NYOY VOLANTE didn’t have any hesitation accepting the role of the cross-dressing Simon/Lola in the award-winning Broadway musical, “Kinky Boots”, that opens tomorrow, Friday, at the RCBC Theatre in Makati. “I was doing ‘Jersey Boys’ last year when they offered me the role and I said yes right away because I love to take on the challenge of playing a drag queen, singing and dancing in high heels,” he says. “I’m always excited to play roles that are out of my character and will make me do some fun crazy stuff, and Simon/Lola is a role that I want to see myself being transformed into on stage. Hindi ko naman first time gagawin itong magsuot babae kasi sa ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’ noon, may ginaya akong female singers. But here, full length ang role ko as a drag queen. Pasabog talaga ito and I want everyone to watch me, like yung mga kasama ko sa basketball team ko and yung mga taga-Showtime where I’m a judge sa ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’. Actually, excited din silang mapanood ako after mag-guest ako sa ‘Showtime’ as a drag queen and did a number from ‘Kinky Boots’ live.”
What does his wife, theater actress Mikkie Bradshaw, say about it? “She’s excited also, even helping me with my make up. Last year, she played a lesbian in ‘Fun Home’ at ngayon, ako naman ang magiging boy-girl and my wife will help in my transformation as she’s great with make up.”
“Kinky Boots” won six Tony Awards, including best musical and best musical score for Cyndi Lauper. It’s now directed by Atlantis’ Bobby Garcia. The show also stars Laurence Mossman as Charlie, Yanah Laurel as Lauren and other top theater actors. Get your tickets from Ticketworld.
