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.
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 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.
2003 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
2024 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Tony Awards | Best Orchestrations | John Clancy |
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