Get ready, Fayetteville…something fabulous is coming to Seabrook Auditorium in November! Fayetteville State University’s Department of Performing and Fine Arts presents the smash hit musical Kinky Boots Nov. 14-17. This high-energy musical about the power of friendship, compassion, and collaboration is sure to have you dancing in the aisle.
What do you get when a pop icon and two Broadway legends put their heads together? You get the Tony-award winning Best Musical called Kinky Boots. The musical features 16 original songs by the incomparable Cyndi Lauper, dialogue written by theatre legend Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. When it debuted on Broadway in April of 2013, it was an instant hit, and for good reason.
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie and Lola’s unlikely friendship. Charlie, a young man with sights set on a life in the big city, finds himself suddenly thrust into the role of saving his father’s struggling shoe factory.
He meets Lola, a drag performer, and learns about the common struggle she has to find shoes that are sturdy and well-made while also being flashy and fabulous. The unlikely duo put their heads together, along with the folks in the factory, to create a line of sturdy stilettos, specifically made for drag queens.
It is a funny, high-energy show with moments that are tender and moving as well.
The story shines a spotlight on the need for compassion, for understanding, and being one’s true, authentic self.
The theme of collaboration that is so prominent in Kinky Boots is a significant part of the Fayetteville State University production of this hit musical. The production is a collaboration between the Theatre, Dance, and Music departments of the university and features students from FSU, a few Early College high school students, and even one alumnus. Theatre professors Jeremy Fiebig and Evan Bridenstine are working together to co-direct the production, with technical leadership in scenic and lighting design by FSU Theatre Professor Dave Griffie.
Through funding provided by a Kenan Charitable Trust award, they are also able to collaborate with local professionals who are providing support with music, choreography, fight work, stage management, set construction and painting, and more.
Fiebig explained that in their usual productions, they might be able to hire one or two local professionals to consult and assist with the show; but for Kinky Boots, there are nearly a dozen people from the local arts community contributing. Not only does that provide a wealth of experience for the students involved, it is a unique and important networking opportunity for those aspiring performers.
Proceeds from the show will help fund FSU students' participation in the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival-the world's largest arts festival. The Fringe Festival is an annual multi-week celebration of theatre and arts in Edinburgh, Scotland; some say it is like the Olympics for the performing arts. The Festival features the International College Theatre Festival, an opportunity for students from colleges and universities all over the world to come together and perform.
Plans are for the contingent from Fayetteville State to write and produce an original, world-premiere play at the 2025 Fringe Festival.
Such an experience is rare and incredibly valuable for the students who will participate. Such an experience is rare and incredibly valuable for the students who will participate.
It will allow people from all over the world to get a glimpse into the talent and creativity happening in Fayetteville. Funding such an endeavor is a daunting task but every ticket sold to see Kinky Boots helps them get closer to that goal. Audiences can even look forward to a couple of “Easter egg” moments in the show that pay homage to the world-renowned festival and FSU’s participation in it.
In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, there will be additional opportunities at the performances for patrons to contribute to the FSU at Fringe Fund.
Patrons should be aware that the show contains some mature content, including discussions of gender identity, adult language, and some suggestive material.
Tickets are on sale now; visit https://www.uncfsu.edu/fsu-presents-kinky-boots and scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to purchase tickets. Admission is free for FSU students.

(Graphic courtesy of Fayetteville State University)