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.
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.
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.
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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