A rare, life-shortening condition; a new city and school; 100% inappropriate and unhelpful parents.
Not exactly comedy gold? You might be surprised.
The publicity materials for “Kimberly Akimbo” quote one critic as calling it, “Your new favorite musical.”
Other reviewers have described it as “a howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” and “hilarious and heartbreaking.”
These seemingly contradictory descriptions all actually make sense, but if you want to see for yourself, you don’t have much time. A national touring production of “Kimberly Akimbo” is on stage at Seattle’s Paramount Theater, but only through Sunday, Jan. 12.
‘Kimberly Akimbo’: what to know
This is not “Hamilton” or “SIX” or “Back to the Future,” this is a smaller, much more personal show. However, it definitely has the talent and energy of a larger, more traditional musical.
The title character, Kimberly, is almost 16 and trying to settle in to a new city. In addition (to quote the show’s website), she is “forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.”
How do you take a potentially heavy story and make it funny? With a ton of anagrams, a foul-mouthed aunt (she’s not the only one) and four “show choir” kids on a mission. (They’re also wrapped up in a complicated love rectangle, assuming that’s how to describe a love triangle but with four people.)
Speaking of triangles, my teen theater aficionado/critic thought the dysfunction-death-humor combo was handled “with grace.” She noted the show’s ultimately life-affirming message: “You only live once, so you should live more, live bigger.” Well said.
“Kimberly Akimbo” got rave reviews when it opened on Broadway on November 10, 2022. Also, it won five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Skye Alyssa Friedman, Pierce Wheeler, Darron Hayes and Grace Capeless in “Kimberly Akimbo.” (Photo by Joan Marcus)
Show details
The Seattle engagement is short, continuing only through Sunday, Jan. 12 (closing day also includes an ASL/audio-described performance and an open-captioned performance). Ticket details and information here.
In addition, FYI, the content disclaimer is as follows: “Recommended for ages 13 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theater. The show contains some strong language, crude humor, references to alcohol use and authentic New Jersey vernacular.”
