Every now and then, there’s a show that comes along that completely surprises you with its tale, humour and heart. It feels significant, special, and is something that you never knew you needed. That’s what Kimberly Akimbo is to me.
With book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, music by Jeanine Tesori, based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Mitchell Butel, with musical direction by Kym Purling, and produced by Melbourne Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia, Kimberly Akimbo is a non-replica production of the wholesome and hilarious award-winning musical.
Set in New Jersey, USA in the 90s, we follow a bunch of teenagers that are learning to navigate through friendship, family, love and life. Our heroine, Kimberly Akimbo, played by the incomparable Marina Prior, is a young girl born with a rare genetic disease that makes her age faster, appearing older than she truly is.
If Kimberly’s condition wasn’t enough to move you, her navigating through high school, through her dysfunctional family’s antics, her friendships with her classmates, and finding love will thoroughly satisfy you on this rollercoaster journey. It’s bitter-sweet, hilarious and wholesome in equal measure, and is worth every minute of absorbing.
As the Australian production is non-replica, the colourful costume design by Alisa Paterson and the gorgeous set design by Jonathon Oxlade help shape Kimberly’s world, aesthetically pleasing with popping pastel colours and reminding me of 90s toys phenomenon Polly Pocket, toys which I had as a kid. The lighting design by Matt Scott is so clever, especially at the beginning of the show where light is used to create the illusion of cars passing by. It’s so smart and stunning. The choreography is great and some of the scenes even have the cast on roller-skates. I’m certain that this would have been no easy feat to master, however choreographer Amy Campbell achieves this with ease.
And then there’s the excellent cast. Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Alana Iannace and Jacob Rozario are superb as Martin, Delia, Teresa and Aaron, New Jersey’s show choir and resident Scooby Gang. They way that these four bounce off each other is a joy to watch, even with their unrequited crushes.
Kimberly’s family consisting of Nathan O’Keefe as father Buddy Levaco, Christie Whelan Brown as mother Pattie Levaco, and Casey Donovan as Aunt Debra, are all fantastic. Each have excellent comic timing and ace their roles with flying colours. O’Keefe is particularly great during his number ‘Happy For Her’, showcasing the conflict of an imperfect doting father trying to come to terms with his daughter growing up. Whelan Brown is comedic gold as pregnant and injured mother Pattie, especially when she’s recording video messages during ‘Hello, Darling’ and its reprise. And then there’s Donovan who knocks it out of the park, not only with her song ‘Better’ and her undeniably powerful vocals, but Donovan is also brilliant with the sheer unhinged feistiness that she inserts and unleashes into Debra’s personality. Seeing Donovan yell and act as her best dodgy auntie is worth admission alone.
Darcy Wain is perfection as the endearingly awkward and good-natured Seth, Kimberly’s tuba playing classmate and love interest. Wain shines whenever he’s on the stage, but especially during his solo ‘Good Kid’ where Wain’s character tosses up between breaking the rules and playing it safe, complete with a tuba solo. Honestly, it’s arguably the best solo in the whole show by how charming it is.
Last, but not at all least, is the amazing Marina Prior. Prior does a wonderful job of playing little sweet teen Kimberly Lovaco, the impossible girl with an air of innocence, who is growing up way too fast and feels like she’s on borrowed time. You feel for her, you’re right there on that rollercoaster emotional journey with Kimberly. You feel her frustrations, you get angry for her, and you just want her to be happy. Kimberly is the heart of the show and Prior’s thorough, heartwarming and fantastic performance will move you to tears, (well… it certainly did me). Hands down, this incredible role and this magical show is by far my absolute favourite thing that Marina Prior has ever done.
Consistently warming your heart and tickling your humour in all the right places, Kimberly Akimbo is a true gem and gift of musical theatre to Australia in 2025. Run or skate on over to see Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical before it disappears.
Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical is currently playing at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Playhouse until August 30.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/kimberly-akimbo-a-musical
https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/seasons/mtc/kimberly-akimbo
https://www.instagram.com/akimbomusical_au
Photography by Sam Roberts.
