Kinky Boots, we have missed you, and we are so glad you are back! The exhilarating Broadway musical, with its Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, returns for a short yet sweet run from May 11–22 at SHN’s Golden Gate Theatre. The inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible, proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Helping to bring the show to dragalicious life is Sam Rohloff, who plays one of the shows Angels. The Angels are the talented ensemble cast members who perform the show’s incredible drag numbers. We had a blast connecting recently with Rohloff, who exudes palpable joy and positive energy, which are perhaps a reflection of this wonderful production’s great life-affirming story.
San Francisco Bay Times: The show debuted in 2012, and yet the production still seems so vibrant and relevant today. Why do you think the story and songs hold such timeless appeal?
Sam Rohloff: I think Kinky Boots holds such an appeal because of its message and the way it’s told. Kinky Boots talks about accepting someone for who they are, no matter their outward appearance, and believing in yourself and being true to you. I think the show is so successful because of its perfect formula for a new, original musical. [It is] aesthetically beautiful, with Cyndi Lauper’s pop flair, award-winning costumes and choreography, and a heart that beats through to the final bow.
San Francisco Bay Times: Please share any memorable moments from the tour so far. Has anything happened on stage or with the audiences that took you by surprise?
Sam Rohloff: There are many moments in this show that are always exciting because we are sharing a story so many people across the nation have never heard. One specific moment is in the Finale when (spoiler alert) Don, a principal factor worker, arrives in a pair of his own custom made kinky boots. The audience reacts profoundly when they get to feast their eyes on a bearded man wearing a fabulous pair of red leather boots. When I get to enjoy that specific reversal onstage, during the show, it is overwhelming. To me, that is a crucial point for the audience members’ journey. They see someone take a step outside of their boundaries to better someone else. Quite a simple but important lesson.
San Francisco Bay Times: Please share a bit about your background and how you were first introduced to Kinky Boots.
Sam Rohloff: I was born and raised in Michigan. Studied and received a BFA in Musical Theatre at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. After graduation, I went on tour with the West Side Story national tour. A year and some gigs after that, I was offered the opportunity to join the fantastic show that is Kinky Boots. Oddly enough, the first time I was introduced to Kinky Boots was winning the lottery to see the show in New York. I enjoy it so much, and thought maybe I could be in it one day, but honestly didn’t think too much on it. And here we are now, enjoying every second of it!
San Francisco Bay Times: Have you been to San Francisco before? What are you most looking forward to visiting/revisiting while you’re here?
Sam Rohloff: I have! I spent a week of vacation once before. I am really excited to get to see the city again. Also, my mother is visiting for Mother’s Day, so I’m looking forward to enjoying good food and times with her!
San Francisco Bay Times: We’ve heard that Cyndi Lauper identifies with drag queens. How do you identify with your character, and what aspects of your own life come through the most?
Sam Rohloff: Well I guess Cyndi and I share that! Being an Angel is truly exciting. I love being able to completely transform my everything and to go out onstage with pure joy,
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