Elliot Lanes

Kimberly Akimbo is a show that needs to be seen by everyone. The score is one of the best to hit Broadway in the last 20 years. The book is moving and funny. The cast headed by Carolee Carmello is off the skates. See what I did there?

Casting wise, Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy is a good find vocally, but she relies on riffs way too much. Her version of “Soon As I Get Home” is a prime example of a quiet story song gone bad with too many vocal embellishments. The score won a Tony Award. It does not need any “help”. Lewis’ acting also needs work. I did not get the sense of urgency in her wanting to get home at all. It’s also a bit disconcerting to me that her bio says she is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in The Wiz before the show ever gets to Broadway. Anything could happen between now and March of 2024. Just saying.