The extraordinary, touching, and painfully funny Broadway sensation that has won the hearts of theatregoers around the world has recently begun a North American tour.
So meet this Tony Award-winning masterpiece of a musical, ‘Kimberly Akimbo’, based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s critically acclaimed play, follows the inspiring journey of Kimberly, a spirited teenager with a rare genetic disorder that accelerates her aging. Despite her unique condition, Kimberly embraces life with humor, resilience, and boundless optimism, leaving audiences both laughing and deeply moved.
Its Relevance and Popularity
Since its debut in NYC, Kimberly Akimb’ Broadway has taken the theater world by storm, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Featuring a powerhouse cast, stunning musical numbers by the legendary Jeanine Tesori, and a deeply touching story, the production has solidified itself as one of the most captivating and talked-about musicals of the decade.
Now, thanks to its overwhelming success,The Musical Kimberly Akimbo is coming to a city near you so that theatre enthusiasts and even newcomers alike can enjoy the triumphant Broadway production and experience the magic firsthand.
‘Kimberly.Akimbo’ is a truly extraordinary event, full of laughter, tears, and moments that will stay with you long after the final bow. Buy your tickets now and become a part of a once-in-a-lifetime theatre event!
What Awards Has Kimberly Akimbo Won?
Adding to the prestige is the fact that ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ has won many critically acclaimed awards. Many Tony Awards are given to this show for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Score. It has also worked wonders with individual nominations and wins in the case of a performance by the Broadway cast, making ‘Kimberly Akimbo Broadway’ one of the most awarded shows in recent times.
| City | Date | Venue | Tickets |
| Grand Rapids, MI | Jan 28 – Feb 1, TBA | DeVos Performance Hall at DeVos Place | |
| Des Moines, IA | Feb 3 – 8 | Des Moines Performing Arts | |
| Madison, WI | Feb 10 -15 | Overture Hall at Overture Center for the Arts | |
| Milwaukee, WI | Feb 17 -22 | Uihlein Hall at Marcus Performing Arts Center | |
| Saint Paul, MN | Feb 24 -Mar 1 | Music Theatre at Ordway Center for The Performing Arts | |
| Appleton, WI | Mar 3 – 8 | Thrivent Hall at Fox Cities Performing Arts Center | |
| East Lansing, MI | Mar 10 – 15 | Cobb Great Hall at Wharton Center for Performing Arts | |
| Buffalo, NY | Mar 17 – 22 | Shea’s Buffalo Theatre at Shea’s Performing Arts Center | |
| Rochester, NY | Mar 24 – 29 | West Herr Auditorium Theatre (RBTL) | |
| Fort Myers, FL | Apr 1 -5 | Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall | |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | Apr 7 -12 | Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts | |
| Orlando, FL | Apr 14 -19 | Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | |
| Greensboro, NC | Apr 21 – 26 | Prelude Dining – Kimberly Akimbo, The Steven Tanger Center for The Performing Arts | |
| Baltimore, MD | Apr 28 – May 3 | The Hippodrome Theatre at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center | |
| Providence, RI | May 5 – 10 | Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) | |
| New Haven, CT | May 14 – 17 | Shubert Theatre New Haven | |
| Red Bank, NJ | May 21 – 24 | Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at Count Basie Center for the Arts | |
| New Orleans, LA | Oct 10 -12 | Saenger Theatre New Orleans |
What is Kimberly Akimbo about?
The plot and Kimberly Akimbo theme of this incredible story revolves around Kimberly Levaco, a bright and optimistic 16-year-old girl from New Jersey who faces extraordinary challenges. Born with a rare condition that causes accelerated aging, Kimberly looks much older than her actual age. Despite the difficulties, she is determined to experience all the joys of youth while dealing with an eccentric family and difficult friendships. Her determination and unlost hope helps her find a friend who has a unique perspective on life and on her. So, every day is like the last one, leading her on an incredible journey to fulfil her dreams. Interested? Come and find out for yourself why this masterpiece has received so many awards and has become the best production among the best.
Description of the main character Kimberly and her unique condition
The central character of Kimberly Musical, Kimberly Levaco, played by three-time Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello, is a very complex, witty and energetic young woman. Her progeria disease creates an unusual dynamic, forcing her to relive her teenage years while looking decades older, which is a resonant subject.
In addition to her physical challenges, Kimberly also deals with a dysfunctional family that often makes her feel alone in the world. Her father is an alcoholic and her mother is emotionally distant, making her home life chaotic and unstable. Despite this, she wants to experience friendship, school and dreams of the future. She lives like no one else, making the most of every minute of her difficult routine and instead of despairing, she takes life with humour and resilience. This girl is a truly convincing and unforgettable character, because she has a wonderful combination of wisdom beyond her years and youthful innocence.
Her journey in the stage is not only a struggle against her condition, but also a liberation from the restrictions that life imposes on her.
Coming-of-Age Themes, Family, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Essentially, ‘Kimberly Akimbo musical’ is a story of how one finds their happy moments amidst all the trouble. Themes of love, survival, and acceptance echo throughout this show, creating a touching, unforgettable performance.
The story of the musical ‘Kimberly Akimbo’
The performance ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ combines elements of drama and comedy, is important in the context of contemporary theatre, because this production tells a touching and at the same time comical story of an unusual rapidly aging teenager, her desire to be true to herself and her dreams, to find innovative approaches, which will definitely not leave anyone untouched and will have a great impact on the audience. This show shows how important it is to pay attention to such issues as ageing, difficulties, mortality, struggle and confrontation with obstacles, and faith in the future. The main character, although she looks like a 72-year-old woman, is always optimistic and determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
All these factors made ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ successful both on the theatre stages and among critics, and with each new production it attracts more and more attention.
The idea behind the production:
Kimberly Akimbo is based on a play by the American playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. The idea arose from the desire to raise the topic of illness and its impact on human life, using a character on the verge of childhood and old age. The play was originally presented as a drama, but its adaptation for musical theatre was a natural progression of the concept.
Who is part of the creative team?
The Creative team consists of 15 professional, dedicated people. For example.
Jessica Stone’s direction plays a crucial role in bringing Kimberly Akimbo Theatre to life. Her vision provides a balance of humour, drama and musical excellence. And the contribution of choreographer Danny Mefford adds an extra level of dynamism to the production. The set, costume and lighting designers also play an important role, working hard to create a visually stunning experience for the audience.
Collaboration with composer Jeanine Tesori
The success of Kimberly Akimbo on stage led to a collaboration with composer Jeanine Tesori (2015 Tony Award winner for Fun Home), resulting in a popular adaptation that received critical acclaim. Jeanine’s contribution to Kimberly Akimbo musical brought a fresh and exciting melodic score that complements the emotional ups and downs of the story. She is a composer that all the actors admired.
Bonnie Milligan, who played the role of Aunt Deb in the Broadway production, had this to say about Tesori: ‘She is, I think, one of our greatest living composers. She’s a genius!’
Cooley added: ‘She really helps build not only the world, but our characters.’
And indeed, her close collaboration with the cast created character-driven compositions that enhanced the magic of each act, each night on stage.
Kimberly Akimbo Cast and Characters
So, Akimbo musical features a variety of characters living in 20th century New Jersey: high school students and members of Kimberly’s rather unusual family. Let’s take a look at some of the characters:
- Kimberly: This 16-year-old outsider has a strange illness, but without losing her optimism, she continues to make efforts to live a full life.
- Seth: A high school student who is quirky, smart, plays the tuba and unexpectedly becomes friends with Kimberly.
- Buddy: Kimberly’s father, who struggles so much with alcoholism that he rarely acts like the father he really wants to be.
- Patty: Kim’s mother, pregnant and suffering from hypochondria, often at the expense of her daughter’s emotional well-being.
- Debra: Kimberly’s talkative aunt, who is always up to no good.
- Delia, Martin, Aaron and Theresa: Kimberly’s classmates who get involved in Debra’s latest scam to make money.
They add depth, wit and humanity to Kimberly Akimbo show, making every minute of the acts a lifetime experience.
Cast of Kimberly Akimbo on the National Tour Across North America
Cool facts about actors in the leading characters in this magic tour currently go to:
- Carolee Carmello as Kimberly: a critically acclaimed Broadway actress and three-time Tony Award nominee. Her leading roles in several musicals include Parade, Mamma Mia!, and Tuck Everlasting.
- Miguel Gil as Seth: Young, rising talented young actor making his national tour in the production of Kimberly Akimbo. Fresh face with great appeal to the stage in the title role of Seth.
- Jim Hogan as Buddy: Accomplished veteran theatre and film actor, some of his recent productions include Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
- Emily Koch as Debra: Most noted for the title role of Elphaba in the national tour of Wicked. Also appeared in Spring Awakening and Waitress.
- Laura Voytko as Patty: An energetic actress-singer who has worked on a variety of regional theaters including Gypsy and The Sound of Music.
Grace Capeless (Delia) young actor with leading credentials on Broadway in Matilda the Musical and The Lion King.
Darron Hayes (Martin) actor-dancer who had toured in both Hamilton and Aladdin.
Pierce Wheeler (Aaron) Theater program graduate making his national tour debut in Kimberly Akimbo play.
Skye Alyssa Friedman (Teresa) An actress-singer who has played Hairspray and Legally Blonde in regional productions.
These brilliant actors bring a special set of skills and energy to Kimberly Akimbo, and the National Tour will surely be one of the unforgettable theater experiences audiences all over North America will have ever seen.
Who Is in the Kimberly Akimbo Original Cast?
It included powerhouse performances such as Victoria Clark playing Kimberly, Justin Cooley as Seth, and Bonnie Milligan playing Aunt Debra in the original Broadway cast.
Interviews/Statements of Actors on Joining the Tour
As the North American tour gets underway, some new cast members have weighed in on their enthusiasm to bring Kimberly Akimbo run time to audiences coast to coast.
- Debra (Emily Koch) and Buddy (Jim Hogan) had this to say in an interview recently about this touring production.
“We are having such a great time and keep joking with each other; something must have gone wrong by now-it is going that right!” And Jim Hogan elaborated: “Getting the opportunity to work on material like this is rare, and we actually feel incredibly fortunate to be apart of this company and bringing the story to theatres across the country.” - Miguel Gil (Seth): Miguel said of joining the tour: “This show is unlike anything I have ever done before. The story is so heartfelt and unique, and I cannot wait to share it with new audiences in every city that we visit.”
- Sarah Lynn Marion (understudy for Kimberly and Pattie): Sarah says to the excitement of performing on the tour: “Being a part of Kimberly Akimbo is every dream I had coming true. Getting to share this story in different cities, night after night, is the privilege I dreamt it’d be, hoping every audience has fallen in love with it, just like me.”
These actors breathe new life into the popular Kimberly Akimbo play, and their passion in the production can be felt. As this tour crosses over North America, surely their performances will continue touching the hearts of theatre-goers all over the country.
Interviews and Quotes from Actors about Joining the Tour
- Emily Koch (Debra) and Jim Hogan (Buddy) recently spoke about the experience of joining this touring production:
“We’re having such an incredible time that we keep joking something must be going wrong-it’s been that smooth!” Jim Hogan said: “Getting the chance to work with material like this is rare. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this production and bring this story to audiences across the country.” - Miguel Gil (Seth): Of joining the tour, Miguel said: “This show is like nothing I’ve ever done before. The story is so honest and different. I couldn’t be more excited to share this with new audiences in every town we play.”
- Sarah Lynn Marion (understudy for Kimberly and Pattie): Sarah had the following to say about her thoughts on this tour:
“Being a part of Kimberley Akimbo is a dream come true. I feel very lucky to get to tell this story every night in different cities, which I hope each audience will love as much as I do.”
These actors bring new life into the popular Kimberly musical, and their passion in the production can be felt. As this tour crosses over North America, surely their performances will continue touching the hearts of theatre-goers all over the country.
Audience Reaction
Many theatre-goers expressed their admiration for the unique story and compelling performances.
One of the visitors shared: “We really enjoyed this show – intimate, funny, sweet and creative. Not one of those shows with huge sets and choruses, but smaller and more personal to fit the story.”
Another fan, in addition to the acting, praised the smooth transitions of the set, saying: “The set was simple but effective. I love the artistry of the set design!”
Critical Expectations
Critics offered a variety of views on the touring production. One review praised Gil’s performance as Seth Withees, noting that it was nuanced, sincere and moving, and that he was the linchpin of the entire production. And it is not for nothing that it was recognized as the best musical.
On the other hand, some reviews were less favourable to the modern melodic interpretation.
What will you like more? Come to Kimberly Akimbo’s live show and see for yourself!
Kimberly Akimbo Broadway | North American Tour
When did Kimberly Akimbo premiere?
The original musical Kimberly Akimbo opened on Broadway in 2021 at the Atlantic Theatre Company—a full twenty years after the world premiere of the original play. Read about the major events in the show’s history below.
- 2001: The play Kimberly Akimbo opens at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, California. The title role is played by Marylouise Burke. Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire receives the Kesselring Prize and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award.
- 2003: The play opened in New York in February of that year at the Manhattan Theatre Club, with Burke again in the lead. The production picked up two acting nominations and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play.
- 2008: Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire collaborated for the first time in the musical Shrek. It establishes the platform whereby, much later, Tesori was inspired by one of Lindsay-Abaire’s plays and adapted it into a musical titled Kimberly Akimbo.
- 2021: The Kimberly Akimbo opens at Linda Gross Theater of the Atlantic Theatre Company. It plays Off-Broadway from November 2021 until January 2022, with Victoria Clark playing the title character of Kimberly.
- 2022: Later, it opens on Broadway in October with its complete Off-Broadway cast intact.
Where else will Kimberly Akimbo premiere?
The Kimberly Akimbo tour will kick into high gear in North America this September 2024, bringing this highly acclaimed production to the continent’s theaters. The gig is finally in fans’ local cities; shows line up in almost all major theaters countrywide, ranging from east to west.
With high demand, tickets are selling out fast. Don’t let this great opportunity slip away; book your seats in advance and enjoy Kimberly Akimbo live on stage!
Order your Kimberly Akimbo tickets now!
Kimberly Akimbo has surprised critics and audiences alike during her tour of American cities and continues to gain new fans. So, if you haven’t decided what to see near your home yet, we offer the best offer to buy tickets right here. Make a great decision today to make sure you and your family are happy.
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FAQ
At what age can I watch the show?
Recommended for ages 10 and up; children under 4 are usually not allowed.
How long will the tour last?
The tour schedule varies, but it is planned to run through 2026.
How long does the show last, and is there a break?
The Kimberly Akimbo run time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Where Is Kimberly Akimbo Playing?
The tour will visit major cities, bringing the magic of Broadway to fans across North America.
Major Productions of Kimberly Akimbo
The gig has been performed in top theaters, including New York’s Booth Theatre.
What is the route of the Kimberly Akimbo National Tour?
The tour will span multiple cities, ensuring fans across the country can experience this incredible production.
What is Kimberly Akimbo Closing Date?
The tour is expected to run through 2026, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to secure tickets.
Who Wrote Kimberly Akimbo?
The musical’s book and lyrics were written by David Lindsay-Abaire, with music composed by Jeanine Tesori.
Is Kimberly Akimbo About Progeria?
Kimberly’s condition is not just symbolic—it is based on a real medical disorder known as progeria. This rare genetic disease, also called Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, is characterized by rapid aging in children and is one of the most unusual conditions in the field of rare diseases.
Which Fun Facts About Kimberly Akimbo Do We Know?
The musical has received widespread praise, with critics calling it a “refreshing and deeply moving” experience. Kim’s surname is actually Levaco. The title comes from an anagram Seth created for Kim’s name, meaning ‘cleverly wired’. The programme also features a scene of the actors skating. For more information, see the article above.
What songs by Kimberly Akimbo will be on the set?
The concert features a variety of memorable songs that bring its story to life, including ‘Better,’ ‘Anagram,’ and ‘Great Adventure.’
Way to buy Kimberly Akimbo tickets
Tickets to ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ are available through different platforms. Fans can also find ‘Kimberly Akimbo discount tickets’ on our trusted platform.
What to Do If Tickets Are Sold Out?
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