Lake in the Hills native makes Bay Area theater debut
Lake in the Hills native Marshall Forte makes his Bay Area Theater debut when he stars as the lead role of Lola in Ray of Light Theater's production of "Kinky Boots."
Based on the 2005 British film Kinky Boots and inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of Charlie Price. Charlie inherits a shoe factory from his father and creates a collaboration with drag queen and performer Lola to produce a new line of high-heeled boots to save the business. The show originally debuted in Chicago in 2012 starring Stark Sands as Charlie and Billy Porter as Lola.
"I'm thrilled to work with Ray of Light for my first production in the Bay," shared Marshall. "They play an amazing role in enriching our community and I'm happy to be a part of that."
Originally from the Chicago area, Marshall grew up with a love of the performing arts. His first role was Hysterium in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" at Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin. He played Dr. Thomas Parker in "Bat Boy: The Musical" at Augustana College and danced in several pieces with "The Piecemakers" in Chicago.
Marshall is currently a singer and soloist in the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and a member of the HomoPhonics a cappella ensemble. He also sings locally as one half of the musical duo Just Neighbors.
Forte is delighted to find a musical role that builds on his vocal performance in the Bay Area while hitting close to home.
"I really resonate with the role of Lola and I know a lot of other queer people will too," explained Marshall. "Lola's flamboyance and glittery passions were muted by the adults in her life growing up, but she still made herself a great success. I love her for it, and I love that I get to express that journey on stage."
Forte knows the history of his role and is excited about the challenge of bringing Lola to life for Bay Area audiences. "Matt Henry (West End's Lola) and Billy Porter are such an inspiration. I know I have big boots to fill!"
"Kinky Boots" will run from Sept. 9 to Oct. 1 at Victoria Theatre (2961 16th Street, San Francisco, California.