The two musicals Cabaret and Kinky boots change the idea of masculinity and role of genders on Broadway.
There are many stereotypes men have to fill such as; be more aggressive, strong, take charge, etc.
In Cabaret, the main male character wore colorful makeup, and participated in a lot of the dance scenes.
In the opening scene, the character Emcee sings about the welcoming Cabaret. He says, “Leave your troubles outside. So, life is disappointing? Forget it! In here, life is beautiful. The girls are beautiful, even the orchestra is beautiful!” Indeed, inside the cabaret, everyone is beautiful.”
The last line there, “everyone is beautiful” is such a striking line to me. I believe everyone is beautiful and everyone deserves to be themselves whatever that means to them.
Kinky boots also has many characters that change the definition of masculinity.
Kinky boots has cross-dressing characters that show everyone that men can wear heals too.
I think the character that stands out to me is Don.
Don plays the stereotypical “working man” who hasn’t yet accepted the LGBTQ+ community at the beginning of the musical.
In the end of the musical the cast sings, “Just be who you wanna be”, and Don comes out wearing heals and dancing. He accepts everyone for who they are.
When Trans individuals started getting hate for using the bathroom, Kinky Boots created an amazing commercial full of acceptance: