The national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO has arrived in Chicago, bringing with it a unique blend of oddball humor and heartfelt moments.
The musical, directed by Jessica Stone, centers on the protagonist Kimberly Levaco, who deals with an extremely rare condition that causes her to age at an accelerated rate. While Kimberly, played by Broadway veteran Carolee Carmello, navigates her challenges, it’s the supporting characters who bring an eccentric and dysfunctional family dynamic to the forefront.
Set in Bergen County, New Jersey, Kimberly is a spirited 16-year-old with dreams of visiting Six Flags Great Adventure, fueled by her aspirations of having her Make A Wish granted. However, she faces a tumultuous family environment that consists of her alcoholic father Buddy, resentful pregnant mother Pattie, and a scheming Aunt Debra, portrayed by Emily Koch.
Despite the serious issues depicted in Kimberly’s family life, the book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire often approach these subjects with a light-hearted tone. The mix of humor and the relatability of family dysfunction aims to entertain, though not all comedic moments land successfully.
In addition to her family, Kimberly interacts with a cast of eccentric school classmates — a group that forms a somewhat uninteresting love square. Characters like Delia, Avery, Martin, and Aaron are portrayed as naive, leading to criticisms that Lindsay-Abaire’s writing fails to capture authentic teenage experiences.
However, the real charm emerges in the relationship between Kimberly and her nerdy classmate Seth, played by Miguel Gil. Their budding friendship is charming, marked by humorous moments such as Seth’s initial greeting to Kimberly in Elvish. This friendship is the beating heart of the musical, with their dynamic allowing for moments of genuine connection and tenderness amidst the surrounding chaos.
The score by Jeanine Tesori acts as a suitable backdrop for their relationship, with melodic tunes that underscore the emotional stakes of the story. The song “Anagram,” in which Kimberly explores her feelings for Seth, is particularly noteworthy as it showcases Carmello’s ability to convey the character’s youthful optimism.
In contrast, the more upbeat and comedic numbers in the show are hit or miss. Seth’s solo, “Good Kid,” stands out as a highlight, showcasing Gil’s talents and balancing humor with sincerity as he explores themes of obedience and expectations.
However, some of Aunt Debra’s comedic numbers, such as “Better” and “How to Wash A Check,” fail to deliver the intended humor, leading to an overall mixed reception of the musical’s comedic elements.
Carmello’s performance is undoubtedly the main draw of the show, as she masterfully embodies the role of Kimberly Levaco. Her transformation into a teenager is remarkable, exhibiting a range of emotions from buoyant optimism to poignant vulnerability.
Her powerful rendition of the show-stopping number “Before I Go” encapsulates the essence of the production — a meditation on seizing life’s fleeting moments and pursuing one’s dreams. In this climactic song, Carmello’s emotional depth truly shines, leaving an impact on the audience that resonates long after the final notes.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO ultimately presents a quirky but heartfelt story about youthful aspirations and the complexities of family life. While some elements may not resonate as effectively as others, Carmello’s performance stands as the centerpiece of this unique musical.
Chicago audiences will find a delightful and moving experience, as the strange and sweet ebb and flow in this unconventional tale reminds us all to embrace the time we have and chase our dreams.
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