Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The bittersweet musical adaptation of KIMBERLY AKIMBO arrives on Broadway led by the astonishing Victoria Clark

• By drediman
• November 18, 2022
• No Comments

This week, I was able to catch up with the Broadway edition of Kimberly Akimbo, the diminutive but mighty musical adaptation of David Lindsay-Abaire’s play of the same name. The musical — which features book and lyrics by Lindsay-Abaire and music by the prolific composer Jeanine Tesori — tells the story of one Kimberly Levaco, a 16 year-old high schooler who suffers from a disease that causes her to age four to five times faster than the average human. Throw into the mix a dysfunctional family and adolescent hormones and you have the makings of a deeply fascinating study of humanity vis-à-vis mortality.

When I first saw the piece in its Off-Broadway incarnation courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company, I fell head over heels for the bittersweet musical, namely its gentle but astute observations and genuine heart. The accessible music by Ms. Tesori may not be her finest (Caroline, Or Change or Fun Home would and should take that prize), but within the context of Lindsay-Abaire’s offbeat tale, it resides quite perfectly. As for the book, the playwright has done a fantastic job of expanding his underlying play to fit the structure of the musical theater form without bloating the material or detracting from the play’s distinct charm. Indeed, the musical version of Kimberly Akimbo feels completely itself and leaves audiences both hopeful and grateful for our every waking moment. And as directed by Jessica Stone, the musical’s Main Stem outing subtly enlarges its physical production while retaining the quaint sweetness that captivated me at the Atlantic.

The performances have only grown since the musical’s Off-Broadway days — they’re more finely-etched and somehow, ironically and thankfully, less showy than they were last season. In the title role, Tony-winner Victoria Clark is simply astonishing, completely embodying the “teenage” role in an uncanny performance that disarms with its honesty, dignity, and irrepressible spirit. Other standouts include the completely lovable Justin Cooley in an auspicious Broadway debut as Kim’s love interest, as well as the big-voiced Bonnie Milligan, who somehow turns crassness and uncouth behavior into a powerhouse vehicle for charisma as Kim’s aunt. Lastly, the musical’s small, age-appropriate chorus of nerdy high school students (aka, Kim’s friends) remains a delight.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

KIMBERLY AKIMBO
Broadway, Musical
Booth Theatre
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Open run