Boston native and Broadway actor, Darius Harper, finally comes home to perform on the stage in Kinky Boots.
SD: Growing up in Boston, how exciting will it be for you to return and perform in your hometown?
DH: It is like coming full-circle in my career. I am so lucky to be coming home to perform in such a great show. It is really a dream come true for me.
SD: What’s it like to be a part of the Kinky Boots roster and how did you prepare for your audition with the creative team of Jerry Mitchell, Cyndi Lauper, and Harvey Fierstein?
DH: It is very easy to feel elitists in this business especially when you are working with the best in the business, but it is a very different feeling working in Kinky Boots. The team, from the top to the bottom, are the most generous hard working people in show business. It is a pleasure to work with Jerry Mitchell, he has a real talent for showcasing your best abilities and qualities.
SD: What is your role in the show?
DH: I play an Angel and Lola’s 1st understudy. There are 6 of us Angels and we serve as a Greek chorus for Lola. We are really just a bunch of madcap and zany drag queens, but I like to call us cheerleaders.
SD: The premise for the show is about a pair of unlikely friends who help each other. Have you had an unlikely friend that has inspired you?
DH: Oh dear! I have had some great mentors along the way. Eleven years ago, I moved to New York to pursue a lifelong goal, and I feel that my hard work and artistic endeavors have helped me reach them. Achieving both the personal and professional goals that I have set for myself is my important to me. Everyone has dreams and the only way to achieve them is to set goals and meet them.
SD: I read that you never had a “coming out” moment. Did you always know you were gay?
DH: I came out of the womb with a purse and wearing stilettoes. I never had a choice. I always knew who I was. It is very important for kids today to know that they can be who you are. You need to be proud of who you are. I tell kids (gay or straight) that middle and high school will be tough. Life will suck, but then it becomes amazing. It is a real honor to be part of that show that celebrates all!
For more information on Kinky Boots and to purchase tickets visit www.boston.broadway.com. Kinky Boots will be playing at the Boston Opera House from August 11th – 30th.
