Overview
Synopsis
After trying to escape his father’s low-key, family ambitions for him, Charlie Price has suddenly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Charlie must now face the decision of whether to pursue a new life in London with his fiancee Nicola, or return to the town in which he grew up and save his father’s dreams. Ultimately, Charlie decides to try to live up to his father's legacy and rescue his family business, and, in doing so, he finds unlikely inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous drag queen in need of some sturdy stiletto boots, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he's meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible. With the door thrown open and the world at their fingers, Charlie discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.
Show Information
Context
Kinky Boots is a vibrant and uplifting musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Based on the 2005 British film of the same name, the story was inspired by real events surrounding a struggling shoe factory that finds an unlikely savior in a drag performer. The idea for a stage adaptation was conceived in 2006, when producer Daryl Roth secured the rights to the film and approached Fierstein and Lauper to bring the story to life on stage. This
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Act One
Before the house lights go down, factory worker Don enters through the auditorium on his phone. He tells his caller that he can’t talk right now and is switching his phone off--something he reminds the audience to do also.
As the house lights fade, the voices of the factory workers are heard singing (“Price and Son Theme”). Factory owner, Mr. Price, sings to his son, Charlie, about the beauty of shoes but Charlie is less than impressed (“The Most Beautiful Thing in the
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Kinky Boots.
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Acceptance and Identity
At the heart of Kinky Boots lies the theme of self-acceptance and the courage to embrace one’s true identity. Through the contrasting journeys of Charlie Price and Lola, the musical explores what it means to defy expectations—whether it’s living up to a family legacy or challenging rigid notions of gender and masculinity. Lola’s unapologetic confidence and authenticity become a catalyst for transformation, not only for Charlie but for the entire
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Kinky Boots and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A vocal technique blending chest and head voice to create a strong yet flexible sound for higher pitches.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A performance style where a performer adopts exaggerated gender expression, often for satire, art, or celebration.
A genre that centers LGBTQ+ characters and themes, challenging heteronormative narratives and celebrating diverse identities in performance.
A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher