SALT LAKE CITY—The North American tour of Kimberly Akimbo recently graced the Eccles Theater, bringing with it a unique blend of hilarity and heartache that has redefined contemporary musical theatre. Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo is a triumph of storytelling, seamlessly merging profound themes of aging, family dysfunction, and optimism with a deeply personal and unconventional narrative.
A Story of Unlikely Heroism
At its core, Kimberly Akimbo is about a teenager living with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly, giving her the appearance of a 70-year-old woman. Kim’s character becomes the heart of the production, navigating a whirlwind of adolescent challenges—from her first crush to her chaotic family—with a determination that is both heartwarming and inspiring. The musical doesn’t shy away from the darker undercurrents of her life, including possible felony charges, but it balances these with moments of joy and humor. This duality is where the show shines, offering a complex yet accessible portrayal of resilience and self-discovery.
Exceptional Book, Lyrics, and Score
David Lindsay-Abaire’s Tony-winning book and lyrics are the backbone of Kimberly Akimbo, crafting a narrative that feels both universally relatable and refreshingly original. His words pulse with wit and vulnerability, creating dialogue and lyrics that linger in the audience’s mind long after the final curtain.
Jeanine Tesori’s score elevates the material with an eclectic mix of compositions that range from playful to profoundly moving. Tesori, known for her work on Fun Home, once again demonstrates her ability to capture human complexity in her music, making every song a seamless extension of the story. Highlights include emotionally resonant ballads and buoyant ensemble numbers that reflect the chaos and charm of Kim’s world.
Danny Mefford’s choreography is another standout, offering movement that mirrors the idiosyncratic rhythm of the narrative. The staging is inventive, making use of the suburban New Jersey setting as a canvas for moments of introspection and adventure. David Zinn’s scenic design, paired with Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew’s evocative lighting, creates a vibrant visual palette that complements the show’s emotional highs and lows.
Jessica Stone’s Direction
Under the direction of Tony-nominated Jessica Stone, Kimberly Akimbo finds its delicate balance between absurdity and sincerity. Stone expertly navigates the script’s tonal shifts, ensuring that its humor never undermines its emotional depth. The result is a production that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging audiences to laugh, cry, and reflect in equal measure.
Carolee Carmello (Kimberly) anchors Kimberly Akimbo with a masterful portrayal of the teen’s paradoxical nature, capturing both the unbridled optimism of youth and the profound wisdom of someone facing life’s inevitable fragility. Her nuanced delivery transforms Kimberly’s journey into a deeply affecting and unforgettable experience, blending vulnerability with resilience in a way that resonates powerfully.
As Seth, Kimberly’s eccentric yet compassionate confidant, Miguel Gil exudes an understated charm. His sensitive and authentic portrayal adds depth to Seth’s character, crafting a bond with Kimberly that feels both sincere and deeply touching. However, at times, Gil’s more subdued moments can be overshadowed by the high-energy chaos of the family dynamics, leaving the audience wanting more from this pivotal connection.
Brandon Springman’s portrayal of Buddy, Kimberly’s hapless but well-meaning father, walks the fine line between humor and exasperation. While his performance captures Buddy’s flawed humanity, there are moments where his comedic timing verges on caricature, slightly diluting the emotional stakes. Nonetheless, Springman’s effort to balance lightheartedness with earnestness is commendable.
Dana Steingold (Pattie), as Kimberly’s self-absorbed and hilariously over-the-top mother, is magnetic. Her comedic flair brings levity to the story, but Steingold also manages to infuse her character with just enough vulnerability to prevent Pattie from becoming one-dimensional. Steingold’s vocal performance is particularly noteworthy, adding a vibrant spark to her scenes. Her solo, “Father Time,“ was an unexpected standout, delivering both emotional depth and vocal brilliance. Steingold’s rendition was so captivating that I’d purchase a recording of it without hesitation.
The show’s undeniable standout is Emily Koch (Debra), Kimberly’s scheming and wildly unpredictable aunt. Koch stuns with powerful belts and impressive runs in her solo “Better.” Additionally, Koch’s razor-sharp comedic timing and audacious antics provide some of the musical’s most memorable moments, though her larger-than-life portrayal occasionally overshadows subtler character dynamics.
The supporting cast, including Pierce Wheeler (Aaron), Skye Alyssa Friedman (Teresa), Darron Hayes (Martin), and Grace Capeless (Delia), bring an infectious energy and chemistry that enhance the overall dynamic of the show. Their interactions with the lead characters create a strong sense of camaraderie. Collectively, the cast breathes life into this unconventional musical, even as the balance between humor and heartfelt moments occasionally falters. While some performances lean heavily into the comedic aspects, occasionally at the expense of emotional depth, the ensemble as a whole creates a rich and engaging portrayal of Kimberly’s chaotic, yet profoundly human world.
Sarah Laux’s costume design expertly captures the characters’ inner lives and aligns perfectly with the quirky, whimsical tone of the musical. Each outfit feels intentional, contributing to the play’s unique world and enhancing the audience’s understanding of the characters’ identities and challenges.
Kai Harada’s sound design seamlessly creates an immersive atmosphere, shifting effortlessly from the intimate warmth of private moments to the lively energy of musical performances. J. Jared Janas’s wig, hair, and makeup design adds authenticity and depth, while Lucy MacKinnon’s video design provides subtle yet powerful visual storytelling. The projections are thoughtfully layered, adding richness and nuance to Kimberly Akimbo’s world, enhancing both the space and the audience’s experience.
John Clancy’s orchestrations infuse Jeanine Tesori’s stunning score with vibrancy and depth, while Chris Fenwick’s musical supervision and Leigh Delano’s musical direction amplify the heart and energy of every number. Each song offers something unique, leaving a profound and lasting impression.
The motif of Anagrams
Anagrams are a delightful and significant motif in Kimberly Akimbo, serving as both a source of humor and a metaphor for the characters’ ability to find meaning in the chaos of their lives. Seth, Kimberly’s quirky and compassionate confidant, introduces this recurring element, using anagrams to forge a unique bond with her while reinforcing the story’s themes of transformation and adaptability.
The title itself, Kimberly Akimbo, is a playful nod to an anagram Seth creates during the musical. Seth rearranges Kimberly’s name into “Cleverly Akimbo,” a phrase that not only encapsulates her resourceful and offbeat nature but also reflects the inventive spirit of the show. This subtle linguistic twist invites the audience to view Kimberly’s journey through the lens of possibility and re-imagining, much like how anagrams breathe new life into familiar words.
The humor in Seth’s anagrams adds levity to the story, offering moments of laughter amid its more poignant themes. Examples like turning “heartless” into “artless he” or “Santa” into “Satan” showcase Seth’s playful wit and serve as a reminder that even life’s darkest or most mundane elements can be re-framed with creativity. These funny and unexpected twists provide a welcome break from the intensity of Kimberly’s challenges, highlighting the resilience and humor that carry her forward.
Anagrams also symbolize Kimberly’s own experience of living with a rare genetic condition, one that forces her to experience life out of its conventional order. Much like an anagram reorders letters to create something new, Kimberly must take the fragmented pieces of her life—her dysfunctional family, her limited time, her unlikely friendships—and rearrange them into something meaningful.
Through its witty use of anagrams, Kimberly Akimbo invites the audience to consider how perspective and imagination can transform even life’s most challenging moments into opportunities for connection, joy, and growth. This playful motif underscores the musical’s larger message: sometimes, it’s the unexpected rearrangements that reveal the most profound truths.
While Kimberly Akimbo is a groundbreaking piece of theatre it is not without its minor flaws. The second act, while still engaging, occasionally feels crowded with subplots that detract from Kim’s central journey. Additionally, the comedic elements, though sharp and effective, sometimes teeter on overshadowing the musical’s quieter, more poignant moments. These, however, are minor quibbles in a production that otherwise delivers on its ambitious promise.
Conclusion: A Musical for the Ages
Kimberly Akimbo is a rare gem — a musical that dares to tackle life’s messiness with humor, honesty, and heart. It captures the essence of growing up and growing old with a depth that is seldom seen on stage. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a newcomer, this production is an unmissable exploration of the human condition, told with unparalleled creativity and care.
As the curtain falls, one thing is clear: Kimberly Akimbo has secured its place among Broadway’s most beloved musicals, and its North American tour only reinforces its reputation as a masterpiece of modern theatre.
Show Details
Tickets: $59 – $169
Contact: Broadway-at-the-Eccles.com, 801.355.ARTS (2787)
Venue: The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater
131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Show Dates: December 10-15, 2024.
Tuesday – Thursday 7:00 PM
Friday 7:30 PM
Saturday 1:00 PM
Saturday 7:30 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM
Sunday 6:30 PM
Accessible Performances: OPEN CAPTIONED Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 at 1:00 PM, and ASL INTERPRETED Thursday, Dec 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM View Details
Run Time: 2 hrs, 25 mins with 1 intermission.
Recommended For for ages 13 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theater. The show contains some strong language, crude humor, references to alcohol use, and authentic New Jersey vernacular.
Reviews
“PROFOUNDLY FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING.”
The New York Times
“A balance of youthful energy and serious stakes, KIMBERLY AKIMBO leaves you floating high on good vibes and ready to make the most of life.”
Entertainment Weekly
“IT FEELS LIKE A MIRACLE. I LOVED IT FROM THE FIRST NOTE TO THE LAST.”
The Washington Post
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – For more information, visit https://kimberlyakimbothemusical.com/#company
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