Kinky Boots (Touring)

There are musicals that make you tap your toes, and then there are musicals that fundamentally shift your perspective while making you want to stand up and cheer. Kinky Boots, the Tony Award-winning powerhouse, firmly belongs to the latter. When it arrives at the Ed Mirvish Theatre this May, Toronto audiences are in for a masterclass in heart, humour, and the kind of spectacle that only a story about drag queens and sturdy footwear can provide.

The Magic Behind the Boots What makes Kinky Boots truly special isn’t just the glitter—though there is plenty of that—it’s the pedigree. With a score written by none other than pop icon Cyndi Lauper, the music feels less like a traditional Broadway soundtrack and more like a series of anthems. Lauper brought her signature 80s-pop sensibilities to the stage, blending infectious dance numbers like “The Sex is in the Heel” with deeply emotional ballads like “Not My Father’s Son.” Paired with a book by the legendary Harvey Fierstein, the show manages to be both hilarious and profoundly moving. It’s a story about two people from vastly different worlds—Charlie Price, the reluctant factory owner, and Lola, the fierce drag performer—finding common ground in the most unlikely of places: the assembly line.

A Venue Built for Spectacle The Ed Mirvish Theatre on Victoria Street is the perfect home for this production. With its ornate, historic architecture and intimate yet grand feel, it provides a stunning contrast to the industrial, gritty setting of the Price & Son shoe factory. Originally opened in 1920 as the Pantages Theatre, this venue has seen decades of Toronto’s cultural history pass through its doors. Sitting in the plush seats of the Ed Mirvish, you get a sense of the theatre’s storied past, which only amplifies the modern, vibrant energy of a show as contemporary and inclusive as Kinky Boots.

Making a Night of It Located in the heart of the downtown core, the theatre is perfectly positioned for a pre-show evening. You’re steps away from the bustling energy of Yonge-Dundas Square and the dining hubs of the Financial District. If you’re looking for a pre-show bite, head over to the nearby St. Lawrence Market area for something casual, or stick closer to the theatre and explore the elevated dining options along Yonge Street. Just remember that the theatre district gets busy before curtain time, so booking a reservation is a smart move if you want to avoid the pre-show scramble.

Good to Know Since this is a touring production, the cast and staging will be top-tier, bringing the same Broadway-level polish that made the original run a global phenomenon.

• **Arrive Early:** The Ed Mirvish Theatre is a beautiful space; give yourself time to admire the lobby and grab a drink before the show starts.
• **Accessibility:** The theatre is well-equipped for accessibility, but it’s always a good idea to contact the box office ahead of time if you have specific seating requirements or need assistance.
• **Dress Code:** While there isn’t a formal dress code, Kinky Boots is a show that celebrates self-expression. Don’t be afraid to add a little flair to your outfit—if there’s ever a night to wear your favourite pair of statement boots, this is it.
• **Getting There:** The theatre is incredibly accessible via public transit. It’s just a short walk from Queen or Dundas subway stations, making it an easy trip regardless of where you’re coming from in the city. If you’re driving, there are several parking garages in the immediate vicinity, but keep in mind that traffic in the downtown core can be unpredictable on show nights.