Illinois Man Makes Hometown Debut In "Kinky Boots"
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Joe Coots grew up in the small town of Winnebago, just west of Rockford.
After high school, he played football at Rock Valley College and built stage sets for a little extra money.
"I needed a summer job," Coots said. "I went to Starlight Theater, started building sets. That was fun so I did that through college. I then decided to take a chance and go to New York and started auditioning."
His Broadway debut was in the "Full Monty."
"Yeah, next thing I know, I'm on tour and showing everything," he laughed. "I then got into TV and done a few TV shows."
Podcast
Coots plays "Don" in the Tony Award winning musical that begins this week at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
"My character Don is completely anti all of this," he said. "I'm very black and white. I don't like anything different. I'm completely against all of this."
The show features Charlie Price, who reluctantly inherits his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy.
Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. An entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help him.
As they work to turn the factory around, the pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Coots says the show's message is what people remember.
"It's about inclusion," he said. "It's about accepting people for who they are. Everybody is different, and once everybody realizes everybody's different in their own way, ultimately it's a better world." he adds, "I've had grown men come up to me crying thanking me for helping them change the way they think. It's powerful."
How does he feel about performing in front of a hometown crowd?
"I'm excited. The fact that this originally started in Chicago and we're bringing it back. I'm excited to bring it back to the 3-1-2."
Coots says his hometown of Winnebago is going to be represented in a big way.
"Apparently there are two or three busloads from Winnebago coming in of all my mom and all her cronies." said Coots. "I'm a little nervous but I'm enjoying it."
Coots was also featured on "Inside Amy Schumer" on Comedy Central.
Kinky Boots had its recent pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago three years ago, played first for Chicago audiences, and went on to Broadway and won six 2013 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the season.
Kinky Boots runs through July 26.
For tickets, visit broadwayinchicago.com.
