V show? SCANDAL Favorite performer (Broadway or otherwise)? Lillias White Have you ever witnessed an on stage blooper in any of the shows you've worked on? I’ve experienced one on Bway ... but a good Angel never reveals her secrets Do you have any advice for aspiring Broadway performers? It may sound trite, but never give up! Trust that your day will come. Margot Martindale said “Some things just take time but with time comes great appreciation” I couldn’t agree more! What has been the most rewarding part of working on Kinky Boots? Getting to work with such phenomenal people. Every day I walk away from the show having learned something new (about performing, life,Being yourself and more).I really am in love with everyone at the Hirschfeld How has the announcement of 13 Tony Award nominations affected the atmosphere at the theatre? Is there an extra pressure while performing to an audience following the nominations? How did you feel when all the nominations were announced? The energy at the theatre is ELECTRIC! Having something you love so much be recognized by other people is a beautiful feeling! No pressure just love and gratitude. Thanks so much for your time, Kyle. How would you describe Kinky Boots The Musical to somebody who knew nothing about it? A fabulous evening in the theatre with people who really know how to have fun,steal your heart and make you smile! A story about how we’re more alike than we think. |