reacting to KIMBERLY AKIMBO original Broadway cast album (*spoilers*)

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OHMYGOD HEY!
Earlier this month, the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the new musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO was released, and I was so excited to listen to it ahead of seeing the show on my trip to Broadway next month!
The show features a score by Jeanine Tesori and stars Victoria Clark, Justin Cooley, Alli Mauzey, Bonnie Milligan and more!
Check out today's new video for my full reaction to hearing it for the first time!
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#theatre #broadway #musical

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

The cast even skate on the floor during ice rink. The chorus is amazing. Like Six, they are a good example of why we need to have a Tony Award for best ensemble.

[@Shweiss4]

And they all have thier own unique characters who you're invested in!

[@oliviahardy9584]

Thanks for giving us a listen 💖 We’d love to have you on our Great Adventure!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

I saw the matinee on Wednesday - loved it! The onstage skating blew my mind!

[@dylansmith1833]

You are gonna enjoy Kimberly Akimbo! Bonnie and Victoria give award-worthy performances!

[@kafart4000]

ur so right about father time, i was bawling in the theatre during that song

[@fashionablechangeling1988]

I was blown away by ‘Better’ I’ve never heard of Bonnie Milligan before but wow, what a voice

[@callalily3994]

Search KZbin for "Belting Bonnie's Bon Voyage" -- it's a solo show that she did at 54 Below in 2014, and it's amazing.

[@aschmarkl]

She’s not called beltingbons for nothing

[@TheWiseGrif]

Check out her tracks in the Head Over Heels cast recording...Beautiful, Automatic Rainy Day (with Taylor Iman Jones), and How Much More (where she goes OFF)

[@lillianward2810]

I know you’ve seen it by now, but I want to clarify that Great Adventure is the name of the Six Flags theme park here in New Jersey.

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

I loved Kimberly Akimbo. The music is a prime example of Jeanine Tessori being one of the best Broadway composers of all time.

[@nujoseph]

Saw it when it was off Broadway and then saw it on Broadway. The show is so powerful and is what musical theatre is all about. You’re going to absolutely love it. The kiddos in the cast are SO incredible and handle themselves as seasoned veterans when they are all very new to all of this. So much love for this show.

[@TheatreKidTom]

I saw kimberly akimbo recently, my school went on a trip to NYC and it's amazing! such a heart-warming sweet and funny musical! I love it when you see the original cast!

[@aptadpamu]

I'm beyond excited that you're getting to see KA in March. It's a small production with only 9 actors, but they all are so amazing. The musicians are spot on, and there's loads of surprises that are not in the cast recording. I'm really looking forward to your reaction when you (and I assume Aeron) experience it in person.

[@melissamr8023]

Bonnie Milligan is a vocal BEAST! I just love her. ❤️

[@losfp]

We had our very first visit to NYC in November and KA was one of the shows we saw. I bought the CD earlier but refrained from listening before seeing the show and I'm so glad I went in cold. Such a cute show with a clever score. Bonnie Milligan and Alli Mauzey were unreal. We saw Victoria's understudy Colleen and she was fantastic too.

[@lyndsayhawkins8747]

“I’m feeling maternal, I want to cradle something:” immediately grabs Totoro

[@adamspinozzi4905]

My new fave show album of ALL TIME. I have it on repeat. Great review. Need to find your review after seeing the show! Jealous.

[@jwindsor6274]

"my first ever trip to new york" sounds crazy to a broadway loving american like myself because i go to new york to see a show like every other month. but i suppose it'd be weird to you that i've never seen a show in the uk 🤣

[@TheWiseGrif]

I have been WAITING for this Mickey!!!!! Thank you!!!

[@aschmarkl]

I do love this show. The whole cast is superb. As an old Jersey boy myself it really hits home. BTW Great Adventure is an amusement park in New Jersey

[@sofiaCC09]

I watched Kimberley Akimbo about 2 weeks ago. Completely underestimated it, it was such an AWESOME PLAY (I would watch it so many times more and never get tired of it).

[@supercoolbrian5929]

I just saw this on Broadway last week and it was incredible....the last song is very powerful with what happens on stage (I won't spoil it ).

[@callalily3994]

I grew up in Bergen County, NJ, and while watching this show, I kept thinking, "We didn't announce that we were teenagers in Bergen County, NJ, quite that often -- did we? Maybe we did?" Those little bits in the tapes for the baby were driving me nuts, too, because they were so familiar. I had the same "Is this the voicemail from Rent?" thought as you did, before I finally placed it as "History of Wrong Guys." I liked the show, but didn't love it, but also I really wasn't seeing it under the best conditions -- I was attempting a two-show day, the first time I'd done it on my own, and this was the second show, and my wheelchair broke down on my way between the two shows. So I was kind of stressed out and annoyed and not really in the best place for enjoying a show at that point. I did still like it, and I think I'd like to see it again on a better day. My general feeling at the time was that I would have loved it if I'd seen it in a smaller venue, but that it wasn't really "big" enough for the theatre that it's in. Like you said, the tone does shift wildly, and it sometimes that worked well, but other times it seemed like trying a bit too hard to be quirky. (I also learned that day that Leslie Kritzer is one of the few people in NYC who will stop and ask, "Do you need help?" if they see someone in a broken-down wheelchair. And then I made a total fool of myself once I recognized her.)

[@callalily3994]

You're right about the presentations in science class in "Our Disease." It's a recurring subplot throughout the show, that they're working on those presentations, just kind of some homework that they're working on in between other stuff, and then builds up to that.

[@callalily3994]

Also, the show is based on a play from 2001. I read an interview with the writer, where he said he'd considered updating it to make it set in the present day, but then realized that there were a bunch of small but important plot points that just wouldn't work if the teenagers all had cell phones, so they kept with the nineties setting. The costume and hair people definitely had a lot of fun with that.

[@MrBungee]

I've seen it four times, both off-Broadway on on. Love, love, love. What a joy to see you discover the brilliant score. Excited you are getting to see KA next month.

[@rmcmariusable]

Finally!!! Thank you for reviewing this fantastic and original cast recording ❣️Enjoy. The show is fabulous!

[@witchygrrl]

Kimberly Akimbo was such an unexpected pleasure when I saw it a couple weeks ago, I'm so excited to see your reaction to it! The whole cast is so damn strong, and the book and music are so genius! And OMG I never realized you'd never been to NYC! What other shows are on your list??

[@snowysnowy8293]

I went to go see Kimberly Akimbo in December of 2022 with my dad! I loved loved LOVED this show!

[@IshScout]

I just adore you cast recording reaction videos truly just soaking it in for what it is & having fun. Hoping in a few years KA will do a US tour so I have a shot to see it because everything I've heard & the small bits I've seen just feel really special. I have no doubts it's going to snag some Tony awards & may easily be a front runner for Best Musical.

[@CarolineAnnMartinCAT]

I JUST saw the show the show last night, and, gosh, how you nailed so much of the show! I've seen that the OBC album is now out, but I haven't been able to find it. (Why I didn't check last night, I am damning myself for.) I am saddened that there wasn't more context added to the album, yet still, I'm eager to get the album. I LOVE you're channel and enjoyed listening to this video! Enjoy the show! I look forward to seeing your review!!!

[@Showtunediva]

My cousin who goes to NYU said this show is fabulous and it is certainly on my list to see. I anxiously await your review Mickey Jo.❤

[@TheEddieLandsberg]

Not to play comparison or favorites, but I'll take this guy to Seth Rudetsky any time... 🤣🤣🤣 Very sincere and insightful reflections! Saw the show twice... blown away. Don't get me started...

[@courdeleon]

I have been following this show so it was interesting to hear the cast recording and your reactions! I can't imagine listening to a cast recording knowing nothing about the show. None of the songs would have context. But also you can judge the songs for their just their music and lyric qualities, a different kind of take! I know your reactions would have been different had you know about Kimberly, you almost got it with the Benjamin Button reference! Now after reading all the comments from those who have seen it, I think I will have to plan trip to NYC again! I know you will cry probably for sad and happy reasons!

[@bdun0912]

Loved seeing this show last month-fun to relive it a bit watching this

[@MrBungee]

Thanks! So fun to see you enjoy the score as much as I do.

[@jenrojo6504]

Can't wait to see you in NYC and your show reviews. Did you see the Victoria Clark said she has a week vacation in March 7-12.

[@zackmaster79]

15:37 that is a bass clarinet. The sound is a lot more smoother

[@haterobics]

Going for my third time this Saturday... can't get enough!

[@ella9120]

LOVE LOVE Kimberly Akimbo cast recording!!!

[@clowchan]

It's a very cute show. You'll enjoy it. Bonnie is my favorite. Victoria Clark of course is amazing.

[@callalily3994]

Justin Cooley, (the anagram kid and you commented on his vocals in "Good Kid,") is just 19 years old.

[@rmcmariusable]

My favorite character. I just wanted to give him a hug.

[@aptadpamu]

Justin Cooley IS Seth Weetis!

[@Shweiss4]

I will say I saw his understudy Miguel Gil who was also superb.

[@lillianward2810]

Absolutely adorable. Broadway debut!

[@alicebarlow4761]

Was thinking of the legally blonde sounding bit too before you said it in the video! It sounds good! Some great voices! A couple of moments giving me dear Evan Hansen harmonies, maybe I’m making that up, then you said dear Evan Hansen vibes, I definitely wasn’t making it up then!! SpongeBob vibes with the ukulele bit at the beginning of that last song?

[@cinephan]

Ive heard of the show in passing, but didnt really know anything about it. After watching this, the music is really good and I will probably end up getting this soundtrack. The plot of the show is really intriguing. Im very interested to learn more about it. Thanks for making this video.

[@nathanmueggenberg9256]

I absolutely LOVED this show! Such a treat!

[@LightningRound1st]

Please, please, please, see "Some Like It Hot"--it's brilliant!!

[@musicluvr0711]

I saw this show in December. It'll be so interesting to see what you think of the show after seeing it. I'm glad that the cast recording doesn't give away too many spoilers of the show. Seeing live is so much better than the recording!

[@musicluvr0711]

Also, try to keep yourself as spoiler free as you can before seeing it.

[@CarolineAnnMartinCAT]

I just wrote how I wish there was more context given between the songs, but you have me questioning this now.

[@musicluvr0711]

@@CarolineAnnMartinCAT i understand. Yeah, they don't give too much away on the recoding. Seeing it definitely makes the songs make sense more.

[@Shweiss4]

@@CarolineAnnMartinCAT The recording wasn't out when I saw it and I'm so glad I didn't konw much going in.

[@joshuaklein8465]

Saw it on Thursday, it's so wonderful, one of my new favourites, you'll love it. As good as the score is, in my opinion the book is even better.

[@johnfalcon5511]

This is a wonderful show with a fascinating Plot. Victoria Clark was a revelation. She plays a character with a special Disease

[@PinkReBunny]

Kimberly Akimbo is so good!! It's super cute and the music is so perfect! also, I feel the same about how to wash a check haha it's so catchy but should we enjoy learning check fraud? 😅 Can't wait for you to get to experience it! 😊. Go see Some Like It Hot too!!!

[@shakeandblake92]

BONNIE!!!!!!!!!

[@teach4him841]

I just saw this in New York. It had some really funny moments! I had just come off Ben Platt in Parade so this was uplifting for sure.

[@musicalstar21]

what an amazing soundtrack!!

[@jessicapesso7978]

oooo this is exciting especially being i live in nj!!!

[@eddieking4621]

Could you please do a reaction to Shucked cast recording? Would love that

[@KatieKruger8]

I saw it in January and I still think about how funny the book is. I hope you love it

[@jessajayne1982]

This child needs a competent guidance counselor- a review of Kimberly Akimbo

[@frankkrasevec5631]

When in NYC on 47th St. at the Edison Hotel there is a restaurant that has a gluten-free menu. It's across from the Barrymore Theatre.

[@Jschisolm22]

So excited to hear you are in NYC next month. Hope we can run into each other ❤

[@K-akimbo]

14:35 he took dont let them know you next move seriously

[@HCUncategorized]

I saw it this week, Milligan was amazing

[@emmaweiks]

I loved Kimberly Akimbo! It was so charming and sweet. But I think the show jinxed me. I had never heard of check washing before, but the same night I saw the show, I got my mail (literally a check) stuck in a glue trap and had to wrestle to get it out for like half an hour. I don’t think I would have even realized that happened if not for the show so I guess the fact that I saw the show that night was fate.

[@thenetworkingwarrior]

I bought tickets to Kimberly Akimbo on a trip to NY, not knowing anything about the show. I thought it was something Japanese. It was spectacular, and the highlight of my trip.

[@MrBungee]

"Legally Blind!" isn't a reference to Legally Blonde. It's a callback to the legally blind woman earlier in the song who thought she was her daughter and who she stole jewelry from.

[@callumdoherty7204]

I think it serves as both.

[@_purble]

Think YT pushed this at me 4 months later because I've been obsessively listening to the soundtrack since seeing the show. "All just slightly unhinged, but I'm not mad about it" is exactly the correct vibe for this show. (Also, surely that's a bass clarinet not bassoon in Happy For Her.)

[@victoriaramos1972]

I love you Mickey Jo! You are so sweet! You're an angel! I loved your reaction to "Hello Darling" because it was priceless and I wanted to capture that moment on video! I'm Victoria and I'm in America. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@K-akimbo]

6:56 exept frowny face ☹️ ❤❤❤

[@bradleyh7582]

Just yesterday I did a listen through. I keep seeing the title popping up so I wanted to hear more

[@brittanyfischer1786]

Lol. Watching you react to some of this stuff without context and trying to figure out what is going on is hilarious, especially with the mother’s bizarre manic rants.

[@keeksyy]

Needing to book a flight to nyc immediately

[@sunnymartinez331]

11:42 Just the way "did she kill him?" was spoken cracked me up😂

[@taylormankowski437]

Thanks!

[@avapatino6058]

I have such strong feelings about The Turn. Oh my god.

[@zoeszlips9373]

Wow!!!!!!

[@thomasbaia7293]

When in April are you going to New York

[@mosesoftheblock2311]

For people who have seen the show...... Was the father an alcoholic before, or after he found out his daughter was going to rapidly age? It brings a great deal of sorrow to me thinking that the father was overwhelmed and tried to escape by drinking.

[@leahjennings9181]

My thought is that it started once Pattie told him she was pregnant

[@GhostlightRecords]

🥰🥰🥰

[@mfaqd]

If you're not a vegetarian go to a Lenwich when you're in New York. Also, check out Eataly and the Calatrava train station near the World Trade Center.

[@kevinkiniry3941]

I'm a big fan

[@johnfalcon5511]

Nothing in this show is like Matilda. Which was not a hit on Broadway.

[@Malica85]

I dont usually comment things unrelated to video's topic but out of pure desperation, PLEASE cover Here Lies Love which will feature Lea Salonga. That musical is pure evil propaganda that will contribute to the revision of the Philippines' history regarding the tyrannical Marcoses. I know this sounds very dramatic and overinflated but those people are quite literally destroying our country and we need help to stop people from romanticizing them!!

[@jtturner3367]

It was SO highly recommended and well reviewed, but I just found it to be so disappointing. I found the story to be uneven, the score sounded phoned in and half of the characters have zero redeming qualities

[@michaelb.6004]

They’re characters. The flaws of Kimberly’s family are crucial to the story.

[@takokichi6327]

Annoying. I get he needs to only play excerpts and talk over the music for copyright reasons, but still annoying an not beneficial IMO

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

The excerpts are so the video isn't taken down, the talking is because it's a reaction video - if you wanna listen to the songs, just go listen to the songs 😅

[@aschmarkl]

I do love this show. The whole cast is superb. As an old Jersey boy myself it really hits home. BTW Great Adventure is an amusement park in New Jersey