Soul of a Man (from Kinky Boots): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This complete songbook captures a score that defies theatrical convention by grounding itself in character rather than spectacle. Lauper's melodies stick with you, and the emotional directness of songs like "Soul of a Man" and "Hold Me in Your Heart" give singers material that rewards honest interpretation. For music theatre programs, this collection provides range: comedic numbers for ensemble work, strong solo opportunities across voice types, and duets that build genuine relationships between characters.

The Kinky Boots score balances irreverence with tenderness. You'll find yourself grinning at the theatrical flair and character specificity, then suddenly moved by songs that ask genuine questions about identity, acceptance, and love. The music feels alive in a way that respects both the comedy and the stakes.

This book serves both singers preparing auditions or performance roles and pianists developing their music theatre accompaniment skills. It's equally valuable for music directors scouting material for school productions, community theatre casts, or contemporary musical theatre programming.

• Pay attention to the conversational quality of dialogue set to music. Many of these songs function as character speech that happens to be sung, so clarity and natural phrasing matter as much as vocal beauty.
• The arrangements by Stephen Oremus support the songs without overwhelming them. Use the piano to anchor the harmony and storytelling rather than competing with the vocal line.
• Experiment with tempo flexibility in the character-driven songs. These pieces breathe differently depending on emotional intent; a too-rigid approach can flatten the humor or intimacy.

Consider programming individual songs for concert performances that showcase contemporary musical theatre writing, or use the full score as a study text in music theatre courses. The variety of styles and song functions makes it ideal for ensemble workshops exploring character-driven composition and arrangement.

• Interpreting comedic pacing in sung dialogue
• Accompanying contemporary musical theatre with stylistic awareness
• Reading and performing character-specific vocal lines
• Understanding how lyrics and melody interact in storytelling