Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw

Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw

By Lynn Venhaus

One encounter with Robert Crenshaw, and you can tell that he is a bright light chasing his dream. Currently on tour in the smash hit Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations,” he will be coming home to perform May 9-11 at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis.

Robert said he is eager to see his family and friends — and enjoy his mom’s home-cooking. A recent guest on our PopLifeSTL Presents podcast, he shared his joy in being part of this high-energy production as well as his life story.

Crenshaw plays founding member Al Bryant and Motown songwriter Norm Whitfield in the musical. The musical explores their brotherhood, family ties, loyalty and betrayals, and includes the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and many more.

He said he chose to pursue the arts because he’s been performing since elementary school.

“I’ve always had dreams of becoming a superstar and leaving my stamp on the world. I went to performing arts school my entire life and attended arts programs as well. I’ve always had fun being on stage! I love portraying different characters and putting my own spin on it,” he said.

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” national touring cast

Recognized as a promising young artist when he was in third grade at Ames Elementary School in the Old North neighborhood, Robert began taking classes at COCA (Center of Creative Arts). He studied ballet, hip-hop, tap and jazz.

He graduated from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, was a Muny Teen, and appeared in shows at COCA, including “Memphis” and “The Wiz,” and The Black Rep.

He was also part of The Dancing Six featuring Channce Williams, David McCall, Daryon Kent, Joshua Hall, Jacob Dorsey and Crenshaw that were part of the St. Louis Teen Talent Competition two years in a row through the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation.

He credits his COCA faculty member Lee Nolting for helping to develop his talents and voice teacher Dr. Philip Woodmore as a big part of his success, as well as Ron Himes, founder of the Black Rep, who has become a mentor to him.

Describing him as a “true triple threat,” Himes commented: “Robert is living his dream now because he worked hard to be ready for the opportunity. He is super talented, humble and dedicated to growing in the craft. He’s a true triple threat with a magnetic smile.”

Robert Crenshaw, left, in “Eubie!: The Musical” at the Black Rep in 2023. Philip Hamer Photo.

At the Black Rep, Robert starred in “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” in 2019 and in “Eubie!” in 2023. At Stray Dog Theatre, he was in the “Dreamgirls” ensemble in 2019.

He also was the youth choreographer for “A Christmas Carol” in 2022 at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and received an Arts For Life Best Performance Award nomination for his choreography in “Little Shop of Horrors” at Kirkwood Theatre Guild.

In my May 15, 2023, review of “Eubie!”, I wrote: “Noteworthy in the Black Rep’s last musical, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” in 2019, the multi-faceted Robert Crenshaw stars and designed the tap choreography. He dances with such joy, that when he’s performing a solo number, it’s extraordinary, especially in “Low Down Blues” and “Hot Feet.”

He was part of the choreography team that won the 2024 St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Best Choreography for “Eubie!” (produced in 2023) – including Heather Beal and Vivian Watt.

After a year at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, he returned home to St. Louis, then moved to New York in 2023 to follow his dream.

Performing at COCA.

For 10 months, he hadn’t landed a role yet until he was cast in the musical “Forever Motown.” Then, he cast in the national touring company for “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” musical, based on Otis Williams’ personal journey, and has been traveling across the U.S.

“What makes being on tour so special is that it’s one of my dream jobs. I put on a showcase where I displayed all of my talents to raise money to move to New York from St. Louis. I moved September 13, 2023, and after 10 months of auditioning, receiving callbacks, and working other jobs to survive in New York, I booked ‘Ain’t Too Proud,’” he said.

The musical, which chronicles The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, first opened at the Imperial Theatre on March 19, 2019, and received 12 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. It won the Tony Award for Best Choreography for Sergio Trujillo’s electrifying work recreating the group’s signature dance moves.

Robert as the Tin Man in “The Wiz” at COCA, one of his favorite roles.

The first national tour began in 2021, and the second one started in 2024, showcasing the group’s unmistakable harmonies. They topped the charts with 14 of their 42 Top Ten hits reaching number one.

The story explores their heritage and influence — how they met, their successes, and how conflicts derailed people in the group.

His advice to young artists is to work hard, stay prepared and open-minded, be humble, and don’t let negativity get to you.

The Fabulous Fox’s presentation of “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” will take place from May 9 – 11th at The Fox Theatre. For tickets, showtimes or additional information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

To listen to the April 23 PopLifeSTL podcast: https://soundcloud.com/lynn-zipfel-venhaus/april-23rd-2025-ft-steve-ewing-robert-crenshaw

Take Ten with Robert Crenshaw:

1. How would your friends describe you?

“My friends would say that I am hardworking, talented, humble and full of love. They would also say that I am an inspiration for so many.”

2. How do you like to spend your spare time?

“I really enjoy reading, taking classes (anything arts related), working out, and doing some kind of activity that makes me feel like I’m touching grass.”

3. What is your current obsession?

“My current obsession is Duolingo! I’ve been wanting to learn Spanish so that I could connect with other people. Another thing I’m obsessed with right now is practicing self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-love. Lastly, different foods! I want to expand my palate and try things outside of my comfort zone.”

4. What would people be surprised to find out about you?

“People are always so stunned when they find out that I am allergic to shellfish.”

5. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?

“My most defining moment is when I put on a showcase to raise money for Central Visual & Performing Arts High School after the school shooting that took place in 2022. I graduated from CVPA, and my brother was shot in the tragedy. I collaborated with community arts organizations, the SLPS foundation, CVPA alumni and current students to raise money in support. The showcase was a little over a month after the tragedy and took place at The Center of Creative Arts (COCA). There were performances and donations from so many organizations. I called it ‘The CVPA Relief Showcase’.”

6. Who do you admire most?

“My mom and Jesus along with some mentors, teachers and peers from my village in St. Louis.”

7. What is at the top of your bucket list?

“Sit amongst other celebrities and feel/know that I belong in those circles. I would like to travel to Africa, Tokyo, and Jamaica. Create a family of my own. Be wealthy in knowledge, finances, and health. Perform a one-man show in a sold out a building.”

8. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?

“My favorite things to do in St. Louis is to spend time with family and friends, take classes, and eat home cooked meals!”

9. What’s next for you?

“Let me start by saying I am open to whatever God has in store for me. My plan is to make it back to New York City and audition as much as I can. I have to get my face back in those rooms. If I spend time in St. Louis after touring it will be teaching master classes and taking a few dance classes and voice lessons before going back to NYC. I’m also searching for representation so that I have someone else advocating for me in the business.”

Benefit performance at COCA.

More Info on Robert Crenshaw:

Age: 28
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Central VPA, Center of Creative Arts, Chicago College of Performing Arts
Day job: Broadway National Tour: Ain’t Too Proud (AL Bryant & Norman Whitfield)
First job: Journey’s
First play or movie you were involved in or made: “The Music Man”
Favorite jobs/roles/plays or work in your medium? Seaweed in “Hairspray,” Tin Man in “The Wiz,” and Gregory Hines in “Eubie: The Musical”
Dream job/opportunity: Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” Lead in a Broadway Musical, Movie with Denzel Washington, Kevin Hart, or star in my own.
Awards/Honors/Achievements: St. Louis Theatre Circle Award for Best Choreography: Eubie
Favorite quote/words to live by: “Don’t ever say you can’t, and if you fail, try again.”
A song that makes you happy: Anything by Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, or Kendrick Lamar.

Cover photo courtesy of Robert Crenshaw’s Instagram

The Muny’s Flashy, Fun ‘Kinky Boots’ Will ‘Feed Your Fire’

The Muny’s Flashy, Fun ‘Kinky Boots’ Will ‘Feed Your Fire’

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
A powerhouse cast makes sure we fall head-over-high-heels about “Kinky Boots,” a
flashy and fun musical that soars into the starry night at the Muny.

This regional premiere is polished to perfection. For the
first time, I understood the show’s heart and soul, and how its universality touched
people, becoming an international smash-hit and winning six Tony Awards, including
Best Musical, the Olivier Award and a Grammy for original cast recording.

The basic premise is simple yet resonates. It is inspired
by true events and a BBC documentary, which was adapted into a 2005 British feature
film with Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola and Joel Edgerton as Charlie. A failing shoe
factory owner teams up with a drag queen to save his family business by
diversifying the product. That niche market in women’s footwear would be “kinky
boots” – bright, glittery sturdy stilettos made well to meet the needs of flamboyant
performers-in-drag.

Photo by Phillip Hamer

Charlie of Northampton, meet Simon of Clacton. They are
from different worlds, but share the weight of parental expectations and
self-acceptance issues. Their duet “I’m Not Your Father’s Son” is an
exclamation point on the matter. They work through this and more, all to the eclectic
beats of rockstar Cyndi Lauper’s first foray into show tunes, with new wave and
club music influences.

The unlikely pair find a common bond, as do the employees
in this relatable workplace comedy. One enlightened blue-collar bloke says: “When
you can change your mind, you can change the world!”

The message of tolerance is a fitting one for Gay Pride Month
as the musical celebrates individuality and inclusion. It’s wrapped in a
feel-good dance party with get-on-your-feet rhythms, and the cast is brimming
with vim and vigor.

Many elements make this first U.S. theatrical production
outside Broadway/national tours so special, but one factor is certain: casting
performers with experience in “Kinky Boots” was a stroke of genius. And it
shows in the brisk crisp and snappy staging.

Photo by Phillip Hamer

The theatricality of swaggering sparkplug J. Harrison Ghee
as Lola, who toured internationally in the role and was a Broadway replacement,
thrusts him into legendary diva status. Looking and sounding like Whitney
Houston in her prime, he tugs at everyone’s heartstrings in “Hold Me in Your
Heart.”

We are truly in “The Land of Lola,” as it’s obvious from Ghee’s
first entrance. During “Sex Is in the Heel,” he seizes the expansive stage,
strutting with major attitude. His moves in those high heels are a triumph over
physics.

The lithe and blithe Ghee showcases his dramatic flair and
knows how to get a laugh, tossing off book writer Harvey Fierstein’s pointed
barbs with ease.

Then there is Graham Scott Fleming as Charlie, who plays
the shoe factory heir apparent with conviction. His conflicts are genuine. However,
his vocal prowess is where he really shines.

His vocal range is well-suited for Tony-winner Lauper’s compositions,
and he interprets the heartfelt lyrics well, especially in “Step One” and “The
Soul of a Man.” He has had much success in Toronto, including nabbing a
Canadian theater award nomination for his performance as Charlie.

Tony-nominated Taylor Louderman, a native of Bourbon, Mo., who
began as a Muny Teen ten years ago, showcases her multiple talents reprising
the goofy lovestruck assembly line worker Lauren that she played on Broadway.

Photo by Phillip Hamer

In her standout number, “The History of Wrong Guys,” she demonstrates
her deft physical comedy skills and how she has come into her own. It’s a blissful
Muny moment. The crowd may not have noticed her at first for entrance applause,
but she sure earned a big ovation after that number.

The perky Louderman, with several Broadway credits and a
few key roles at the Muny – last seen as Amneris in “Aida” (the best thing
about that 2015 production), took off as Regina in “Mean Girls” to appear in
this show.

The ensemble is a tight mix, with Paul Whitty a standout as
bigoted foreman Don.

Photo by Phillip HamerJohn Scherer, a master of comic timing as evident in his
turns in “The Foreigner” and “Noises Off!” at The Repertory Theatre of St.
Louis, is hilarious as the old-school manager George.

So is Jen Perry, who reprises the role of saucy older
worker Trish she originated on Broadway.

Several cast members were in the Broadway production, which
opened April 2013 and ran for six years and 1,400 performances until April 7
this year, including Meryn Becket, Holly Davis and Maggie McDowell, and Angels Callan
Bergman, Ian Fitzgerald and Kyle Post. Angel Ricky Schroeder was in the
national tour.

Caroline Bowman, who plays Charlie’s unlikable
materialistic social-climbing fiancé Nicola, originated the role of Maggie and
then closed as Nicola in April. Ross Lekites plays Charlie’s friend Harry after
being in Broadway and national tour ensembles.

St. Louis performers are also an integral part of the
action. Omega Jones, in his debut as Simon Sr., has a tear-jerking moment at
the nursing home where Lola is entertaining. Veteran Zoe Vonder Haar is funny
as the Milan Stage Manager. Victor Landon and Khaydn M. Adams are the energetic
young Charlie and Simon characters respectively.

When the eight drag queens known as The Angels make their striking
entrance, it’s a magical Muny moment – and received an enthusiastic ovation.

Photo by Phillip HamerOther high-stepping moments include the Act One finale, “Everybody Say Yeah,” which is a marvel of movement on conveyor belts, and the rousing grand finale, “Raise You Up/Just Be,” which should empower everyone to “Feed your fire.”

Music Director Ryan Fielding Garrett, who conducted the “Kinky
Boots” national tour, skillfully drives the catchy tunes and heart-tugging
ballads.

The human connection is an important part of this show,
just as it is at the oldest and biggest outdoor theater in the country. And the
Muny connections for this show, I feel, have boosted its value and worth.
Namely, the original stylish direction and cheerful choreography of Jerry
Mitchell, one of Broadway’s most lauded artists who won a Tony Award for “Kinky
Boots” choreography. Involved in 50 Broadway shows, he earned his Equity card
at the Muny and was a Webster University student.

His work is recreated here by director DB Bonds, who played
Emmett in “Legally Blonde” eight years ago at the Muny, and choreographer Rusty
Mowery, who worked on Muny productions “Hairspray” and “Legally Blonde.”

Those special ties just boost the care you notice in this
production, a passion project for all involved.

Photo by Phillip HamerOn the technical side, the creative team’s work continues
to shine on the new stage with the upgrades, especially light, sound and video
screens.

Scenic Designer Michael Schweikardt’s grid work in the
Price and Sons Factory is efficient, functional and flows with purpose. His
glitzy touch to the Milan runway is as over the top as the boots – his ‘wow’
moment. Video Designer Shawn Duan seamlessly extended the expansive exterior
shots.

Also stepping up his game is Lighting Designer Nathan W.
Scheuer, who made sure the musical numbers glow and sparkle.

Co-sound designer John Shivers won a Tony Award for “Kinky
Boots.” He and David Patridge have been a team at the Muny since 2015.

Costume designer Gregg Barnes, two-time Tony winner for “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Follies” revival, provides his impressive Tony-nominated “Kinky Boots” designs, and The Angels and Lola’s bold eye-popping outfits befit fashionistas. Costume coordination is by Lindsay McWilliams.

The wig work is also outstanding, with original design by Josh Marquette, and work by additional wig designer Kelley Jordan.

“Kinky Boots” finds its footing early on and grows in goodwill as people build upon their dream with helping hands. Endearing in portrayals and intent, its power is a slow build, but it’s lasting, and that is “The Most Beautiful Thing.” And you’ll walk away lifted by this new outlook.

The Muny presents “Kinky Boots” every evening at 8:15 p.m. June 17-25. For more information or for tickets, visit www.muny.org

Photo by Phillip Hamer