KIMBERLY AKIMBO Broadway review | my thoughts on the 2023 new musical

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OHMYGOD HEY!
While I was in New York in March I was invited to review KIMBERLY AKIMBO, the new musical currently playing at the Booth Theatre on Broadway.
The show, which is written by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, stars Tony Award winner Victoria Clark as Kimberly, with Justin Cooley, Alli Mauzey, Steven Boyer, Bonnie Milligan, Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan, Michael Iskander and Nina White.
As we approach the 2023 Tony Award nominations, check out my full review of this show and find out why I think it's the front runner for Best New Musical...
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#kimberlyakimbo #broadway #theatre

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

This show is a clear example of why Tony Awards needs to have a Best Cast category.

[@julianasuplee6900]

Absolutely

[@kakk00]

I agree. The entire cast was exceptional!!

[@feitocomfruta]

It’d be the solution to the “Best Ensemble” question we’ve been asking for. Six and Come From Away are the two other shows I can think of that would have won.

[@yourfavoriteinternetyoda8422]

I would have given that award to shucked, the diversity in the cast is so cool each with an amazing distinct voice, as well as the funny and grey ensemble

[@dylansmith1833]

This show was nothing but sheer perfection. Probably the BEST original piece of musical theatre this season! I knew nothing about it beforehand except that Bonnie Mulligan was in it! I was just blown away and even brought to tears at the end. Bonnie and Victoria both deliver performances that cannot be missed whatsoever! I know for sure this will get a SLEW of Tony nods and will win a bunch of them as well! I am glad you got to see this, Mickey Jo! I do hope it transfers to London so UK audiences will get to see the important message this show has!

[@julianasuplee6900]

@dylansmith1833 ❤️❤️❤️

[@RLucas3000]

Have you seen &Juliet and Shucked? It was a very good year on Broadway. 1776 was amazing too, but I knew it wouldn’t get nominations sadly.

[@loganswafford]

I saw Justin in his musical debut (Hairspray) his freshman year of high school when I was a student teacher. So proud of him! He was a good math student, which is the only insider information I can provide.

[@user-pf2xc9xc4u]

The amusement park Kimberly and Seth are visiting in the pictures at the end are from Great Adventure, a theme park in New Jersey, and are not meant to be Disneyland or Disney World. This is the theme park that Kimberly is longing to go to throughout the show. (Remember that her dad gives her expired tickets?) It has a safari park component that is also pictured. Yes, they are photoshopped, but the pictures are meant to be cheesy. Loved this show-- so touching and beautifully sung. Give a Tony to Bonnie Milligan!

[@aptadpamu]

Mickey Jo is referring to the very last image, where Kimberly is standing in front of the Magic Kingdom castle at DisneyWorld (East coast road trip). To me, the photoshopped image really wasn't a big thing for me.

[@hiptoalieu]

@@aptadpamu VHS effect

[@PrimRooks]

You’ve quickly become my favorite channel for following what’s buzzing in the theatre world. While we’re on different sides of the Atlantic, I’m always so excited for the videos you put out!

[@FinnATL]

Personally, I love this show (5 stars from me). The older I get, the more I recognize that realism draws me into a show far more than heightened/exaggerated styles. I laughed, I cried..., I left that theater drained but very happy. It probably appeals more to audience members who are more empathetic in nature. If you are drawn into shows, and the emotions of the characters you are watching, this is a great show for you. If you are looking for grand spectacle, there are so many other good shows on Broadway that can deliver that experience better. I do worry how it will play in huge theaters on tour. I sat in the 4th row, and it was just perfect. The entire cast is amazing. I didn't realize how important the backing vocals are to this music until I listened to the original cast recording. Would love to see it again.

[@teach4him841]

there’s some boots floating around❤

[@teach4him841]

and that come from a dysfunctional family!

[@aptadpamu]

Wow! This is so spot on. While flash and pizazz can have their place on Broadway, adding more glitter/filler/confetti to a rotting fish doesn't make it smell any better. This musical is incredibly efficient, and every one of the 9 performers is essential to the show's outcome. Not only are Kimberly, Seth, Aunt Debra, Pattie, and Buddy's stories expressed, but we get to know about Martin, Teresa, Delia, and Aaron. The first time I saw KA, I was dismissive about the importance of the show choir kids' roles. But now I feel there is one main character and 8 featured performers with zero supporting cast members. If ever there was a "Best Ensemble" category for the Tony Awards...this team deserves it! Not without some flaws, I give it 4.8 stars.

[@thomasbaia7293]

@@teach4him841 are the bots on KZbin

[@julianasuplee6900]

@aptadpamu Exactly what my family and I said after seeing the show! Deserving of Best Ensemble for sure!

[@josephsmith5410]

I've seen this show twice and I really love it. I just love the indie film sweetness of it, like it could be inspired by movies like "Little Miss Sunshine". I enjoyed the whole show, but the ending truly choked me up and brought me to tears. I didn't notice the last moment as photoshopped, and actually thought it was real. Even if wasn't, it doesn't diminish the power of the song and that final message. Wow! The actors are all fantastic, and the show deserves each Tony nomination that I know it will receive!

[@andrejose0423]

It's a video in the VHS style. Idk why everyone thinks it's "photoshopped" i mean it's probably green screen but it's supposed to be kinda grainy because it was "filmed" on a 90s VHS camera

[@hiptoalieu]

@@andrejose0423 This show uses a LOT of haze...in fact like "rock musical" levels of haze, but with a lack of "in your face" lighting stuff. It gives a super 90s post grunge asthetic!

[@kakk00]

Well I agree that the opening scene was kind of different but I liked the fact it didn’t expose much and I had no idea where the story was heading. And then gradually the holes were filled in and we got to meet her dysfunctional family and learn about her condition ( and her life expectancy). At the beginning I wasn’t even sure what age the young cast was supposed to be playing. And when they wheeled out Kimberly’s birthday cake with a big 16 on it, I teared up and was so moved. It was such a powerful moment!

[@callalily3994]

I liked the show, but didn't love it. It felt like I would have appreciated it more in a smaller venue -- like it needed that intimacy. It's starting on a US tour soon, and the touring venues are often huge -- like, from the seats further back, it's hard to even make out people's faces. I'm not sure how well it will do in theatres like that. I loved a lot of the performances, but it kind of didn't hold together as well as I'd wanted it to. On the opening number I did like that -- I thought it established the setting really well, that this was the world of teenagers that Kimberly was supposed to be part of. I think that immediately showing her among her peers established her character a lot better than starting with her parents would have. We needed to see her as an awkward teen, among other teens, and believe her as one of them, before the rest of the show could really make sense. There were also a ton of local references in there that you probably wouldn't have noticed, but as someone who grew up in the area, I thought they established time and place really well. (Another local reference that I liked was that Kimberly's birthday cake was Fudgey the Whale -- it's the signature ice cream cake from Carvel, a chain that I think only has locations in the NY/NJ/CT area. Every kid in the eighties and nineties had at least one Fudgey birthday cake. I also thought the costume design was really well done -- definitely nineties teens, without going overboard with "Hey! Look at us! We're in the nineties!")

[@raymonddigiacomo3072]

Victoria Clark is extraordinary. Without any prosthetics, make-up, etc, this sixty-something woman absolutely makes you believe she's in her mid-teens. She achieves this simply by great acting. The way she speaks, walks, interacts w. the other cast members, etc. is totally authentic. The entire cast is superb, and Clark's performance is transcendent. She absolutely must win the Tony.

[@rebeccafinn4971]

As someone who worked at an ice rink in Bergen County New Jersey and has a disabled sibling, I loved this show! It was so true to life and honest and the Little Miss Sunshine/Juno/Garden State vibes were immaculate. I laughed and cried and was stunned by the whole cast! Particularly Victoria and Justin. Loved!

[@lillianward2810]

I had an absolute blast at this show. It was also so meaningful for me because I adore Victoria Clark. I saw her in Light in the Piazza for my 16th birthday (still one of my all time favorite theatre experiences). She was very touched when I told her that at the stage door.

[@browneyes142a]

My first experience with Bonnie Milligan was the musical Other World. She was amazing and I was super impressed by the whole show. I would expect to see it on Broadway eventually. Also, Alli Mauzey was the Glinda for my first ever show on Broadway when I won the lottery for Wicked. All that aside though, I absolutely loved this show. It's crazy but heartwarming too.

[@jeovanimata375]

I love Kimberly Akimbo! It’s an emotional rollercoaster, had me laughing, crying and feeling so many emotions. It has everything I love on Broadway, great story telling and great music! It’s a 5 star for me. Can’t wait to see it again.

[@julianasuplee6900]

What an original, moving, and special show! Thought ALL of the performances were great and enjoyed the score. I was fortunate to meet the incredibly sweet, talented, and down to earth Victoria Clark - rooting for her to be nominated (and win) a Tony Award for her believable and heartfelt portrayal as teen Kimberly. 🤞🤞 Liked that the show opened at Skater Planet to see the teens before meeting Kim’s well intended but dysfunctional family. Although the set wasn’t anything fancy, I felt it fit the story and was well designed. I agree that this show calls for an intimate theatre but actually thought the musical worked at the Booth theatre (happy the theatre wasn’t any bigger than that). Fun fact - 37 years ago, Victoria Clark made her Broadway debut at the Booth as a replacement for Adelaide in Guys and Dolls! I’m very happy this show made the transfer to Broadway because it’s well crafted, performed, and there’s nothing like it on Broadway. One of the most special and creative shows I’ve seen in a long time. I’m curious, did anybody see the 2003 play production of Kimberly Akimbo? Also, did anybody see KA off Broadway? Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@andrejose0423]

Hey MickeyJo one thing I've seen Kimby quite a few times now and the Turn sequence is extremely deliberate and timed. Each time I've watched for the gestures and table choreography and it has to be deliberate. It's not as loose as you're describing. Also it's not a photo of her at Disney at the end it's definitely a video. I've asked so many people who've worked on the show if they know if that was greenscreened or not and nobody knows but it's definitely definitely definitely a video. It's like a home movie 90s VHS video. Maybe there was something wrong with the projector on your night? Great video (yours)!

[@christopherbutler1980]

Your review is spot on. Ms.Clark's performance is just perfect.

[@tinamarina8983]

I LOVED this show. I love a big glitzy musical but also adore a small intimate show and this just blew me away. I went in completely blind and the cast just blew me away. So funny, so heartfelt and heartbreaking. It's now one of my favorite theater experiences.

[@teach4him841]

I saw Akimbo about a month ago……I LOVED it! I went on a show marathon seeing Sweeney, Parade, Cinderella, and Akimbo………It was funny, sad, and had relatable scenarios that would come from a totally dysfunctional family……I think there will be a slew of Tony nominations…….Maybe I didn’t see it through your refined theatrical eyes…however, .I LOVE your critiques of the shows you see……❤

[@jennybacon2429]

I saw Victoria Clark's understudy back in January and she gave me exactly the same feelings as you've described here. Truly phenomenal. Bonnie Milligan needs a Tony nod, she was incredible!

[@jameshicks6435]

I too saw Ms. Clark's understudy and didn't get the youthful spirit that I thought was needed for the role. I loved the show, though, and am strongly considering seeing it again so I can experience Victoria Clark in the role.

[@aptadpamu]

I got to see Colleen Fitzpatrick as Kimberly, too. She was wonderful.

[@MaiseyLeMay]

I saw this last night and it was PHENOMENAL. The message was beautiful and brought me to tears, and the casting was excellent!

[@Moundfreek]

I saw the play version a few months ago in Portland! Looking forward to the musical going on tour in a few years :)

[@Wahoowa01]

I just saw Kimberly Akimbo tonight-loved it! We had understudies on for Seth and Buddy, and they were fabulous!

[@feitocomfruta]

The entire time I was stuck in the Newark airport to fly home after spending Christmas with my family’s, I kept hearing announcements from this cast about New Jersey and broadway

[@clarissacortez250]

I actually believe this show greatly teetered on what it should be. If they had a bit more moments of heartbreak or genuine conversation it could have fallen into the category of something like dear Evan Hansen, a drama that happens to be funny. Instead it feels more like a sweet centered comedy with serious beats. I think this might be the difference between it winning best musical or not perhaps ? Over all I adored what it ended up being. The songs were very cute and the performances were jaw dropping ❤️

[@kevinkiniry3941]

I loved it! Saw it off Broadway as well as on Broadway. it is definitely a smaller show but I love the uniqueness and realness in it. Great music and as you said, a fantastic cast!

[@Nooneuknow926]

YES! I am so happy you’ve posted your review! I want so badly to see this show and you just solidified it for me. Hopefully they come this way (Midwest) for their national tour 😅

[@TheWiseGrif]

The review i've been waiting for ❤❤❤ listening to the cast album for the first time along with you in your reaction video built my hype up, and i hope i can make a trip of my own to NYC to see it

[@LPM12]

Isaw the show at the Atlantic Theater Company during its Off Broadway run and knew it was going to be something special. I, of course, returned to see it at the Booth (one of my favorite small Broadway houses) and felt the show had only gotten better. (See what I did there?! ifykyk) It is, by far, the Best New Musical of the season, and Victoria Clark and Bonnie Milligan should both very likely be clearing some shelf space come June.

[@Showtunediva]

My cousin told me about this show and it sounds very interesting. Thanks for another great review ❤️‍🩹

[@TheatreKidTom]

I saw *Kimberly Akimbo* on a school trip to NYC and it was *AMAZING* !

[@triggeruatriggerua2793]

The Inevitable Turn is choreographed to turn so that each character singing is highlighted downstage, the timing must have been off the evening you saw the show. The last image didn’t bother me at all. I was so moved by it that I didn’t think about it being photoshopped. I LOVED the show choir posing while singing backup to The Inevitable Turn. Beautiful show.

[@mikeyeeca]

I’m gonna disagree with your nitpicks. I think you nailed it when you mentioned the indie film vibe, and that’s EXACTLY why making moments like “Better” bigger or more whimsical as you’re suggesting would’ve broken the tone of the show. I think the show is perfection and the simplicity of the staging is, IMO, part of why it has the charm it has.

[@MarieSAnderson71]

I've seen the show twice. Once in December with Victoria's understudy (who was amazing) and again last week with the full cast. I agree with so much of what you have said here. This cast is phenomenal. Each character is fully realized and believable. The only character I didn't connect with was the father. I don't know what it was, but I just didn't get the same feelings as I did with the character of the mother. I will fully admit that this could be because I'm a mom (and not, obviously, a dad) of 3, my youngest is 13 and I know a version of the same feelings Kimberly's mother is experiencing--children leaving home to embark on whatever is next can be a difficult process for a parent, and it's one I've been facing for the last 4 years. Father Time absolutely kills me. The song I feel similarly about is He's My Boy from Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Both songs are total tear-jerkers for me. Bonnie Milligan--no notes. Sheer comedic and vocal perfection. Loved her in We Got the Beat, loved her in this. I do agree it could be "bigger". Maybe more use of projections? But I love the small cast. I wouldn't want it to turn into a full-blown high school like a Mean Girls. Justin Cooley is bound for great things. He plays his character with such honesty. The 4 show choir kids are equally amazing. I don't know anything about his understudy, who I'm sure is terrific, but you missed out on seeing Fernell Hogan. He has the voice of a literal angel and a smile that lights up the stage. I had the good fortune of hanging out with him, Nina and Olivia after the show in January, and they are all incredibly talented, lovely people. If you go to my channel, I have a video of Olivia (posted with her permission) singing And I'm Telling You that had my jaw on the floor. Ok, sorry for the novel 😂

[@julianasuplee6900]

LOVE the show choir kids ❤️

[@MarieSAnderson71]

@@julianasuplee6900 they probably think I'm some kind of stalker bc we saw them out again after we saw the show last week 😂

[@julianasuplee6900]

@MarieSAnderson71 They’d probably be flattered and relieved you’re seeing them again, rather than the show choir from West Orange

[@DD-pointeoforder]

Yes I 100% agree with this. I saw Kimberley Akimbo and everyone was raving. I enjoyed it but I didn't love it the way I loved other shows like Shucked. You are totally right it feels like a Play with songs. It's lovely but I personally didn't see all the hype.

[@pwadethompson2497]

Saw it today! Absolutely loved it!

[@johnbliss9330]

I didn't see this review when you first posted it, but after the Tonys last night -- and especially the performance from KA -- I had to come here and hear your thoughts.

[@leahjennings9181]

After seeing the show for the first time I heard from someone that Alli Mauzey changes which leg her cast is on between scenes. When I saw it the second time I watched for this, and it was a little funny easter egg.

[@aptadpamu]

At first, I thought it was a stage directed decision (couch vs table). Then I asked one of the cast members about it and was told it was Allie's idea as an Easter egg. But a friend of mine who just saw the show on Friday, said it was in character since Pattie is a hypochondriac.

[@TheAngiekins]

I’m an OR nurse and I picked it up immediately the first time I saw it! The 2nd time I made sure my friend caught it too. 😂

[@eggbagel634]

I’ve seen it twice and thought I noticed that the second time, but I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination haha!

[@kakarikiyazoo]

This review is absolutely spot on. Pretty much my exact opinions of the show and production.

[@clzzz2719]

this explains so many of my thoughts on the show! completely agree with the directing; it was very obvious akimbo was somewhat closer to a play than others. I really loved the libretto & somehow felt like the directing, while it was great, was probably simpler since it had such a strong book. The ensemble performances also benefitted from it because all of the characters were already so well-developed, though the actors were phenomenal since well-developed does not mean easy to pull off. Thank you for mentioning that some songs could be more theatrical & more intense emotional outbreaks, that was enlightening: I think the difference in dramatic impact between akimbo and, say, dear evan hansen, was that it didn't have a "good for you" or a "words fail," but rather a "Requiem" at the very end ("Before I Go"). Not that those were necessary or necessarily better. Father Time was the "so big/so small" for me; in addition to that, "Sister" was a super powerful moment when so many elements had come together in this special, bittersweet, but so hopeful moment. ALSO: I wasn't able to note how hard the skating sequence was until I watched this video and I am in awe.

[@benjaminsagan5861]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the way that Victoria Clark (who has a truly _legit_ and extremely well-trained Soprano) also modifies her singing to *sound* more youthful. I had the great privilege of seeing her play Margaret Johnson in _The Light in the Piazza_ at the Vivian Beaumont, and that entire production was so overwhelmingly perfect that it's hard to pick favourites, but she and Kelli O'Hara and Patti Cohenour really did sound rapturously beautiful; I nearly fainted. Bravo on your pseudo-predictions! You nailed them all.

[@mwmheps]

Always great to hear your thoughts! I hadn't thought of it as an indie movie vibe but that is a perfect way to describe the vibe. Personally I liked but didn't love the show - I think my expectations from word of mouth were a bit too high going in, and it might also be one I'd enjoy more having listened to the album than going in blind (though that was fun too). In contrast to you I wasn't a big fan of the Act 1 finale (I didn't like it very much musically and don't remember that they were skating lol - I was probably impressed at the time but saw it a few months ago) but I loved the ending in Act 2, I was very happy it ended in such a positive and sweet way. I also really disliked the Aunt Deborah character so I didn't really enjoy any of her scenes, apart from How To Wash A Check I now love from the cast album. I loved Seth though and him and Kimberly's relationship as well, as the other teenagers were a lot of fun. Father Time is my favourite song so glad to hear you mention it as well. I do think it will do very well at the Tonys which I think is probably deserved, but I think it's a great season overall and I hope love goes to other shows as well (I'll never be over the 2017 Tonys...). Hoping you're going to be doing a Tonys predictions video!

[@aptadpamu]

Mickey Jo has stated he will do a Tony nominations video as well as a Tony Awards winners prediction video prior to June 12th.

[@markedgood]

Thank you for the review! Very helpful critique.

[@aschmarkl]

The entire cast is stellar. I think I love the album more every time I listen to it

[@scottdavis7730]

I listened to the cast album once, and then I saw the show and now I can't stop listening to the album. I'm obsessed, and I love it!

[@Analblockage]

My favorite musical of the season. Saw it Off-Broadway and twice on Broadway. I think it has best musical and best actress TONY in the bag.

[@julianasuplee6900]

@Analblockage Were there major differences between the off-Broadway and Broadway productions? Did they ice skate off-Broadway too? Definitely rooting for the KA cast and creative team at the Tonys.

[@Analblockage]

@@julianasuplee6900, They did skate off-Broadway. As far as I can remember, the show was mostly the same. They did upgrade the set a bit for Broadway. There were some lyric changes and some jokes cut or added. I loved it off-Broadway because of the intimacy, but they did a great job maintaining that feeling at the Booth.

[@julianasuplee6900]

@Analblockage thanks - appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts. Glad you got to see and enjoy both productions

[@losfp]

This was one of the shows we saw when we visited NYC for the very first time last month (Nov 2023). I really enjoyed it. Though I will admit, I was prepared for it to completely destroy me and... it didn't? I felt they pulled a couple of punches and they really could have gone a bit harder for a more impactful ending. But that's a quibble. Great, fun, cute show with an outstanding cast.

[@Namdog2252]

Adored it. Hope it gets all the accolades bc it would do the world good for more people to see it ❤️

[@IshScout]

Firstly I'm even more disappointed you didn't know what castle it was hehe (ok tbf anything outside the two US ones & maybe Paris I'd likely be confused) More so a reason to come visit me in Orlando for your next US adventure. Even though I haven't seen the show & just worn out the cast recording I feel how truly special it is. There is a lot of heart here & is easily my front runner for Best New Musical leading into Tonys season.

[@e.dalesmith-gallo6897]

I have seen the show twice, and I really enjoyed it. However, I agree with your assertion that the opening number is a bit underwhelming. As I have listened (repeatedly) to the cast recording, it has grown on me, but I feel that it could have gone a bit further to really set the tone of what I feel is an otherwise exceptional show.

[@clowchan]

I wanted to love this musical but found it to be cute but ok. For me Bonnie Milligan as Aunt Debra was a personal highlight and I hope she gets a Tony nom

[@jaredklein5353]

I saw this show during a 5 day trip where I saw a lot of shows (Kim Akimbo, A Beautiful Noise Some like it hot, Phantom, Shucked, & Juliet). I only knew the basic plot going into the show and none of the music. I found the story the most relatable out of the shows listed which feels weird to say about a show about someone aging 4x faster than everyone, but the dysfunctional family component, wanting to fit in during high school, wanting to leave a sad little home town, and coming to grips with more mortality but it feel that way. I thought the cast was amazing, though I did not get to see Victoria Clark but it's Broadway so her understudy is very high caliber. Bonnie Mulligan deserved her Tony hands down. I feel like this musical is a little underrated compared to the nominees but it won a lot of awards. I thought Some like it Hot was going to win best new musical, maybe because it was flashier with amazing choreography and acting, but I can understand how Kimberly Akimbo could win it. It felt a little bit like "Fun Home" winning though that show was nowhere near as good as this one.

[@crunchberrychaos1545]

I just saw the show on 5/26/23 and there was a somewhat different ending than you described. There wasn't a series of pics, but instead wobbly home video footage taken from Kimmy's POV behind the camera at all the places she mentioned she wants to go, and then the final scene you see before it cuts off is Kim wearing Mickey ears, smiling and waving in front of the castle at Disney World. I think at some point they finally were able to get her out there and take that live video.

[@slinky_nyc]

yes!! i saw it tonight and that footage of her really got me.😭 what a perfect way to end this beautiful show. left me all sorts of emo 😂

[@robsheiffele6181]

My favorite show in years!

[@joycechalfin9772]

I’m a Jerseyite. Knew all the towns they were mentioning. I loved it. But after seeing Phantom 2 weeks before 🙄for the 3rd time in 30 years …Mickey Joe. I have been watching some of ur videos and u answered me before. U r lovely. Can I get tix at the Majesty this summer to see Phantom? I NEED to see it. Looking at cheap deals flight and hotel for the family. Merci

[@joycechalfin9772]

I’m glad you liked it. They did mention my state so much I thought others would be turned off. My 20 year old likes it too.

[@victoriaramos1972]

You are too adorable, Mickey Jo!

[@MisterMagikarp]

I saw Bad Cinderella for the meme instead of seeing Kimberly Akimbo. GRRR.

[@larrybeckler8035]

I saw the show and loved it with all my heart. However, I applaud your insight regarding the staging. I too found it uninspired. It subliminally took away from the joyous ride that I was on. With that said, I would recommend this show to anyone looking to have their heart filled. Finally, speaking about heart, you are my favorite critic because of your ability to speak from your heart and not sound like a parrot from some drama school department. I look forward to your future reviews.

[@victoriaramos1972]

My favorite song was "Hello Darling"

[@DaniTryn]

Belting Bonnie is the BEST. She is our Broadway QWWEEEENNNNNN

[@KikeNavarrete68]

Well if you want to take an actress to take pictures in Disney for a play, Disney is gonna charge you with an excessive amount of dollars for the rights to use intelectual property.

[@michaelcoluccio2097]

One comment made earlier which I completely agree with, is that the show requires an INTIMATE setting to be fully effective and as such, I think this show SCREAMS “Circle in the Square”. That aside, my issue with this show (which I did enjoy greatly) is in fact, the book. But of course, nine times out of ten, when I have an issue with a show, it’s the book. Why are these characters not more fully explored? Why can’t we pick ONE relationship and decide that that’s the one we will explore fully? To me, the main character is Kimberly and Victoria Clark is masterful in her portrayal. But I have a question…if you have progeria, and are 16 years old but look 70, does this also mean your maturity increases too? Yes she’s a responsible young girl from a broken home but….she seemed just a bit too “put together” for my tastes? Wherein lies the conflict? Where were the severe doubts about her own mortality? Where was the angst over her relationship with Seth in terms of her not wanting to commit to him due to her own mortality? Why did the dad drink as much as he did? Why weren’t the marital issues more fleshed out? I just wish they would have picked at least a couple of characters to “drill down” more deeply to create a story that truly got to the heart of at least one person or couple rather than remaining on the surface throughout…

[@hiptoalieu]

I don't think they wanted the show to be three hours long! LOL

[@HP-io2qu]

As far as Kimberly feeling “put together,” I think this works quite well for her character. It’s clear that her parents have adultified her, meaning that she had to grow up more quickly then the average kid. Everything else about her screams teenager which is really impressive considering the actress is not and probably had to do a lot to get there! This is coming from a 19 year old btw!

[@niclesnyc]

Hopefully you got to see good shows, such as Funny Girl or NY NY while in NYC. Those shows are worth the while.

[@teach4him841]

I saw Funny Girl……it was just meh for me🫤

[@niclesnyc]

@@teach4him841 with LEA? I saw Beanie and I hated it, but LEA makes the show. Also, seeing Tovah and Ramin and Jared, they now have a chance to shine with a good leading lady.

[@hanonondricek411]

This is very much a musicalization of a classic edgy Broadway character comedy in the vein of John Guare or Christopher Durang.

[@Paulxl]

There is a special kind of plastic that it's used to ice stake over it. 😅

[@teach4him841]

There’s a whole youtube video that show’d the person and the science behind it….interesting!

[@TuolumneBunter]

I got the same necklace but lost the charm😥

[@thaiswinmill2153]

I saw it with Colleen. I really liked it but it was another one that I am not dying to see it again if I could. I loved Ali Mauzey. She was my first Glinda in wicked several years ago. Seth was phenomenal. We really had a great time but the story line with the teens stealing money and fraudulent checks did turn me off. I wanted more for Kimberly.

[@leahjennings9181]

I know it’s probably an underrated opinion, but I actually liked Colleen a little more than Victoria. They both played Kimberly completely different tho which was interesting

[@julianasuplee6900]

Completely agree with you about Seth - hope Justin Cooley is nominated for a Tony! ⭐️ Alli Mauzey was terrific too! Father time 😭

[@leahjennings9181]

@@julianasuplee6900 Yeah! And if Justin Cooley wins he will be the youngest person ever to win a Tony because he will be younger than Myles Frost was when he won the Tony for MJ

[@julianasuplee6900]

@leahjennings9181 I just learned that Frankie Michaels was 10 when he won a Tony for his role as Patrick Dennis in Mame in 1966

[@leahjennings9181]

@@julianasuplee6900 oops I meant for lead actor in a musical(not sure if he would be considered a lead tho). I didn’t know that tho

[@jvmbmc]

Lets agree to disagree about Kimberly Akimbo, if this was less "honest to life" and bigger more expanded if would definitely not have the same impact, in my opinion. I loved the show and have seen it and will be going back once more for sure maybe more times.

[@chuckoneill2023]

According to the show site, your necklace is "faux" candy. So don't eat it. Those candy necklaces were common during my childhood. They tasted terrible. I don't know what I think about this show --- I'm more interested in being entertained, than having my "thoughts provoked" when going to musical theater. That skating surface is very common -- my local museum used it some years back, to have a Christmas time skating performance indoors.

[@MsJaytee1975]

The disabled community has a saying ‘nothing about us without us’, this seems like it’s about us without us. And frankly, it sounds vile. The idea for the musical came from a joke about the child of a family friend, who was said to be like a little old lady in a child’s body. I didn’t think anyone on Broadway could be more ableist than Pasek and Paul, but it seems like this show is trying it’s best. FYI, relentlessly positive is a pretty horrible trope about disabled people. We’re not allowed to show conflicting emotions, non-disabled people need us to make them feel better. If it does win at the Tony’s, especially if Victoria Clark wins then it’ll set musical theatre back decades. It’s telling disabled people watching ‘you have no place here, you’re not welcome’ I’ve seen people say that the disability Kimberly has is fictional. I think that’s deliberately done, in my view to deflect criticism about a non-disabled actor playing Kimberly and it not being particularly accurate. But it is very similar to the condition Progeria, a real condition that real people have. And the way people talk about Kimberly will be the way they talk about real disabled people.

[@andrejose0423]

A question in good faith: Are there any Broadway theatre productions that would satisfy that criteria "nothing about us without us"? Currently running or closed etc. Or even off broadway? I mean has it happened yet to the degree that's ideal? I'm in agreement on the gist of what you're saying but Kimberly Akimbo is not the musical to take this out on. I can guarantee, from hearing a talk from the writers, the disease ambiguity was *not* to "deflect criticism..." it was for the themes of the show to shine through because the show isn't about a disease or a disability. It's about hope and optimism and outcasts and growing up in the context of others who are different. Disabled people just as worthy as being represented in theatre as anyone but come the fock on. Is Kimby an outlier here? Really. I'm 1,000% for the theatre community to reach out beyond traditional audiences and to completely accept all equally and to even lift up those who are marginalized by society but you are so wrong here. The writers didn't want this to be "The Diseased Dying Girl Musical" - don't you see? They don't focus on the specific fictional disorder because that's not what the show is about.

[@HP-io2qu]

Okay, thank you! I was thinking the first thing! This musical wants to be this surreal, realistic experience, emotional experience, but the fact that the disability part of this was fumbled so badly really makes it fall flat for me! It’s also kind of insulting to the actual people who have similar conditions I feel because they just graze over all of that, you know?

[@rachi5212]

I loved the 'realism' in this show, the fact that it doesn't break out into high song and dance moments - it just is. I also love that it hasn't been overly policed by the PC brigade, yes some things said and done in the plot are 'right', but many of us will know people like that... I saw the show completely blind, before the soundtrack was released, and not knowing the story other than Victoria Clark was playing a teen, and The Inevitable Turn just blew me away!! I think your comment about it being the 'indy movie' equivalent of a Broadway show is spot on! And, to be honest, I didn't care about the photoshopped images at the end, Kimmy was living and that is what life is about (also remember the images have to match whoever is playing Kimberley on stage so might not be possible to take everyone to WDW!!)

[@MsJaytee1975]

Yeah, god forbid Broadway show respect for disabled people. We wouldn’t want that to spoil your enjoyment.

[@andrejose0423]

Ok am I insane? Every time I've seen this show there are videos not images projected. I've seen so many comments talking about the "photoshopped images at Disney" and I'm so so so confused and starting to doubt that I know what words mean. Maybe it's just a wording thing but it was a video for you right? Like a 90s VHS quality video projection on the screen?

[@christopherrex8203]

For the life of me I just cannot get into this cast recording and I do not know why. Tesori is often one of my favorite composers so I do not know what it is about this show that I just do not find appealing. For anyone who has seen it, do the songs work better in context of the show, cause I found that to be the case with FUN HOME as well (my fav Tesori score)

[@theDK468]

just my two cents: i heard the akimbo cast recording once in the background (so i didn’t really pay attention to what i now consider the highlights - the lyrics and instrumentals) and didn’t think too much about it either. i don’t know any of the cast or story but i went to watch the show on the whim anyway and it really won me over. i watched akimbo sandwiched between glitz and glamor, in your face type of shows, so comparatively, the staging felt very small. but it’s been two weeks since i got back from nyc, and akimbo’s soundtrack has since had the longest staying power for me out of the 7 musicals i caught that week. when you understand the context and recall the dialogue that comes before and after the songs, the songs really come to life. and this is coupled with the memory of the FANTASTIC performances from the cast. i’d say give the show a chance if you can!

[@christopherrex8203]

@@theDK468 That seems to be the assessment I have been seeing. Mind you its not that I actively dislike it but on the whole it has just felt...fine to me. Perhaps I will need to try to see it after all to get it all to click. Thanks for the input! It is definitely appreciated!

[@theDK468]

@@christopherrex8203 no problem at all. i didn’t expect to laugh at akimbo as much as i did. and if the music really does end up falling flat for you, i’m pretty sure you’ll at least be won over by the cast. they simply could not have casted this musical any better (an incentive to see the show while it’s still obc), and it was quite crazy to me how young the ensemble was (3/4 were broadway debuts) bc of how good they were. unfortunately, nyc is a 21 hour flight away for me, so it’ll probably be years before i make it back again. else, i’d be interested to watch it again now that i’m familiar with the story/score. if you do ever get to catch it, i’d love to know your thoughts!

[@MichaelKrasMagic]

The context of the show was transformative for me in this regard! I loved the cast album but didn’t find it as moving as I expected. Then I got to see the production and sobbed through most of it in ways I was absolutely not prepared for. Those songs are absolute heartbreakers when they’re experienced as part of a whole.

[@AmbeeLee]

Okay... I am SO glad that you pointed out the photoshopped castle because, as an unapologetic Disney Adult, that moment KILLED me and took me right outta the touching ending. Not only that the photoshop job was such a hack job but... and this is something that is SUCH a nitpick that others would likely not get but to those that do, it's so throw together. The show is set in the 1990s. They never mention a year but with the references it's clearly the 90s. So... they are not using a vintage photo of the castle for the photoshop job. That is a picture of the CURRENT castle in Disney World because it features additions to design that were added in 2015. To get that far into the show, talking about Kim wanting to go to Disney World a few times, that when we finally get to that moment, it's so haphazardly tacked on, it was basically a lazy afterthought.

[@andrejose0423]

Hi I think maybe the projector was malfunctioning on your night because it's most definitely a video. You're describing it like it was a photo like a still photograph? If that's the case I think there was definitely some malfunction with the projector and I'm sorry you had that experience. It's a beautiful video from the "camera" they bring with them and you see shots of their road trip including Graceland and shots of the interstate driving by and a video shot of her in front of the castle. She's smiling and laughing in front of the castle and there's movement in the background it's definitely not a photo.

[@michaelcoluccio2097]

Has anyone who is complaining about the “photoshopped” ending considered that maybe it’s a theatrical choice set forth to further the story and give more of a definitive finality to her mortality?

[@hiptoalieu]

It wasn't Disney LOL

[@honestreviewscanada]

The show is truly original but I would not rate it as highly. There were many free seats available and this was after the Tony wins, so I think it tends to appeal to some greatly and miss with others. The opening number was confusing. I remember two or three songs as being compelling and well-written and beautifully delivered. The parents are the most poorly written characters and there was room for other supporting cast members to be given a richer backstory. Bonnie Milligan steals the show along with Victoria Clarke. I think there was room for at least two more songs/scenes.

[@wesman422]

Begging for everything to be bigger would be absolutely antithetical to the tone of the piece.

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

If Victoria Clarke doesnt win Best Actress Tony, I will riot.

[@teach4him841]

But, I think she will be up against Micaela Diamond, Annaleigh Ashford maybe? Hard to choose because all their roles are so different❤

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

@@teach4him841 Good competition. Though I think Victoria has the edge. She so convincingly transforms into a teenager on stage. Something that even young actors have trouble doing.

[@Clouden3]

Maybe seeing it in context might improve it for me, but just listening to the soundtrack, it's not doing anything for me. Doesn't really have a standout song that really defines it. Not to mention, the vocals and the instrumentation for it all just comes across extremely bland, but like i said, it could change when I actually see it.

[@bm4114]

After fun home this show was a disappointment for me. I didn’t buy for a second that the main character was a kid. I thought the melodies were bland, and the lyrics pedantic, just kind of cutesy “I like your point of view” really? And when it was time for her big number in act 2 it was word salad. The little Greek chorus buzzing about felt forced. Also, the costumes were more 80s, giving the show a dusty vintage look rather than the actual time period it was set, and the set felt like local theater in a bad way. I wanted so much more from this given how interesting the premise is and how much I like tesori’s work. And since this was a made up story why the check laundering subplot? So bizarre and distracting.

[@callalily3994]

I agree with a lot of this, but I actually loved the costumes -- I was a teenager in the late nineties, and they felt really accurate to how my friends and I dressed then, with all the layers, mixed plaids, flannel everywhere, jumper straight out of the delia's catalog, and so on.

[@paulnagle7017]

I left at intermision. Did not get anything about it. Found it gratingly enthusiastic. Never for a moment though of her as 16.

[@niclesnyc]

I thought it was a terrible show and an awful influence for the youth, stating that turning teenagers into criminals is a cool idea. The songs were also forgettable. A pity that a legend like Victoria Clark who starred in wonderful shows like Piazza, Gigi and Cinderella is now wasting her talent in this garbage.

[@hiptoalieu]

LOL I think you completely misunderstood the entire point of this show!