Andy Kelso Steps into New Role as Factory Honcho Charlie in Kinky Boots

He’s bringing the soul to the man. As previously reported, Kinky Boots’ own Andy Kelso will begin performances as Charlie Price on January 27, replacing Tony nominee Stark Sands, who played his last performance in the Tony-winning musical January 26.

Kelso originated the role of Harry in Kinky Boots. He made his Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! and played Fiyero in the Wicked national tour. Meanwhile, Annaleigh Ashford is set to exit the show March 2 and will be replaced by Jeanna de Waal, while Tony winner Billy Porter, who portrays Lola, will remain with the production through July.

Inspired by a true story and based on the 2005 film, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price (Kelso) as he is forced to step in and save his family’s shoe factory in Northern England after the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola (Porter). Together, this improbable duo not only revitalizes the nearly bankrupt business, but helps one another grow into the men their fathers always dreamed their sons would become, and transforms an entire community through the power of acceptance.

In addition to Ashford and Porter, the Kinky Boots cast features Lena Hall as Nicola, Daniel Stewart Sherman as Don and Marcus Neville as George.