High Heels, High Heart, and High Energy: Kinky Boots Brings Its Global Hit to New Jersey for an Unmissable Weekend of Theatre

A joyous, unapologetically uplifting celebration of individuality, community, and courage is stepping onto a New Jersey stage this winter as the international smash hit Kinky Boots arrives for a limited run that promises laughter, heart, and powerhouse musical moments in equal measure.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, February 27 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 1 at 1:00 p.m., creating a full weekend of opportunities for audiences to experience one of the most beloved modern musicals to tour the country.

From its very first downbeat, Kinky Boots has earned a reputation as a feel-good theatrical phenomenon that delivers both spectacle and substance. The production has been celebrated across the international theatre world, collecting major honors including six Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, and the Olivier Award for Best Musical in London. Its success is not built on flashy costumes and dance numbers alone, but on a story that resonates deeply with audiences searching for authenticity, connection, and optimism.

The musical is driven by an irresistibly energetic score written by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, whose music infuses the production with infectious melodies, emotional honesty, and unexpected depth. The book comes from legendary playwright and performer Harvey Fierstein, whose storytelling brings humor, vulnerability, and unmistakable warmth to every scene. Original direction and choreography were created by Jerry Mitchell, whose staging blends Broadway spectacle with character-driven movement that keeps the audience engaged from curtain rise to final bow.

At its core, Kinky Boots is inspired by real-life events and centers on a struggling family-owned shoe factory facing the brink of collapse. Charlie Price, the reluctant new owner, is under intense pressure to rescue the business while honoring the legacy left behind by his late father. Burdened by uncertainty and self-doubt, Charlie finds himself searching for answers in all the wrong places—until an unexpected encounter changes the direction of both his company and his life.

That turning point arrives in the form of Lola, a dazzling, charismatic performer with a bold vision and a very practical problem: traditional footwear simply cannot support the demands of her stage performances. What begins as a business idea—creating sturdy, stylish boots designed for performers—becomes something far more meaningful. As Charlie and Lola work together to reimagine the future of the factory, they begin to challenge one another’s assumptions, confront personal fears, and discover that transformation is not only possible, but powerful.

The story’s emotional engine lies in the unlikely partnership between these two characters. Charlie, cautious and overwhelmed by responsibility, and Lola, fearless in her self-expression and identity, appear to have nothing in common on the surface. Yet through collaboration, setbacks, and moments of genuine vulnerability, they uncover shared struggles around acceptance, expectations, and the courage it takes to be honest about who you are.

The musical’s central message—that the world changes when we change the way we think—has helped Kinky Boots connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It celebrates resilience in the face of failure, empathy in moments of conflict, and the strength found in building community rather than clinging to tradition for tradition’s sake. The result is a production that leaves audiences energized, smiling, and often unexpectedly moved.

Beyond the story itself, this New Jersey engagement offers audiences added opportunities to deepen their experience. A special pre-performance talk will take place before the Saturday evening performance, giving theatergoers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the production and its themes. Following that same Saturday night show, audiences are invited to stay for a post-show Pride Party, extending the celebration into a community-focused event that reflects the show’s inclusive and affirming spirit.

The Saturday evening performance is underwritten in part by Todd A. Shamy and Joey Grinkley, whose support helps bring this nationally recognized production to local audiences and reinforces the importance of accessible, high-quality performing arts programming throughout the region.

For New Jersey’s theatre lovers, Kinky Boots arrives as part of a broader resurgence of touring productions and live performance experiences that continue to energize the state’s cultural landscape. From intimate playhouses to major touring venues, the Garden State remains a vital destination for audiences seeking world-class stage entertainment. Readers looking to explore more of what is happening across the region can find ongoing coverage of live productions and venues through Explore New Jersey’s dedicated guide to New Jersey theatre experiences.

What ultimately makes Kinky Boots such a lasting favorite is its ability to blend spectacle with sincerity. The choreography is thrilling, the costumes are dazzling, and the musical numbers deliver nonstop energy—but it is the heart of the story that lingers long after the curtain falls. It reminds audiences that success does not come from perfection, but from persistence. That belonging is not granted by conformity, but earned through compassion. And that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is take one bold step forward in a very unexpected pair of boots.

With only four performances scheduled—Friday, February 27 at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m.—this limited engagement offers a rare opportunity for New Jersey audiences to experience one of the most celebrated musical comedies of the modern era in their own backyard. For anyone searching for a night of laughter, inspiration, and unforgettable music, Kinky Boots promises to lift spirits to truly high-heeled heights.