DeCarlo Raspberry stars as drag queen Lola, the unlikely key to success of a shoe factory, in Kinky Boots, at Toby’s through March 22. Jeri Tidwell Photography

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When I first heard the term “kinky boots,” I expected to see boots with X-rated comments on them. I mean, what else could it mean?

As it turns out, plenty. Seems as if there was a 2005 British film called Kinky Boots that I missed. It wasn’t until 2013, when a musical by that name opened on Broadway, that I finally got it.

I recall seeing the musical at the Hippodrome some years ago. But it wasn’t until I saw the current production at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia that I realized how good this show could be. Of course, the cast goes a long way, and this cast is superb.

Based on true events, the story goes back to the W.J. Brooks Shoe Company, run by Steve Pateman in Northampton, England, which was in deep financial trouble.

In the fictionalized version, Charlie Price (Matt Hirsh) inherits a failing shoe company from his father in the 1990s. To save the business, he forms an unlikely relationship with Lola (DeCarlo Raspberry), a cabaret performer and drag queen. The ultimate goal: to produce a high-heeled boot that could save the company.

The show opened on Broadway in April 2013. With a book written by Tony-award winning Harvey Fierstein, the play received 13 Tony nominations with six wins, including Best Musical and Best Score.

Both music and lyrics were written by singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper. When a reporter asked Lauper what it was like to write for the theater, she replied, “How much of a stretch is it for me to write songs about fashion, funny relationships and people changing their minds and shoes?”

A West End (London) production opened in 2015 and won three Laurence Olivier Awards.

Live music is a highlight

This production is directed by Mark Minnick and choreographed by Minnick and David Singleton.

“We were lucky to secure the area rights for the show,” Minnick said. “This is the first locally-produced production of this show outside of the tour.

“We were also lucky in securing the best talent. This show features some of our regulars and many new faces,” Minnick added.

The production is a huge undertaking, with a cast of about 30. Kudos to the costume designer, Janine Sunday, the sound designer, Mark Smedley, and the scenic/lighting designer, David A. Hopkins.

The music emanates from a booth above the stage and is live, not recorded. It makes a big difference.

“We continue to step up our game with each show and cast,” Minnick said. “The message of this show is timely and important.”

A story of acceptance

For me, that message has to do with acceptance of others. The play’s main characters, drag queen Lola and factory owner Charlie, are from totally different parts of town and lifestyles, yet they eventually come to accept and trust each other. The end result is better for both of them.

As Lauper said, “It makes me feel great that the show can help change people’s moods and add a little joy to their lives.”

Since this is a dinner theater, a comment about the food. Let’s just say after my initial trip through the buffet line, I made two more visits.

Start at the healthy salad bar and end at the ice cream bar, where you’ll find your choice of desserts (chocolate cake, cheesecake). In between, try the veggies, fruit, shrimp, stuffed shells, chicken milanese, sliced turkey or roast beef.

As you may have guessed, Kinky Boots is not exactly a family show (though Toby’s next show, Shrek, will be). There are drag queens dancing their way throughout the story. They are excellent; they’re just not traditional family-friendly entertainment.

For more information or to make reservations, go to tobysdinnertheatre.com or call (410) 730-8311. The play runs through March 22.