Kimberly Akimbo Touring Reviews

At the center of the story, Kimberly is a decent person with a heavy burden she’s reluctant to share with her new friends. Carmello is tremendous in the role, juggling the mind of a teen with the body of an octogenarian and landing just right in th...

At the center of the story, Kimberly is a decent person with a heavy burden she’s reluctant to share with her new friends. Carmello is tremendous in the role, juggling the mind of a teen with the body of an octogenarian and landing just right in the middle. As her newfound friend, Seth, Gil creates a character so sweet and pure that we completely believe how he’s able to draw Kimberly out and allow her to share her pain.

The touring production is a carbon copy of the Broadway show in scenic and costume design, which were both directed with humor and poignance by Jessica Stone, but with an all-new cast. The touring show is just as funny and the characters are just as ...

The touring production is a carbon copy of the Broadway show in scenic and costume design, which were both directed with humor and poignance by Jessica Stone, but with an all-new cast. The touring show is just as funny and the characters are just as odd and lovable. But the tour lacks the two vocal powerhouses who stole the show in New York: Victoria Clark as Kimberly and Bonnie Milligan as Debra — who both won Tony Awards for their performances.

Carolee Carmello leads the show as Kimberly, a girl who not only looks older based on her disease but also has to act as the main grown-up in her family since her dysfunctional parents seem to live in a stunted existence. Dad is an alcoholic, and Mom...

Carolee Carmello leads the show as Kimberly, a girl who not only looks older based on her disease but also has to act as the main grown-up in her family since her dysfunctional parents seem to live in a stunted existence. Dad is an alcoholic, and Mom is a narcissist. Carmello's voice and performance are undeniably strong (she’s a three-time Tony nominee for a reason), and she so thoroughly captures the enthusiasm for the life of a young girl that it is genuinely shocking when she comes out in the second act in an all-to-convincing disguise.

The show gets off to a rocky start. The opening number feels disconnected from the rest of the action, and it isn’t until the dialogue begins in the first scene that the audience begins to settle in and enjoy ourselves. That said, you would be hard...

The show gets off to a rocky start. The opening number feels disconnected from the rest of the action, and it isn’t until the dialogue begins in the first scene that the audience begins to settle in and enjoy ourselves. That said, you would be hard pressed to name a more solid, feel-good piece of musical theatre from the last decade.

Against the writing shortcomings of “Kimberly Levaco,” the music holds a strong chance of redeeming it, but ultimately does nothing to leave a mark on viewers. Similarly to “Before I Go,” numbers such as “Good Kid” miss the emotional nerv...

Against the writing shortcomings of “Kimberly Levaco,” the music holds a strong chance of redeeming it, but ultimately does nothing to leave a mark on viewers. Similarly to “Before I Go,” numbers such as “Good Kid” miss the emotional nerve, while others like “Better” are comically entertaining yet do not implant an earworm once the curtains close. Every lyric and musical composition feels generic and provides nothing remarkable or new to make it stand out from other contemporary musical soundtracks.

The lesson of ‘Kimberly Akimbo,” as expressed in the final number “Great Adventure,” is that we’re all “sailing to a distant shore,” so “just enjoy the view, because no one gets a second time around.” Sometimes, however, second chan...

The lesson of ‘Kimberly Akimbo,” as expressed in the final number “Great Adventure,” is that we’re all “sailing to a distant shore,” so “just enjoy the view, because no one gets a second time around.” Sometimes, however, second chances do come about. Although I admired the heralded Broadway production, I found myself more open to the quirky charms of “Kimberly Akimbo” at the Hollywood Pantages.

But within that humble frame, David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony Award-winning musical illuminates the ultimate human mysteries. It places the devastations and delights of being alive side by side and doesn’t force one to cancel out t...

But within that humble frame, David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony Award-winning musical illuminates the ultimate human mysteries. It places the devastations and delights of being alive side by side and doesn’t force one to cancel out the other. Moreover, though Kimberly (Carolee Carmello) is sick, with a disease that ages her four times as fast as everyone else, meaning her 16-year-old self can pass for a 60-ish grandma, the show doesn’t force her to be angelic and subdued or punish her for not being that way. Instead it simply thirsts for life — and in so doing seems to expand your own.

Though Kimberly Akimbo is brought to life by a cast of just nine performers, the musical has the heart, gumption, and power of a grand production. At first glance, one might wonder how such a compact ensemble can have the sweeping impact of a Broadwa...

Though Kimberly Akimbo is brought to life by a cast of just nine performers, the musical has the heart, gumption, and power of a grand production. At first glance, one might wonder how such a compact ensemble can have the sweeping impact of a Broadway show. But the magic lies in the intimacy of the storytelling—each actor, with incredible depth and authenticity, contributes to a performance that is as expansive as any large-scale production.

But within that humble frame, David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony Award-winning musical illuminates the ultimate human mysteries. It places the devastations and delights of being alive side by side and doesn’t force one to cancel out t...

But within that humble frame, David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony Award-winning musical illuminates the ultimate human mysteries. It places the devastations and delights of being alive side by side and doesn’t force one to cancel out the other.

Broadway veteran Carolee Carmello tackles the challenging title role with remarkable skill. Her physical performance captures teenage restlessness trapped in a body that won't cooperate, while her emotional journey avoids every potential pitfall of s...

Broadway veteran Carolee Carmello tackles the challenging title role with remarkable skill. Her physical performance captures teenage restlessness trapped in a body that won't cooperate, while her emotional journey avoids every potential pitfall of sentimentality. It’s a star turn in a role that requires nothing less.

Carolee Carmello as Kimberly is absolutely brilliant. She encapsulates teenage angst and complex feelings of abandonment and grief, along with the savoring of simple joys. And her signature sound comes through in her glorious singing even while com...

Carolee Carmello as Kimberly is absolutely brilliant. She encapsulates teenage angst and complex feelings of abandonment and grief, along with the savoring of simple joys. And her signature sound comes through in her glorious singing even while completely immersing herself in the role.

Central to the show’s success is the incredible range of Carmello. It hinges on her ability to be a believable teenager which, somehow, she excels at. Her performance of “Make a Wish” makes one think. If you knew you had limited time left, what...

Central to the show’s success is the incredible range of Carmello. It hinges on her ability to be a believable teenager which, somehow, she excels at. Her performance of “Make a Wish” makes one think. If you knew you had limited time left, what would you wish for? Two hours of Carmello is never a bad choice.

Now, here we are in 2025, and that same show is at the Paramount, and while I found it a tighter show and certainly adorable and charming, I still have issue with the lack of memorable songs and, honestly, its Tony win especially when stacked up agai...

Now, here we are in 2025, and that same show is at the Paramount, and while I found it a tighter show and certainly adorable and charming, I still have issue with the lack of memorable songs and, honestly, its Tony win especially when stacked up against some other shows that season.

Carolee Carmello delivers a wonderful performance as Kimberly – striking just the right balance between someone who’s acutely aware of her own mortality and a teenager who just wants to be a teenager. And Miguel Gil brings the perfect blend of ad...

Carolee Carmello delivers a wonderful performance as Kimberly – striking just the right balance between someone who’s acutely aware of her own mortality and a teenager who just wants to be a teenager. And Miguel Gil brings the perfect blend of adolescent awkwardness and genuine kindness to the role of Seth. But the entire cast is strong – many of them performed or understudied their roles on Broadway.

And buoyed by an incredibly likable ensemble cast led by three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello in the title role and adorable newcomer Miguel Gil as the nerdy boy-next-door, the musical's smile-inducing national tour production continues per...

And buoyed by an incredibly likable ensemble cast led by three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello in the title role and adorable newcomer Miguel Gil as the nerdy boy-next-door, the musical's smile-inducing national tour production continues performances at OC's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa through February 2, 2025.

Kimberly is played on tour by three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello, and she gives what is truly a marvel of a performance. The role of Kim is very unique; it’s the kind of contemporary role that doesn’t get written for mature actresses very o...

Kimberly is played on tour by three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello, and she gives what is truly a marvel of a performance. The role of Kim is very unique; it’s the kind of contemporary role that doesn’t get written for mature actresses very often. Carmello embodies the spirit and attitude of a high schooler in many ways, but she gives so much care and nuance to the role. Carmello is always wonderful, but this role truly fits her like a glove, as she slowly peels back the layers of this character.

If you're familiar with Shrek, the musical and lyrical style of Kimberly Akimbo can be described as 'that, but more so.' The songs swing back and forth between intensely melodic and catchy pop-meets-showtune, and densely lyrical patter/recitative sec...

If you're familiar with Shrek, the musical and lyrical style of Kimberly Akimbo can be described as 'that, but more so.' The songs swing back and forth between intensely melodic and catchy pop-meets-showtune, and densely lyrical patter/recitative sections which are conversational, unrhymed, and packed with stream-of-consciousness verbiage. It's not an easy style to do well and make sound effortless, but the cast, Carmello and Woyasz, take to it like second nature.

All of that makes “Kimberly Akimbo” bold, thoughtful, thoroughly original and deeply compassionate — a kind of antithesis to the jukebox musicals and film adaptations that dominate the stage anymore. It’s as much of a must-see as the Fisher h...

All of that makes “Kimberly Akimbo” bold, thoughtful, thoroughly original and deeply compassionate — a kind of antithesis to the jukebox musicals and film adaptations that dominate the stage anymore. It’s as much of a must-see as the Fisher has hosted this season, and even good enough to even worth a second time around.

Anchoring the ensemble is three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello as Kimberly. Her performance mixes heart and humor, giving audiences a character whose warmth, inner strength, and tenacity are inspirational. Onstage Carmello is a powerhouse who sin...

Anchoring the ensemble is three-time Tony nominee Carolee Carmello as Kimberly. Her performance mixes heart and humor, giving audiences a character whose warmth, inner strength, and tenacity are inspirational. Onstage Carmello is a powerhouse who singlehandedly propels the musical.

Starring as Kimberly Levaco is three-time Tony-nominated Broadway legend Carolee Carmello. Onstage, she very impressively feels like a teenager. Yet emotionally, she delivers tender work that also ends up being pretty heartbreaking. Not to mention th...

Starring as Kimberly Levaco is three-time Tony-nominated Broadway legend Carolee Carmello. Onstage, she very impressively feels like a teenager. Yet emotionally, she delivers tender work that also ends up being pretty heartbreaking. Not to mention that whenever she shares scenes with other teenage characters, she manages to fit right in.

Director Jessica Stone finds just the right balance for this quirky, eccentric mix to make 'Kimberly Akimbo' deliver both heart-breaking moments and lots of laughs. It’s worth seeing how they all pull it off, and pondering the messages of Kimberly�...

Director Jessica Stone finds just the right balance for this quirky, eccentric mix to make 'Kimberly Akimbo' deliver both heart-breaking moments and lots of laughs. It’s worth seeing how they all pull it off, and pondering the messages of Kimberly’s situation.

Directed by Jessica Stone, the touring production of 'Kimberly Akimbo' that has arrived at the Emerson Colonial Theatre is funny and heart-piercing by turns, managing to both entertain and move us, and generally achieve an emotional richness that, cr...

Directed by Jessica Stone, the touring production of 'Kimberly Akimbo' that has arrived at the Emerson Colonial Theatre is funny and heart-piercing by turns, managing to both entertain and move us, and generally achieve an emotional richness that, crucially, stops short of mawkishness.

Small in scale, Kimberly Akimbo (directed by Jessica Stone) tackles some of life’s biggest questions. Each of the characters yearns for a better life, but how and at what cost?... Kim and Seth, wise beyond their years, find their own way in the sho...

Small in scale, Kimberly Akimbo (directed by Jessica Stone) tackles some of life’s biggest questions. Each of the characters yearns for a better life, but how and at what cost?... Kim and Seth, wise beyond their years, find their own way in the short time she has left. Their duet, 'Great Adventure,' speaks to the need to live in the present because 'no one gets a second chance.'

Yet through it all, Kimberly maintains a sense of guarded optimism. In “Make A Wish,” she makes three requests to the Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey, knowing only one of her dreams will be fulfilled. After wishing to be a super model for a ...

Yet through it all, Kimberly maintains a sense of guarded optimism. In “Make A Wish,” she makes three requests to the Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey, knowing only one of her dreams will be fulfilled. After wishing to be a super model for a day or to have an outlandish yacht cruise with 40 friends, she wants something heartbreakingly simple: “(a) home-cooked meal, a table set for three/They'll ask me how my day was. I'll mention science class/We'll end with cherry cheesecake and a little Mel Torme.” Realizing this dream is probably too much to ask for, Kimberly settles for asking for a treehouse … even though her backyard is devoid of trees.

Every performer has certain moments that stand out and I applaud each and every one of them. Some of my favorites were "Before I Go" (Carmello, Hogan, and Woyasz) as well as Koch's many dark humor moments. In the opening of the show, the teens are pi...

Every performer has certain moments that stand out and I applaud each and every one of them. Some of my favorites were "Before I Go" (Carmello, Hogan, and Woyasz) as well as Koch's many dark humor moments. In the opening of the show, the teens are pining for another, though we see as the show goes on that unrequited love is another lesson in this show.

At just over two hours (with intermission), Kimberly Akimbo delivers a satisfying and deeply human story that lingers long after the final note. The musical reminds us that life, even when cut short, can be full of meaning — and that sometimes the ...

At just over two hours (with intermission), Kimberly Akimbo delivers a satisfying and deeply human story that lingers long after the final note. The musical reminds us that life, even when cut short, can be full of meaning — and that sometimes the most extraordinary thing you can do is live truthfully, joyfully, in the time you have.

And what a rare pleasure it is to experience a new stage musical that’s so unabashedly eccentric and unpredictable. What at first looks as if it’s going to take us down the well-trod path of life in an American high school veers off into one wild...

And what a rare pleasure it is to experience a new stage musical that’s so unabashedly eccentric and unpredictable. What at first looks as if it’s going to take us down the well-trod path of life in an American high school veers off into one wild detour after another. And, thanks to Lindsay-Abaire’s well-sculpted, trope-defying characters, it’s a very funny and richly satisfying show.

Kimberly Akimbo at Playhouse Square, with its multi-talented cast, conjures up every kind of emotion: One minute, we’re laughing out loud, and the next, we may be reaching for the tissues. The show is daring and different, and it makes us appreciat...

Kimberly Akimbo at Playhouse Square, with its multi-talented cast, conjures up every kind of emotion: One minute, we’re laughing out loud, and the next, we may be reaching for the tissues. The show is daring and different, and it makes us appreciate the time we have on this earth while forcing us to take stock in the way we spend that time.

Kimberly Akimbo embodies those deep, conflicting emotions – the heartbreak, the joy and the excitement. The humanity of all the characters in “Kimberly Akimbo” shine through the melancholy and inevitable loss that we know is coming. Isn’t tha...

Kimberly Akimbo embodies those deep, conflicting emotions – the heartbreak, the joy and the excitement. The humanity of all the characters in “Kimberly Akimbo” shine through the melancholy and inevitable loss that we know is coming. Isn’t that what life is about – somehow finding connection and ways to celebrate despite the bad things that will inevitably happen to us? Shouldn’t we end up like Kimberly – living life to the fullest while we can?

KIMBERLY AKIMBO is unlike anything else on the musical stage that I have seen. It is quirky, funny, and full of heart. It takes a story that could be maudlin and makes it vibrantly alive, reminding us that life’s limitations don’t have to limit j...

KIMBERLY AKIMBO is unlike anything else on the musical stage that I have seen. It is quirky, funny, and full of heart. It takes a story that could be maudlin and makes it vibrantly alive, reminding us that life’s limitations don’t have to limit joy. And that life, no matter the length, is a celebration.

The production is straightforward and beautifully executed, with a fine orchestra under the direction of Leigh Delano, choreography by Danny Mefford that supports rather than overwhelms, and a design team that delivers the show with polish and precis...

The production is straightforward and beautifully executed, with a fine orchestra under the direction of Leigh Delano, choreography by Danny Mefford that supports rather than overwhelms, and a design team that delivers the show with polish and precision.

“Kimberly Akimbo” has a fine line to walk, navigating a tricky balance of humor and tragedy. The show, which is playing at the Fox Theatre through Oct. 19, doesn’t always nail that balance. But this particular production features excellent perf...

“Kimberly Akimbo” has a fine line to walk, navigating a tricky balance of humor and tragedy. The show, which is playing at the Fox Theatre through Oct. 19, doesn’t always nail that balance. But this particular production features excellent performances that smooth out most of those kinks, proving that when the show falls into the right hands, it can move past the page.

Leading the talented ensemble is Morrison who is able to embody the youthful hopes and dreams of Kimberly, while bringing an effective aged physicality to the role. Her voice, while mature, holds a youthful quality to it, making it feel like she is t...

Leading the talented ensemble is Morrison who is able to embody the youthful hopes and dreams of Kimberly, while bringing an effective aged physicality to the role. Her voice, while mature, holds a youthful quality to it, making it feel like she is truly a young woman trapped in an older body.

Those of us of a certain age will certainly feel the pull of nostalgia for those days of hanging out with friends at the local rink on a Saturday. This musical gives all the feels and wraps up with a montage that evokes the movie “Up” — and has...

Those of us of a certain age will certainly feel the pull of nostalgia for those days of hanging out with friends at the local rink on a Saturday. This musical gives all the feels and wraps up with a montage that evokes the movie “Up” — and has the audience on its feet.

Of course, the heart of the show is its performances. Ann Morrison’s portrayal of Kimberly is nothing short of breathtaking, as she embodies both the fragility of a teenager and the wisdom of someone who’s lived a full lifetime. The supporting ca...

Of course, the heart of the show is its performances. Ann Morrison’s portrayal of Kimberly is nothing short of breathtaking, as she embodies both the fragility of a teenager and the wisdom of someone who’s lived a full lifetime. The supporting cast bring an infectious energy to the stage, each character quirky in their own perfectly human way.

If you are in search of a musical that will leave you smiling, look no further than Kimberly Akimbo! While is certainly a bittersweet story, and doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics, it is ultimately heartwarming and life-affirming, its message a...

If you are in search of a musical that will leave you smiling, look no further than Kimberly Akimbo! While is certainly a bittersweet story, and doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics, it is ultimately heartwarming and life-affirming, its message and tone outweighing the heaviness of some of its themes. It reminds us all to find the beauty in the everyday, live authentically, and appreciate the present moment—after all, life is one big “great adventure,” and it’s up to us to sit back, embrace the journey, and enjoy the ride.

A true Broadway veteran, Ann shows it with a wonderful and nuanced performance, capturing the youthful energy of a sixteen year old, but also the many quiet and cathartic moments that demonstrate the character is not naïve to her situation. It is ge...

A true Broadway veteran, Ann shows it with a wonderful and nuanced performance, capturing the youthful energy of a sixteen year old, but also the many quiet and cathartic moments that demonstrate the character is not naïve to her situation. It is genuinely a tour de force.

And while I say this is a show without special effects, the snow was enchanting. And how was the cast ice skating on a wooden stage? That was magic enough for me. The humor’s in the music as well as the props and performances. Yes, a mailbox is fun...

And while I say this is a show without special effects, the snow was enchanting. And how was the cast ice skating on a wooden stage? That was magic enough for me. The humor’s in the music as well as the props and performances. Yes, a mailbox is funny. So is a tuba. Marcus Phillips plays it terribly with perfection.

Kimberly Akimbo, which won five Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Musical, is deceptively complex. Its light tone and teen aesthetics belie the darkness behind its comedy, causing that darkness to sneak up on us, amplifying its impact. In that way,...

Kimberly Akimbo, which won five Tony Awards in 2023, including Best Musical, is deceptively complex. Its light tone and teen aesthetics belie the darkness behind its comedy, causing that darkness to sneak up on us, amplifying its impact. In that way, it’s reminiscent of Fun Home, another beloved dark comedy with tons of heart, with music by Jeanine Tesori, who also did Kimberly Akimbo.

Ann Morrison as Kimberly brings warmth, vulnerability, and an understated poignancy that anchors the evening. Her performance never asks for sympathy; it earns it quietly. Ann brings with her a Broadway resume that includes Sondheim’s “Merrily We...

Ann Morrison as Kimberly brings warmth, vulnerability, and an understated poignancy that anchors the evening. Her performance never asks for sympathy; it earns it quietly. Ann brings with her a Broadway resume that includes Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Love Musik,” and “Children and Art” plus several shows on London’s West End.

Beyond the overwhelming volume of narrative, the comedy elements were distractingly uneven. Many jokes felt misplaced or relied heavily on expletives to carry the humor, although I did have the pleasure of seeing patrons squirm in their seats when an...

Beyond the overwhelming volume of narrative, the comedy elements were distractingly uneven. Many jokes felt misplaced or relied heavily on expletives to carry the humor, although I did have the pleasure of seeing patrons squirm in their seats when an overly crude joke was made.

While the music by Jeanine Tesori and the lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire were delightful to listen to, I had no clue what I was in for. The show's book by David Lindsay-Abaire made this one of the funniest musicals I had seen in a long time, which is...

While the music by Jeanine Tesori and the lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire were delightful to listen to, I had no clue what I was in for. The show's book by David Lindsay-Abaire made this one of the funniest musicals I had seen in a long time, which is surprising for a show about the main character facing a disease.

As someone who saw the Broadway version with Victoria Clark, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Kimberly, one must appreciate that actor Ann Morrison is making Kimberly into a different sort of character. Morrison is more muted: she presents...

As someone who saw the Broadway version with Victoria Clark, who won a Tony Award for her performance as Kimberly, one must appreciate that actor Ann Morrison is making Kimberly into a different sort of character. Morrison is more muted: she presents a far less animated Kimberly than one saw in the Broadway version. Clark was so “teen-like” in her movements and vocal inflections that audiences could almost detect the high schooler trying to overcome her physical restrictions.

Ann Morrison is extraordinary as Kimberly, a teenager living with a rare condition that makes her age faster than normal. Morrison doesn’t play Kimberly as a caricature or a “tragic” figure; she brings warmth, wit, and a very human vulnerabilit...

Ann Morrison is extraordinary as Kimberly, a teenager living with a rare condition that makes her age faster than normal. Morrison doesn’t play Kimberly as a caricature or a “tragic” figure; she brings warmth, wit, and a very human vulnerability. Watching her navigate her hopes, her frustrations, and her small victories makes her instantly relatable. Her singing carries both tenderness and strength, making even quiet moments feel powerful.

Director Jessica Stone has given the show a briskly engaging pace that slows enough to let its deepest emotions resonate. Skillfully carrying the tale as Kimberly is Ann Morrison, marvelously placing the qualities of a bubbly when not sulky teen in t...

Director Jessica Stone has given the show a briskly engaging pace that slows enough to let its deepest emotions resonate. Skillfully carrying the tale as Kimberly is Ann Morrison, marvelously placing the qualities of a bubbly when not sulky teen in the voice and body of an older woman.

While the laughs are predictable on opening night, there were audible sighs of heavy hearts when Kimberly felt life’s disappointments. As a collective, we were on this journey together. If you typically find traditional musicals too staged, these m...

While the laughs are predictable on opening night, there were audible sighs of heavy hearts when Kimberly felt life’s disappointments. As a collective, we were on this journey together. If you typically find traditional musicals too staged, these modern stories offer a refreshing pivot toward emotional realism. They trade flashy dance breaks for a conversational intimacy that feels more like a great indie film set to music.

In the role of Kimberly, Ann Morrison gives a nuanced and compelling performance. Balancing an aging body with a youthful spirit is no simple task. Her take on the role is extraordinarily genuine and grounded, allowing the audience to fall in love ...

In the role of Kimberly, Ann Morrison gives a nuanced and compelling performance. Balancing an aging body with a youthful spirit is no simple task. Her take on the role is extraordinarily genuine and grounded, allowing the audience to fall in love with not only who Kimberly is, but also the perspective she has on her terminally limited life.