Kim is a bright and funny Jersey teen, who happens to look like a 72-year-old lady. And yet her aging condition may be the least of her problems. Forced to maneuver family secrets, borderline personalities, and possible felony charges, Kim is determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side. Kimberly Akimbo is a funny, moving and powerful new musical with songs that beautifully tell us new things. Based on the critically acclaimed play of the same name, Kimberly Akimbo features a book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori. It's the rare example of a good play that has become an even better musical.
Thankfully, neither the musical nor the character let themselves by dominated by morbid thoughts. Kimberly is cheered by another high school friend, Seth (Justin Cooley), who is also familiar with loss and early-onset-maturity following the death of his mother. Seth is obsessed with anagrams (it's he who reconfigures Kimberly's last name into 'Akimbo') and is also happily honest, a relief to Kimberly when so many other people in her life prefer to gingerly side-step the elephant in the room. Then there's the music by Jeannine Tesori, which adds a playful buoyancy to the proceedings. Having previously composed the Tony-nominated Fun Home musical with Lisa Kron, Tesori knows how to lighten up a story about loss without ignoring the stakes. Kimberly Akimbo leaves you floating high on good vibes and ready to make the most of life.
Yes, composer Jeanine Tesori and book-writer David Lindsay-Abaire's musical at the Booth Theatre is a smidge too wacky for its own good. Lindsay-Abaire's many eccentric flourishes, at times, can come across as showing off. I often missed the grounded power of the writer's excellent play, 'Good People.' Nonetheless, this odd duck is undeniably likable. 'Kimberly' the musical and the character have a strong underdog appeal and a warmth that keeps the audience firmly on its side. While never rapturous, 'Akimbo' is always enjoyable and ultimately touching.
Price: $40
Where: Box Office only
Limit: Two per customer, subject to availability
Restrictions: A limited number of in-person rush tickets will be available when the box office opens the day of the performance at the Booth Theater (222 West 45th Street). The Booth Theater Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 10am and Sunday at 12pm.
Price: $40 (plus $5 service fee)
Where: The digital lottery for KIMBERLY AKIMBO can be found at rush.telecharge.com.
When:
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Entries for digital lottery start at 12:00am, one day before the performance, and end the same day at 3:00pm. Winners are drawn at 9:00am and 3:00pm. Winners may buy up to two tickets at $40 each plus a $5 service fee.
2021 | Off-Broadway |
World Premiere Musical Off-Broadway |
2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical | Victoria Clark |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Book of a Musical | David Lindsay-Abaire |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Direction of a Musical | Jessica Stone |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Musical | Kimberly Akimbo |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre | Jeanine Tesori |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical | Justin Cooley |
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical | Bonnie Milligan |
2021 | Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Awards | Justin Cooley |
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