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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Kimberly Akimbo Also see Gil's reviews of Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Show, Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Sweat
The plot centers on Kimberly Levaco, a 16-year-old girl suffering from a rare condition that causes her to age rapidly, four and a half times as fast as normal, giving her the appearance of an elderly woman. Despite her situation, Kimberly maintains an optimistic outlook on life, even as she grapples with a dysfunctional family and the realization that her time may be running out since the life expectation of individuals with her condition is only 16. She bonds with her classmate Seth, an eccentric teen who has a love of word games, and together they navigate the complexities of growing up, forging a friendship that has romantic sparks, and seizing the moment. Meanwhile, Kimberly's scheming aunt Debra ropes her, Seth, and their fellow students into a money-making scheme, adding layers of chaos and humor to the story. The musical was adapted from David Lindsay-Abaire's play of the same name and his book for the musical is a lovely blend of comedy and drama, perfectly balancing the absurdities of Kimberly's family life with the gravity of her condition. The dialogue is witty and realistic but never preaching or sentimental, allowing the characters' emotions and the plot to feel authentic. The score, with Jeanine Tesori's music and Lindsay-Abaire's lyrics, is equally compelling, with songs that range from playful and quirky to deeply introspective. Songs like "Anagram," which highlights Kimberly and Seth's bond, "Great Adventure," a heartfelt anthem of hope and resilience, and Seth's solo "Good Kid" stand out as musical highlights. The cast of this national tour is excellent. Carolee Carmello delivers a remarkably fresh, funny, and authentic performance as Kimberly, capturing both the physicality of her condition and the emotional depth of her character; you truly believe that Carmello, who made her Broadway debut over 30 years ago, is a teenage girl who just happens to look like an older woman. Her ability to convey Kimberly's blend of youthful enthusiasm and mature wisdom grounds the show with a deep and moving performance. Miguel Gil is equally endearing as Seth, bringing humor and vulnerability to the role of a loner teenager while showcasing a strong and natural chemistry with Kimberly. Both have lovely vocals that add depth and meaning to their many songs. The supporting cast is just as impressive. Jim Hogan and Dana Steingold portray Kimberly's parents and navigate their flawed, often selfish characters with nuance, ensuring they remain relatable despite their shortcomings. Emily Koch is a comedic standout as Aunt Debra, stealing scenes with her over-the-top schemes while adding a layer of chaos that underscores the play's tension. The quartet who portray Kim's high school friends, Grace Capeless, Darron Hayes, Skye Alyssa Friedman, and Pierce Wheeler, add energy and humor, providing a sense of vibrancy and teenage angst that both counters and mirrors Kimberly's heartfelt journey. Jessica Stone's direction brings the perfect balance of humor and heart to the production, ensuring that the performances are always authentic and the emotions are never over the top. David Zinn's realistic suburban set design swiftly transforms between everyday locations, including Kim's home, her school, and a hospital, which helps ground the musical in a recognizable and realistic world. The costumes by Sarah Laux are equally effective, emphasizing the characters' personalities. Kimberly Akimbo may be a small show with a fairly simple plot but it's also moving, funny, and ultimately uplifting, even though its title character suffers from an incurable disease. With its outstanding cast and a smart book and score, the national tour of this musical reminds us of the preciousness of time and the importance of embracing life's adventures. Kimberly Akimbo runs through December 7, 2024, at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.asugammage.com or call 480-965-3434. For information on the tour, visit kimberlyakimbothemusical.com. Music: Jeanine Tesori Cast: |
