You never know what to expect with community theater. Sometimes, it’s a three-hour cringe-inducing nightmare that you endure for the sake of your friends’ ambitions; sometimes, it’s absolute magic on a stage for only $17.50.
When I ventured out to cover Innovation Family Community Theatre‘s rendition of the seemingly forgotten Broadway musical Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, I had little to no expectation of it wow-ing me. I mean, how long is that title? Adapted from John R. Powers’ 1975 book, the musical by James Quinn and Alaríc James lasted a whopping three days on Broadway back in 1982. This information alone could deter an audience.
But when I arrived at IFCT, the place was packed.
Currently operating at Innovations Academy — an arts-focused public school for grades K-8 — in the Kearny Mesa region of San Diego, Innovation Family Community Theatre (IFCT) is not a part of the school itself (although it shares the same name). In actuality, IFCT is a 501(c)3 charity organization, running solely off donations to fund its productions, after-school programs, and summer acting camps. Everyone involved in an IFCT show is a volunteer, from the director to the actors onstage to the lighting and sound technicians. There’s no fees for kids to be in plays, either! Again, all of this information — albeit cool that people donate their time — doesn’t necessarily equate to a palatable experience.
I definitely underestimated this crew. From the opening of the show, I was completely engaged. The costumes, the set design, the lighting — all was very professional! The mics could use a bit of work, but hey, with the theater house operating on a shoestring budget, I understand the tech falling a bit behind. What matters is the talent.
Accompanied by a pianist dressed as a priest, a small cast of 12 delivered an extraordinary performance of a play that has some… questionable moments. The innate fat-shaming of leading lady Becky Bakowski throughout the plot doesn’t hold up too well in 2026.
For those unaware (including myself when I arrived), Black Patent Leather Shoes is about a man, Eddie Ryan, returning to his Catholic high school in search of the ‘girl who got away’ — a familiar tale. In doing so, he gets sucked back in time to the 1950s: back to the beginning of 2nd grade, back in the care of the nuns, back in the throws of growing up Catholic. Keep away from girls, repent your daily sins.
The adult actors, regressed to children, recount their catechism homework and learn how to do their first confessions now that they are ‘sinful 7-year-olds’ in the 1st Act, eventually ending up 8th graders being taught the ‘Catholic version’ of sex ed.
Believe me, there’s a lot of laughs here.
The 2nd Act begins with a school dance, with newly boy-crazy Virginia Lear (played by Kristy Rose) all over known troublemaker Felix Lindor (played by Benjamin Cornelius). But the real focus is the standout performance by Greg Ashcraft, playing the awkward and somewhat obnoxious Louie Schlang. In a gold Elvis-style jacket, Ashcraft croons into a microphone, serenading an overly eager Mary Kenny (played by the very animated Erin Cableau-Ly).
Turns out, it was all a dream.
Coming to on the floor, Louie wobbles to his feet before letting a Freudian slip out at breast-level. But the hanky-panky doesn’t stop there when a Bunny Hop goes awry and the whole dance gets shut down by an ornery nun not having any of it. And then there’s the senior prom on the way that is bound to be hot and heavy…
And let’s speak nuns! Although plot devices, these secondary characters were just as entertaining to watch, especially Mother Superior played by Natasha Starbuck-Smith. I would not want to get on the other end of her yardstick!
The school priest, played by IFCT CEO Frederick Smith, might’ve been stern but still super funny, with a surprisingly good range on songs like “Patron Saints” and “Private Parts”.
But the true stars were, well, the stars.
Leads Taylor Johnson and Brandon Huston — playing Becky and Eddie — had true chemistry together. Whether singing, fighting, dancing, or simply conversing, the audience ate it up. Huston’s voice is phenomenal while Johnson captured the pain of her character perfectly from scene to scene. And props to Johnson having to jump rope in that fat suit every night!
By the end of the show, I was blown away by the massive amount of talent I had just witnessed. Innovation Family Community Theatre has my bid for best up-and-coming theater in San Diego. It also looks like a lot of fun being a part of their productions!
Speaking of, their adaptation of Dracula is right around the corner, with opening night Thursday, October 15th! I hear it’s not a musical, but — if Black Patent Leather Shoes was any indication — I have a feeling it won’t suck (except for the vampires, that is). Get your tickets here and stay on alert for future shows IFCT is advertising, such as 101 Dalmations, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more!
Photography by Johnnie Crow
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