The musical production Kinky Boots, which debuted on Broadway in 2013, has gained popularity in many countries and cultures, uniting audiences through music, theater, and a story of overcoming expectations.
The plot of the show tells the story of Charlie, who teams up with drag artist Lola to save a struggling family shoe factory by creating high-heeled boots. In the course of the story, they challenge stereotypes and discover the power of acceptance, friendship, and self-loyalty.
The show is scheduled to return to Chinese stages later this year, following its first tour in China in 2018. Before the upcoming performances, actors Omari Collins, who plays Lola, and Noah Silverman, who plays Charlie, visited China in mid-September to meet with the local audience and get acquainted with the country.
Collins noted that the character Lola embodies confidence and self-expression. He stated: 'Lola brings me a sense of confidence. I feel like she makes me feel like I can conquer anything.' He added that Lola 'is full of energy and always gives her all to whatever she does.'
Silverman views Lola as a catalyst for Charlie's personal growth. At the beginning of the story, Charlie believes he knows what he wants but has not yet discovered his true self. Through meeting Lola, he begins to perceive himself and the world around him differently.
When the two characters join forces, they discover that their similarities outweigh their differences—a message that, according to Collins, resonates with audiences worldwide. He emphasized: 'We could all use a little more kindness towards each other and realize that we are more alike than different.'
This realization becomes clearer in the song 'Not My Father's Son,' when Charlie and Lola realize they share more than they initially assumed. For Silverman, this moment marks an important turning point for Charlie.
The actors shared that the recent visit to China gave them another reason to eagerly await the return for performances. Collins recalled the enthusiasm of the Chinese public and expressed hope to bring the warmth he felt in China to the stage. Silverman added that the support and affection he received from people in China will stay with him, and he hopes this experience will remind him of the impact the story can have when presented to the Chinese audience.
For both actors, the essence of Kinky Boots lies in accepting individuality while remaining open to others. Silverman stated: 'We are all striving to find ourselves and accept everything that makes us unique, and to know that the people around us will accept it too.' Collins added that he hopes the audience takes away a similar message: approach others with love and be open to different lifestyles. He concluded: 'I hope that musicals and art can change someone's mind on this matter.'