Pennsylvania Playhouses "Kinky Boots" is delightfully extravagant in its area premiere at the Bethlehem theater through Aug. 6.
The high energy production is buoyed by outstanding performances by its leads.
As drag queen Lola, Andrew Stewart is fabulous. Stewarts Lola has it all, attitude, sass, hot dance moves (even a cartwheel), a good voice and looks amazing in a sequin dress and stilettos. Not only that but Stewart makes this diva heartbreakingly human, demonstrating true method acting when tears fell during the moving ""Im Not My Fathers Son," sung in duet with Joemichael Lucianos extremely likable Charlie Price.
Stewarts Lola shines on all-out production numbers like "Land of Lola," Sex is in the Heel," and "Raise You Up," ably backed by the "angels," an impressively athletic quartet of drag queens played enthusiastically by Andrew Galindez, Joseph Mowad, Evan Heger and Nate Rosario. 
Luciano is appealing and earnest as the conflicted Charlie and has a lovely tenor voice on "Take What You Got" and "Soul of a Man."
Jaxson Fortunato also has a strong voice and is surprisingly adept at walking in heels as young Lola.
A winsome Anthony Oyola-Rodriguez plays young Charlie.
In the story, Charlie has inherited a failing shoe factory from his father and when he meets Lola, who is in the market for high-heeled boots, Charlie knows he has found his shoe niche market.
Tough guy factory foreman Don, is played with just the right amount of bravado and bluster by Andrew Maldonado,
Cat McKennas adorable Lauren, who develops a crush on Charlie, is spunky and bubbly on her memorable song "The History of Wrong Guys" with her Broadway-worthy belt and top notch acting chops.
On opening night, Mackenzie Hall who plays Charlies self-centered fiancé Nicola was sick and Darah Donagher stepped in at the last minute. Although she held a script throughout her scenes, Donaghers performance was admirable.
The ensemble is talented and energetic in Jonathan Cruz exciting choreography. Kudos to all those ( and there arr many) who dance in stiletto heels.
Also impressive is Todd Burkels jaw-dropping costumes and all those boots!
Adept musical direction is by Sebastian Paff, and strong direction by Clair Freeman keeps the action humming.
The set features a simple but workable design by Brett Oliveira.
The production did suffer from some sound issues but it didnt affect the enthusiasm of the hard-working cast.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 22, 28and 29, and Aug. 4 and 5; and 6 p.m. July 23, 30 and Aug. 6.
Tickets are $25 adults; $22 seniors and $15 students.
For information call 610-865-6665, or go to www.paplayhouse.org