CMU School of Drama


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Stage preview: 'Kinky Boots' brings Josh Tolle home to the Benedum

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The first line of Josh Tolle’s website isn’t about his impressive singing career or that he is now traveling with the “Kinky Boots” national tour. No, it’s about his hometown:

“Josh Tolle is a proud Pittsburgher, born and raised just north of the Steel City,” it reads.

4 comments:

Marisa Rinchiuso said...

This is such a heartwarming story! It was really interesting that they spent a lot of the article discussing his childhood. I think those childhood choirs, camps, theatre programs are what many of us would identify as our first introduction to the arts and makes a lasting impact. I was a part of the Houston Children's Chorus when I was in middle school and it made a huge impact on my future. Even though I don't pursue vocal performance, knowing how to sight read and having an appreciation for the work singers do is so important. It's almost like fate that he in now coming back to perform at the same location he performed so many years ago. I'm sure it will feel like a grand return. I'm glad they included a snip it of what he did between college and Kinky Boots because that time is what brought him to where he is. That time is also something I tend to think about often. It is easy to say Point A to Point B, but the actual path between the two is something that is hard to determine. I'm so glad his tour is here and I'm sure his family is so proud, the city surely is.

Unknown said...

I just saw the show tonight and thought this article was very cute. Kinky Boots seems to be known for its Pittsburgh connections and it was nice to see this in the audience's reactions and form this behind the curtain peek. This is what I like about theater; It is very connected to the audience. There isn't this invisible wall or tv screen separating us from the story that's being told and the people telling the story. There is open communication and a deep relationship between us and them. This is why theater should be used for change. It can not only foster deep discussions about pressing topics, it can interact with them as well.

Jake Poser said...

A nice story, about what seems to be a nice boy. It's always nice to read success stories based out of small towns. I think it is important that he mentions this closeness with his parents. It makes him a more compelling character on and off the stage.
I also feel I should mention that I have never met someone from Pittsburgh or the surrounding areas that isn't a fan. Maybe its the football, baseball, hockey, or the french fries on everything but nevertheless, you all love it very, very much. It is nice to be able to be apart of such a passionate community for these four years.
Kinky Boots tells an important story of love, triumph, and acceptance. I was fortunate enough to see the show, and like the article says I was also "a mess." The story is truly heartwarming, I am glad it is touring the country, and internationally. People of all walks of life should go to see it.
I think it is sweet that the article details his path from children's quire, to opera, to theater. As a student, though not a performer, I sometimes get hung up on other's paths and try to find the "right way" to reach my goals. However, this article and many like it are helping me to embrace my own path and journey on my road in the theater industry, or wherever I end up.

APJS said...

Another great story of how make it to your dreams. I love the show Kinky Boots the musical. I have seen the show 3 times. Every time it was with Billy Porter and i feel truly great full to be able to say that. I first saw it in it Chicago run before it went to Broadway. I was blown away, and so movies. I had seen the movie before I saw the musical and already know the story, but it had been many years and I didn’t put then name together until I saw the show. The second time I saw it was on Broadway and I sat on the stage right Box. I was so close i could see Billy spit. That was also the night i got him to sign my program and take a picture. I did have to wait over an hour in the cold. Billy said i got caught up in a Rupaul show and was drinking a whisky before coming out. He apologized and took a picture with me!