Search ErieReader.com
DonateBest of Erie40 Under 40TicketsAdvertiseDistributionIssuesAboutContactEventsNewsletter
Close
Donate!
Best of Erie 2025
40 Under 40
The Reader Beat
Tickets
Newsletter Signup
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
City Guide
Events
Opinion
Features
Issues Archive
Events Calendar
Advertise
More
Arts & Culture
Business
Columns
Community
Environment
Film
From the Editors
Gem City Style
Local, Original Comics
Music Reviews
News & Politics
Recipes
Sports
Theater
Distribution Locations
About Us
Contact Us
Issue Archives
Internship Opportunities
Write for Us
Share:
Spotlight EventsTheater

Kinky Boots Steps Up At the Erie Playhouse

Lace up those shoes and head downtown to the summer's kinkiest show

by Ally Kutz
View ProfileRSS Feed
July 27, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Rick Klein
Curtis Jones III (left) andtBrent Hetrick star as Lola and Charlie in the Erie Playhouse's new production of Kinky Boots

 Premiering Friday, July 29

Winner of six Tony awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots is a hilarious and uplifting story that shows us we may have more in common with each other than it seems.

Charlie Price finds himself the new owner of the family's shoe factory after his father dies. Reluctantly, he takes on the business only to discover that it is on the verge of bankruptcy. Not wanting to let down his father's legacy, Charlie tries his best, but ultimately begins laying people off from their jobs, preparing for a fate that seems inevitable.

However, a suggestion from one employee and a chance encounter with a drag queen named Lola sparks the idea for what could potentially save the family business: high heeled boots designed specifically for drag queens. What follows is a story of determination, passion, and perseverance.

With its book written by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots premiered on Broadway in 2013 after a brief stint in Chicago in 2012. Since its debut, many famous names have crossed the stage as both Charlie and Lola over the years. The role of Charlie has been played by Brendan Urie of Panic! At The Disco, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, and Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, to name a few. Lola's role has also seen its share of famous names, including Billy Porter in the original Broadway cast, Wayne Brady, and Todrick Hall. The Erie Playhouse's production of the show will feature Brent Hetrick and Curtis Jones III as Charlie and Lola, respectively. — Ally Kutz

Nine performances from July 29 — August 14 // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St. // $12.00 - $21.70 // For tickets and more information, including full performance schedule, go to erieplayhouse.org

Featured Events

Today Tomorrow This Weekend

Use The Groove: Children, Culture, and Community Panel

Kids/Family
Sep. 10th, 6 PM to 7 PM

Uncle Vanya

Performing Arts
Sep. 11th, 7:30 PM

Come From Away

Performing Arts
Sep. 11th, 7:30 PM

PA 250 Power and Purpose Wellness Conference

Health & Wellness
Sep. 12th, 8 AM to 2 PM

Lawrence Park Farmers Market at the Launch

Shopping
Sep. 12th, 10 AM to 2 PM

Submit Your Event   View Calendar

September 2026: Back to (Old) School
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 9
View Past Issues
In This Issue
Erie Reader Best of Erie City Guide 2023-2026

Popular This Week

COVID-19 Cases Rise Slightly In Erie County, Across Country

xRepresentx, Vice, Counterfeit, Cop Torture at BT

Ludacris Shows Behrend Some Southern Hospitality

Best of Erie 2014 Finalists

Hangin' Out at the South Pier

Related Articles

Prog Rock Legends Crack the Sky Visit the Rook

by Larry Wheaton9/9/2026, 12:00 PM
Experience their first Erie show since the Erie County Field House in 1978

Write the Epilogue to the Summer of Reading at Lake Erie Lit Fest

by Erin Phillips9/8/2026, 10:00 AM
Celebrating storytelling in all forms at Frontier Park

Harmony and Blessings Concert Series

by Edwina Capozziello9/8/2026, 8:00 AM
Ongoing music series offerings for September

PA 250 Power and Purpose Wellness Event

by Gretchen Gallagher-Durney9/7/2026, 10:00 AM
Celebrate with Billy Blanks while supporting Bethany Outreach Center

September is PACA-ed with Great Shows

by Ally Kutz9/7/2026, 8:00 AM
PACA puts on two very different but excellent shows

Closer to Fine: Folk Rock Duo The Indigo Girls Come to Chautauqua

by Larry Wheaton9/5/2026, 8:00 AM
An interview with Emily Saliers ahead of their regional performance
Member of Reporters Shield
© 2026 Great Lakes Online Media
PO Box 10963  //  Erie, PA 16514
Editorial Standards Terms of Use Privacy Policy