Review: KINKY BOOTS Dances into Cincinnati's Heart

There isn't much to say about Kinky Boots that hasn't already been said about it. Kinky Boots is a great musical. It has to be one of the best musicals to come through Cincinnati in some time. It's a fun, toe-tapping, emotional roller coaster and every second is enjoyable. It can be assumed that a musical about drag queens is going to be a good time and it really was but the surprising part is that there were so many different emotional levels to it.

A musical will be great if it has a good book and music but the cast will take it to the next level every time. While this cast did have some missteps, overall the cast was top notch. J. Harrison Ghee as Lola/Simon was the star of the cast. Ghee was able to hit the funny moments and emotional moments out of the park. Plus any person (man or female) that can dance and sing in high heels deserves everyone's respect. Adam Kaplan was average as Charlie Price. His acting was solid as was most of the singing. However, when the notes got too high for him, it was very noticeable. The MVP of the cast was Tiffany Engen. Engen's solo number ("The History of Wrong Guys") was the standout number and was definitely the number that will be stuck in your head when you leave the show.

The ensemble were all great but Lola's drag queen squad basically stole the show. Whenever they were in a scene it was high energy and had the entire audience asking how they were able to sing, dance, and move the way they did.

If you happened to miss when Kinky Boots was in town, fear not because I assume this show will be touring for quite some time and will be back in Cincinnati before you know.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

31.9% of votes

2. Kevin Adams - Chess

14.7% of votes

3. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

7% of votes

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