Onya Nurve no longer starring in Kinky Boots tour

After a big announcement that season 17 winner Onya Nurve would star in a national tour of Kinky Boots, the production now says she is no longer attached to the show. 

In a statement to OUT regarding the Drag Race winner, Kinky Boots confirmed that Onya Nurve was no longer attached to the tour.

Nurve was announced to play Lola in this production of Kinky Boots in July, only three months after being crowned America's Next Drag Superstar.

The statement from the company reads, ”On behalf of Kinky Boots on Tour, Justin Woody (Onya Nurve) is no longer with the company. We are thrilled to share that Omari Collins (Scarlett D. Von’Du) will step into the role of Lola. We wish Justin well, and we look forward to bringing Kinky Boots to theatres all across the country.”

Speculation about Onya’s absence was first sparked by a tweet asking why the understudy was listed solely as Lola. 

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In July, fresh off the winner’s circle, Onya posted on Instagram: “ I’m beyond excited and humbled to announce that I’ll be joining the 2025 national tour of Kinky Boots the Musical, as Lola!!

Before RuPaul’s Drag Race, I wanted to be Lola, and now I get to live out both of my dreams at the same damn time. Truly a full circle moment. So excited to continue to learn, grow, and take in every single thing this new chapter has to offer me.”

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The production of Kinky Boots will begin this November. Onya herself has yet to comment on the news of her departure from the production. 

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