Since its Broadway debut in 2013, the musical Kinky Boots has traveled across countries and cultures, connecting audiences through music, theater and a story about seeing beyond expectations.

The musical follows Charlie, who teams up with drag performer Lola to save his family's struggling shoe factory by making high-heeled boots. Along the way, they challenge stereotypes and discover the power of acceptance, friendship and being true to themselves.

The musical is preparing to return to Chinese stages later this year after its first China tour in 2018. Ahead of the performances, actors Omari Collins, who plays Lola, and Noah Silverman, who plays Charlie, visited China in mid-September to meet local audiences and experience the country.

For Collins, Lola is a character who embodies confidence and self-expression.

"Lola brings a sense of confidence to me. I feel like she makes me feel like I can conquer anything," Collins said. "She is full-force, and always bringing herself to everything that she does."

Silverman sees Lola as a catalyst for Charlie's personal growth. At the beginning of the story, Charlie believes he knows what he wants, but has yet to discover his authentic self. Through his encounter with Lola, he begins to see himself and the world differently.

When the two characters join forces, they discover that their similarities outweigh their differences – a message Collins believes resonates with audiences worldwide.

"We could all use a little more kindness toward each other, and realize that we are all more alike than we are different," he said.

That realization comes into focus in the song Not My Father's Son, when Charlie and Lola recognize that they share more than they initially thought. For Silverman, the moment marks an important turning point for Charlie.

The actors said their recent China visit had given them another reason to look forward to returning for the performances.

Collins recalled the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences and said he hoped to carry the warmth he had experienced in China with him when he returned to the stage.

Silverman said the support and affection he had received from people in China would stay with him. He hoped the experience would remind him of the impact the story could have when he performed it for Chinese audiences.

For both actors, the heart of Kinky Boots lies in embracing individuality while remaining open to others.

"We're all looking to find ourselves and embrace all of the things that make us unique, and know that the people around us will also embrace that," Silverman said.

Collins added that he hopes audiences will take away a similar message: to approach others with love and be open to different ways of living.

"I hope that musicals and art can change people's mind in that regard," he said.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Guo Meiping

Videographer: Chong Yuhao

Graphic designer: Pei Zihan