Jeanna de Waal returns to the cast of Kinky Boots

Jeanna de Waal has returned to the role of 'Lauren' in the Broadway production of the 2013 Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Ms. de Waal assumes the role from Haven Burton, who filled in for her during her brief hiatus to take part in the American Repertory Theater production of 'Waitress.' There is no confirmation yet on whether de Waal will be part of the Broadway premiere of Waitress, which begins previews at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 25 March 2016, before an official opening on 24 April.

The principal cast of Kinky Boots currently features Andy Kelso (Charlie Price), Billy Porter (Lola), Jeanna de Waal (Lauren), Cortney Wolfson (Nicola), Daniel Stewart Sherman (Don), and Marcus Neville (George). As previously reported, Wayne Brady will take on the role of Lola from 21 November 2015.

Kinky Boots features a book by Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, with music and lyrics by Tony & Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper, and is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Jerry Mitchell.

The musical comedy opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 4 April 2013 to mixed, but mostly positive reviews, following previews from 3 March, and it is currently booking through to 29 May 2016.

Synopsis: "Charlie Price is forced to step in and save his family's shoe factory in Northern England following the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola. Together, this improbable duo revitalizes the failing business, while stepping out from their fathers' shadows and transforming an entire community through the power of acceptance."

Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 British movie of the same name, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth.

The Broadway production was nominated for a total of 13 Tony Awards, of which it won six: Best Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Billy Porter), Best Original Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus); and Best Sound Design (John Shivers).

Kinky Boots is produced by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftigm and features set design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and sound design by John Shivers.

- by Tom Millward