The Carnegie first began as Covington Public Library founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1904. The library quickly grew into something greater, soon open to the whole community as a town hall, library and full-scale theater. World War II came along, and the roof of the building was taken off and sold for scrap. Meanwhile, the building succumbed to water damage and shut its doors. In the '70s, the building was nearly torn down until members of the community fought back and rescued it from destruction. However, in the midst of the near-demolition, the library relocated and the building became the Northern Kentucky Arts Council, turning into a nonprofit community arts center. From there, the venue would soon develop into the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, in addition to a gallery and art classes for children.
The Carnegie is now an award-winning multidisciplinary arts space featuring performances, art exhibitions and events for people of all ages.
This summer, the Carnegie has many performances and exhibits in the works, one of which being their mainstage production of the hit show Kinky Boots, a musical based on a movie inspired by true events. The show is about a shoemaker without passion and a failing company who meets a drag queen who turns his life upside down and inspires a new product, the Kinky Boot. The character of Lola the drag queen injects “queer joy” into the situation, teaching the shoemaker about living one’s inner truth, acceptance and breaking the mold.
Below, lead actor Montez Jenkins Copeland describes their experience as Lola in the Carnegie’s dazzling summer production, and how it has impacted their life, both as an actor and a person.
CityBeat: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Montez Jenkins Copeland: I’m a traveling artist and teacher currently based out of New Orleans, born and raised in Cincinnati. I write things, sing things, dance things and play around the world.
CB: Where did your theater journey begin?
MJC: I was an introverted clarinet player at Walnut Hills High School plucked from an orchestra class because the choir needed more male voices. In a whirlwind of peer pressure and excitement, I ended up at a musical audition for Godspell. I landed a role in the ensemble and found a voice and confidence that fueled me to keep hustling even 20 years later.
CB: Did you go to college? If so, for what?
MJC: I attended Northern Kentucky University for musical theater and dance. Some would say I minored in partying but I say social studies.
CB: What do you get out of acting?
MJC: It’s always been my goal to seek truth and understand us as humans for-real-for real. Through the art of storytelling, you can pass on truths, life lessons and ultimately expand the audience's empathy. In the best case, I hope to create a community and healing conversation; I’ll settle for a few laughs and unfiltered joy, though.
CB: What brought you to the Carnegie in the first place?
MJC: Kinky Boots! It’s been my dream to step into those pumps and spread a bit of queer Black joy.
CB: What made you want to audition for this show?
MJC: I actually was approached by Tyler Gabbard and Lindsey Mercer while I was in NOLA. They envisioned me in the role of Lola and we began talks about how to make that happen, what they needed to see and all that.
CB: Can you tell me a little bit about the show and your character?
MJC: The show itself is a musical based on a movie inspired by true events. A shoemaker without passion and a failing company meets a drag queen who turns his life upside down and inspires a new product: the Kinky Boot. I play Lola the drag queen who injects queer joy and breaks gender identity norms. Overall, the show is about living your inner truth, acceptance and breaking the mold.
CB: What is your process to begin to understand a show and your character?
MJC: Reading the text a few times is a great way to find the character's voice and rhythm. Point of view can come from that, but I’m also a fan of making up a backstory that can justify who they’ve become and what motivates them. The rest builds in the rehearsal room as I play and share with my castmates.
CB: How do you get into character during the performances? Do you have any specific methods?
MJC: Code-switching to the particular character’s voice/dialect and physically checking in 10 minutes before helps me get in the headspace. I’ve been lucky enough that I’ve been able to safely associate some of myself (and my experiences) to the character and switch it on and off.
CB: Where are you pulling your inspiration from?
MJC: Some of Lola is just me vibing with my own gender fluidity and drag persona. I pulled inspiration from queens I admire — Monét X Change, Bob the Drag Queen and Shea Couleé, because they have a great balance of fierce, gorgeous and hilarious.
CB: Have you ever found a cast or crew that you have really clicked with intellectually, mentally, emotionally, etc.? What was that like?
MJC: For the most part I’ve been able [to] connect with all of the teams I’ve worked with throughout my career, finding common ground through humor. The dopest cast I’ve been a part of was for a film I did called 13th and Republic with the team at Walterhoope. We were there to tell the story of Black trauma but found a deeper connection in how that begets Black joy. We danced a lot! On screen and off. Checked in with each other and held space in a magical way.
CB: How has this experience changed or impacted you?
MJC: It’s been an eye-opening experience in my gender identity journey and expression. Like, on the day of our promo shoot, I had a break between taking pics and rehearsal so I went for a stroll through Covington; my face still beat as Lola. I felt, and looked, stunning! The confidence I felt was at a 10 as I interacted with the community; most people complimenting my face, some giving bombastic side eye, but I felt complete. That unparalleled feeling of wholeness is forever a part of me.
CB: What are your past credits?
MJC: Favorite theater roles include Tom Collins (Rent), Seaweed (Hairspray), Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet) and lastly Will (Girlfriend), which was also directed by Lindsey Augusta Mercer. It was dope getting to work with them with Kinky Boots
CB: What are you hoping the audience gets out of this show?
MJC: Bare minimum is to laugh and leave the show with that happy buzz. There’s lessons of acceptance, inner truth, passion and queer joy for those who dare to go deep but as long as you laugh and leave smiling then my job is done with this show.
CB: Why should people come and see Kinky Boots?
MJC: Because life ain’t always fun but this show is! You deserve a night out to look good and feel good. Also, this cast is incredibly talented; my co-stars are going to run this industry one day and you’ll get to be a part of their origin story!
CB: Anything else you want to let people know?
MJC: If no one has told you today, whatever day it is, you are beautiful and dope!
Kinky Boots runs until Aug. 19 at the Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington. For more information, visit thecarnegie.com.
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