Kimberly Akimbo • December 10, 2024 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Entering Eccles Theater on Tuesday night, I knew about as little about the musical Kimberly Akimbo as I think I have for any show ever. I knew that it won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2022 and that this show was called Kimberly Akimbo. That’s about it, which is rare for me. As a musical theater fan, I am usually up to date on most productions. And while I try to hold off on knowing too much until I’ve seen the show, for some reason this one totally slipped by me. It was only as I talked to another colleague that I learned that the show was about a teenager in high school with a rare condition that ages her faster to the point where she looks like a woman in her 60s.
I’m always happy to take in a night at the theater. Especially Eccles Theater. I love attending concerts, stand-up comedy, benefits, and of course theater at this stunning venue. I walked in intrigued by the story of Kimberly Akimbo and left about as satisfied with any musical I have ever seen.
First and foremost I was excited to see Broadway star, Carolee Carmello in the title role. I had the opportunity to see the three-time Tony nominee in Urinetown in 2003 and have enjoyed watching her success from afar. It’s always exciting to have a bonafide Broadway star come to town. I thought Carmello played the role brilliantly. There were times throughout the show that I had to remind myself that a teenager wasn’t actually playing this role. She found the right nuance to play a lonely teenager searching for happiness without overdoing it. I thought Carmello’s portrayal of Kimberly was heartfelt and sincere.
It wasn’t a surprise that Carolee Carmello would be great. She’s a star for a reason. What I was happy to find out was this production is filled with future Broadway stars. Miguel Gil was perfect as Seth Weetis. A mix of endearing, nerdy, and funny totally drew the audience in. Kimberly’s show choir friends played by Grace Capeless, Sky Alyssa Friedman, Darron Hayes, and Pierce Wheeler had the audience roaring with laughter. They were extremely believable as true friends while taking us through the highs and lows of a high school student. Kimberly’s parents played by Dana Steingold and Brandon Brandon Spingman were painfully but masterfully spot on. They were so real in their portrayals of a dysfunctional couple who try as they might, can’t seem to get out of their own way.
The clear showstopper outside of Caralee Carmello’s Kimberly had to be Emily Koch as Aunt Debra. What a dream role that must be. Koch had the Eccles Theater audience riotous with laughter. Koch nailed every demand this character called for. Physical comedy, delivery of the book, big range notes, she hit on every one. I loved this portrayal.
The set was simple, yet effective. I love the artistry of stagecraft. Turning a home in New Jersey into a high school hallway, a skating rink, or a library by simply moving a few set pieces within seconds is easier said than done. The story, the music, and the acting are what drive this show. But the staging filled the scene enough to let our imagination do the rest.
The touring production of Kimberly Akimbo needs to be seen by any theater lover. A show like this is why we have theater. I think a story like this which is so heartbreaking and at the same time uplifting is the type of show that brings so much good into the world. I left Eccles Theater feeling so good about what I had just seen.
Kimberly Akimbo is at the Eccles Theater until December 15. Tickets are still available. There are also student rush tickets being offered for this production. To purchase tickets click here!