On May 9th, the stage at .ZACK won’t just host a play—it will hold space for truth, vulnerability, and unapologetic storytelling. Respect My Shoes, created by Phoenix Bell and co-written by Joel PE King, is more than a theatrical production—it’s a mirror reflecting the lived experiences of women in a way that demands to be felt, not just watched.
After sitting down with some of the cast and creators on my podcast, one thing became crystal clear: this isn’t entertainment for the sake of performance—it’s purpose-driven art rooted in real life.
A Story Born From Real Life, Not Imagination
Phoenix Bell shared that Respect My Shoes was sparked by real conversations—moments where women spoke their truth behind closed doors but rarely felt safe enough to express it publicly. That silence became the seed for something bold.
Joel PE King added that the writing process wasn’t about creating characters—it was about honoring voices. Some of the monologues were inspired by real experiences that were “hard to even say out loud,” but necessary to include. “If it made us uncomfortable,” he explained, “we knew we had to keep it in.”
That commitment to truth is what gives the production its edge. It doesn’t water anything down.
The Meaning Behind “Respect My Shoes”
The title itself carries weight. It’s not just about empathy—it’s about acknowledgment. It’s about understanding that every woman is navigating roles, pressures, and expectations that often go unseen.
The creators emphasized that “respect” isn’t passive—it requires listening, awareness, and accountability.
Balancing Laughter, Pain, and Raw Truth
What makes Respect My Shoes unique is its emotional range. One moment, you’re laughing. The next, you’re sitting in silence, processing something deeply personal.
The cast described this balance as intentional. Humor opens the door—but truth walks in right behind it.
“There are moments where the audience laughs,” cast member “Belle Be” shared, “and then realizes… that laugh came from something real.”
Carrying the Weight of the Stories
For the performers, stepping into these roles isn’t just acting—it’s emotional labor.
Some stories hit too close to home. Some lines linger long after the curtain falls.
But that’s also where the power lies.
“This isn’t something you just perform and walk away from,” Poet Lightning” stated. “You feel it. Every time.”
The Impact of Drea Kelly
Having Drea Kelly as part of the production adds another layer of authenticity and emotional depth.
Known for transforming her personal experiences into advocacy, Drea brings a presence that resonates beyond the stage. The cast spoke highly of how her openness in rehearsals influenced the tone of certain scenes.
“She doesn’t just perform,” Phoenix Bell explained. “She brings truth into the room—and that forces everyone else to go deeper.”
Her involvement reinforces one of the play’s strongest messages: healing is possible, but it requires honesty.
Challenging the “Strong Woman” Narrative
One of the most powerful elements of Respect My Shoes is how it dismantles the idea that women must always be strong.
The play doesn’t just celebrate strength—it acknowledges exhaustion, vulnerability, and the pressure of constantly holding everything together.
Phoenix stressed that true strength includes softness. It includes breaking down. It includes asking for help.
And that’s something audiences don’t always get to see portrayed authentically.
Audience Reactions: Laughter, Silence, Tears
The response to the play has been exactly what the creators hoped for—raw and real.
Some audience members laugh out loud. Others sit in silence, reflecting. Many leave emotional, not because they were entertained, but because they were seen.
“There’s a moment in the show,” one cast member “Shelley” revealed, “where the room goes completely quiet. You can feel everyone thinking. That’s when we know it’s hitting.”
More Than a Play—A Conversation Starter
At its core, Respect My Shoes is about sparking dialogue.
It’s about encouraging people to go home and have conversations they’ve been avoiding says “Michaela E. Howard” to listen more. To understand more. To respect more.
Because these stories don’t end when the show does—they continue in real life.
A Message That Will Last
If Respect My Shoes leaves a lasting impact—and it will—it won’t just be because of its performances. It will be because of its honesty.
This production doesn’t ask for sympathy. It demands awareness.
It challenges you to step outside of your own perspective and truly consider what someone else might be carrying.
And most importantly, it reminds us all of one simple, powerful truth:
Before you judge… before you assume…
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