Kinky Boots at Detroit’s historic Fisher Theatre is a vibrant, emotionally resonant touring production that reminds audiences why this Tony Award–winning musical continues to captivate theatergoers across the country. Featuring a book by Harvey Fierstein and a Tony Award–winning score by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots delivers high‑energy entertainment paired with a deeply human story about acceptance, resilience, and the courage to change. Currently part of the national tour of Kinky Boots, this production brings Broadway‑level talent and heart to Detroit’s iconic Fisher Theatre while remaining accessible to audiences nationwide.
Set in a struggling English shoe factory, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, who unexpectedly inherits his family’s business, and Lola, a charismatic performer with a bold idea that could save it. At its core, the musical explores transformation—of a business on the brink, of relationships shaped by fear and misunderstanding, and of people learning to embrace both themselves and one another. Fierstein’s script balances humor with emotional honesty, while Lauper’s pop‑driven score keeps the story moving with infectious energy and surprising depth.
This touring production is anchored by a standout performance from Omari Collins (“Scarlett D. Von’Du”) as Lola. Collins brings commanding stage presence, vocal strength, and striking vulnerability to the role, making Lola feel fully realized rather than symbolic. The emotional highlight of the evening comes during “Hold Me In Your Heart.” Delivered with restraint and honesty, the number creates a moment of stillness in the theater, allowing Lola’s emotional journey to fully land. It is a powerful reminder of the impact live musical theatre can have when performance and storytelling align.
Opposite Lola, Noah Silverman delivers a grounded and thoughtful portrayal of Charlie Price, charting the character’s evolution from uncertainty to empathy with nuance. His journey forms the emotional backbone of the story and reinforces the show’s message that real leadership begins with openness. Sophia Gunter brings warmth and sharp comedic timing to the role of Lauren, adding levity while helping to ground the story in practicality and hope.
The role of Don—a pivotal character who embodies the resistance to change within the factory workforce—is played with compelling energy by Jason Daniel Chacon. Don starts out narrowly focused and skeptical of Charlie’s new vision, but as the story unfolds, his shift from discomfort to acceptance mirrors the broader transformation happening within the factory. This evolution reinforces one of Kinky Boots’ core messages: change is possible, even for those most resistant to it.
Audiences who have seen Kinky Boots in earlier productions may notice a meaningful change in the opening scene. Traditionally, the show began by introducing both Charlie and Lola as children, including a formative moment where a young Lola is seen dancing joyfully in women’s heels. That image—followed by their father’s disapproval—clearly established the emotional foundation of Lola’s relationship with their father and set the tone for the character’s journey. In the current touring production, that childhood scene is no longer staged explicitly. Instead, the opening has been streamlined, and Lola’s backstory is revealed later through dialogue, most notably during an intimate exchange with Charlie. While this adjustment changes the audience’s initial emotional entry point, the heart of the moment remains intact. Lola’s memory of dancing in heels—and the pain tied to early rejection—continues to shape their story and emotional arc.
Visually, the production is dynamic and engaging. The choreography is energetic, the ensemble fully committed, and the iconic boots—both a visual spectacle and a powerful symbol—stand as bold representations of self‑expression and defiance. The production design enhances the storytelling without overwhelming it, keeping the focus on character and connection.
Ultimately, Kinky Boots succeeds because it leads with empathy. It acknowledges discomfort without excusing it, celebrates difference without minimizing struggle, and consistently returns to the belief that compassion can lead to meaningful change. This touring production proves that the musical’s message remains timely, inclusive, and deeply human. For readers outside Detroit, Kinky Boots is currently touring across North America. You can find tour dates, cities, and ticket information by visiting www.kinkyboots.com. Whether you’re seeing Kinky Boots for the first time or revisiting it in a new production, it remains a joyful and powerful musical theatre experience worth stepping into