‘THE PERFECT SHOW TO REOPEN OUR DOORS’

Q‘THE PERFECT SHOW TO REOPEN OUR DOORS’ A& A Q&A with Trent Stork, director of “Kinky Boots” at the Paramount Theatre, about its reopening and his role with the show By Chris Walker Photos provided by the Paramount Theatre

The stunning, 1,843-seat Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora will be in the midst of its “Kinky Boots” run when it celebrates the theatre’s 90th anniversary in early September. The Paramount, which is a nationally known gem that remains graced with its 1930s art deco influence and Venetian decor, is scheduled for its return Aug. 18.

Trent Stork may not be the busiest man in show business, but the director of Kinky Boots is in the running. Recently, Kane County Magazine talked with him about the reopening of the Paramount, what he’s been up to during the pandemic, his recent promotion — and, of course, the return to live performances with Chicago’s first regional production of “Kinky Boots.” This interview has been edited slightly for length.

 KANE COUNTY MAGAZINE: What does it mean to be back onstage after such a long hiatus? TRENT STORK: It feels amazing! Walking into the theatre for the first time in so long brought me to tears. It felt like the first time I saw her, the beauty that she is.

 KC: Who should make sure to see “Kinky Boots” and why?

TS: Everyone should see “Kinky Boots.” Anyone who wants to leave with a renewed spirit and song in their heart. It’s the perfect show to reopen our doors.

 KC: "Kinky Boots" seems like an ideal show for the return of live performances at the Paramount. Perhaps the cliche “good things come to those who wait” is fitting?

TS: I love that “Kinky Boots” is our first show back. It’s a show that makes you laugh, want to dance, make a new friend, sing and want to connect with your fellow humans. I think we can all use that right now!  KC: How were you able to keep sane and optimistic that you’d be able to return to directing?

TS: The team at Paramount is amazing. We really are like family. So I was assured that the show would happen some day and now that day is very soon.

 KC: I know some people will say, “you have to see it for yourself to know,” but can you explain what it’s like to experience a live show like “Kinky Boots” to those who have never been to a live performance like it?

TS: “Kinky Boots” has moments that feel like a rock show and tenderhearted moments that make you lean in. It expands from killer dance numbers to a book that is as humorous as it is heartening. There’s not a wasted moment on this ride.

 KC: Some have really been able to use the pandemic as a way to explore creativity in

Tickets for KINKY BOOTS showing AUGUST 18 - OCTOBER 17, 2021 available on www.paramountaurora.com

different ways by creating or appreciating the arts even more so. How were you affected and what did you do or experience?

TS: As an artist, so much of my identity is in what I do, my craft, theatre. So imagine one day having all of that suddenly cut off. I was devastated. Luckily I was then given the time to plan for other projects at Paramount and take some time to read, refocus and regroup for our return.

 KC: Any plays, books, movies, albums, exhibits that you discovered in the past year or so that you’d recommend?

TS: I read the “Neapolitan quartet” by Elena Ferrante and I highly recommend it!

 KC: Trent, congratulations on your recent promotion to associate artistic producer and casting director. Can you discuss your new roles and what you bring to them? TS: Thank you! Sure thing. So under this new umbrella we have a more structured process for show selection and creative hiring. We now have an artistic oversight process to further aid our artists. I’ll be overseeing a lot of work going into our new spaces and working to expand the artists we work with. There are a couple other projects in the works that I’m not sure I can talk about yet.

 KC: What can we expect in 2022 and beyond?

TS: You’ll be seeing our brand-new Bold Series in the newly renovated Copley Theatre right across the street from Paramount for one. My background is in plays and I’ve been excited to open up and work on this series for a few years now. You’ll see Paramount continue to grow both with our programming and our outreach and educational components. Lots of exciting new things are coming your way!