Kimberly Akimbo Is Poignant, Heartfelt, and Most Importantly, Clever, Review

While jukebox musicals play familiar tunes and boldly staged screen adaptations have dominated musical theater, unique and thoughtful original musicals deserve their moment to shine. On a National Tour, the Tony Award-winning Kimberly Akimbo puts audiences on a roller coaster of emotions, and they welcome every twist and turn in this clever ride.

Modern musicals need to find their audience. Some people might still scoff at characters randomly bursting into song or expressing themselves through a spirited dance number. While these moments may not happen in daily life, the exuberance on stage often expresses what people are unwilling to admit in their daily lives.

Kimberly Akimbo blends traditional family and adolescent tropes with a twist. The main character, Kimberly, suffers from an unusual genetic disorder. While she is just 16, she physically looks like a grandmother. Aging four times as fast, her life experiences do not match her outward appearance. This contrast serves as an underlying life lesson for all the characters as well as a way to implore the audience to embrace every opportunity to experience life.

Playing the lead role, Ann Morrison, deftly navigates the juvenile aspects while infusing some sage wisdom. From her smart use of hand gestures to her curious infection choices, it is easy to see the youthful 16-year-old inside the older body. The juxtaposition challenges the audience to dig deeper. Instead of the superficial, cursory glance, people need to examine the nuances of her performance.

The key to her role is more than being the connector between all the characters. As both the compass and the conscience, Kimberly implores people to question their decisions. Additionally, she is just as much a comic relief as Aunt Debra (Emily Koch). The quick-witted quip or cutting zinger cuts through the characters’ defenses.

Audiences love Debra, even though her morally corrupt choices are dismal. Koch makes Debra endearing through her charms. She commands the stage as she belts big notes yet seamlessly slips into the background to let the ensemble take over. It is easy to see how Kimberly, Seth, and the show choir are willing to join Debra’s dubious plan.

Seth, played by Marcus Phillips, is the heart of this touring production. His quiet introspection makes this slightly outlandish concept feel plausible.

More importantly, he captures the optimism that all the characters secretly crave. Even though he strives to do everything right, he puts others first. Phillips shines brightly even though he is meant to be the one supporting everyone else. From the curious voice crack to the quiet murmur, all eyes are on his performance.

Although several of Kimberly Akimbo’s underlying themes are heavy, the humor, including the bold language choices, brings a touch of levity. Even if a few choice words make people blush, it is the needed reset from dragging the audience down a dark rabbit hole.

Overall, the National Touring production of Kimberly Akimbo is a delightful night of theater. From clever word play to subtle emotionality, the performances spark conversations long after the curtain goes down.

The storyline serves as a reminder that life is a roller coaster of experiences. Peaks are more enjoyable after traversing the valleys. And, Orlando audiences know better than most that the most magical place on Earth is special because of the people on the adventure, not just the locale. That memorable perspective is never an architectural illusion; it is the true magical moment that lives forever.

Kimberly Akimbo plays the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through April 19. The National Touring production continues for several more weeks.