Pain and Joy in the Stellar Musical, ‘Kimberly Akimbo’

For many, high school is considered to be a difficult time, because of the stress of dealing with social pressures and intense classroom responsibilities. The protagonist (Carolee Carmello) of Kimberly Akimbo, the winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, has it tougher than the average student, because she knows her time on earth is limited.

Set in Bergen County, New Jersey, in 1999, Kimberly initially appears to be a 60-ish-year-old woman. In reality, she is a 16-year-old teenager who has a condition similar to progeria that causes her body to age rapidly.

As she comes to terms with her mortality, Kimberly spends time with her self-centered pregnant mom, Pattie (Dana Steingold), her alcoholic father, Buddy (Jim Hogan), and a nerdy classmate, Seth (Miguel Gil), who becomes a close friend.

As a coming-of-age tale, the show is a unique mix of quirky humor and drama courtesy of book writer and lyricist, David Lindsay-Abaire. Adapted from his 2001 comedy of the same name, he finds humor in various conflicts that Kimberly faces, and still takes more dramatic situations seriously.

While there are sad sections, the tone is mostly optimistic and Abaire emphasizes all the things that make life worth living.

Director, Jessica Stone, understands that this is a character-focused piece that is not always focused on big dramatic moments. She seems more interested in the interactions Kimberly shares with others both through dialogue and song.

Acclaimed composer, Jeanine Tesori, showcases her eclectic musical skills with songs ranging from the pop-themed opening number, “Skater Planet,” to the hilariously awkward patter song, “Happy for Her.” Each of the tunes fit the sequences perfectly and feel true to the Jerseyans at the center of the story.

Orchestra members led by music director, conductor, and keyboardist, Leigh Delano, capture the styles of the various numbers from the low-key charm of the word-heavy “Anagram,” to the upbeat Act One closer, “This Time.”

Besides all having strong singing voices, the performers brings depth and truthful emotion to every scene. Carmello, Gil, Seteingold, Hogan, and Emily Koch as Kimberly’s con artist aunt, Debra, all authentically portray their parts with sympathy, even though they are far from perfect people.

Moving and often funny, the narrative is worthy of the accolades and positive reception it has received in the last few years. The central message about living every day to the fullest is one that is impactful and contagious.

Show times are tonight at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm.