Kimberly Akimbo is a highly acclaimed, Tony-winning Broadway musical (2023 Best Musical) praised for its unique blend of heartfelt drama and dark, quirky humor. The story involves a girl in High School who celebrates her 16th Birthday. However, she’s afflicted with a rare genetic disease (1 in 50 million) that accelerates her aging process. Although she’s 16, she went through menopause four years earlier. Yes, this is Benjamin Buttons in reverse.
The musical follows Kimberly as she deals with her dysfunctional family: a con-woman aunt, an alcoholic father, and a pregnant mother. Kimberly also has a high school crush. Within these problems, Kimberly grapples with with her shrinking lifespan and failing health.
This is one of those musicals that will make you laugh…then make you cry. GRADE: B
Musical numbers:
| Act I “Skater Planet” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa, Seth, Kimberly “Hello, Darling” – Pattie “Make a Wish” – Kimberly “Skater Planet (reprise #1)” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa † “Anagram” – Seth, Kimberly, Company “Better” – Debra, Kimberly, Company “Hello, Darling (reprise)/Father Time” – Pattie “Happy For Her” – Buddy “Anagram (reprise)” – Kimberly † “This Time” – Company | Act II “How to Wash a Check” – Debra, Kimberly, Seth, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Good Kid” – Seth “Hello, Baby” – Buddy “Skater Planet (reprise #2)” – Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa, Seth “Our Disease” – Kimberly, Seth, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “The Inevitable Turn” – Pattie, Buddy, Debra, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Now” – Seth, Kimberly “How to Wash a Check (reprise)” – Debra, Aaron, Delia, Martin, Teresa “Before I Go” – Kimberly, Buddy, Pattie “Hello, Sister” – Kimberly, Seth † “Great Adventure” – Company |
We saw this on Broadway several years ago and were very impressed. Touching show.
Jeff, Diane saw KIMBERLY AKIMBO on one of her trips to NYC with her sister. She was happy this touring version was coming to Buffalo so I could see it, too. Great music and lyrics!
Benjamin Button, in the character’s case…he might’ve enjoyed fast forward and reverse buttons at least as much as Billy Pilgrim or Kimberly would. Progeria is a very cruel genetic mutation…nearly the worst deal possible. Note near-assonance of the names.
Todd, KIMBERLY AKIMBO made me laugh…and made me cry.