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While it’s hard to critique someone else’s art, I was invited to see Kimberly Akimbo at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville to provide my opinion. Keep reading to hear my honest Kimberly Akimbo tour review.
Quick review: I know it won 5 Tony Awards, but I didn’t leave the show singing any of the songs or wanting to listen to the soundtrack. It’s not a show I would watch again.
Video: Honest Kimberly Akimbo Tour Review
Watch my full video review:
While a lot of people love this show, it wasn’t a standout for me. The touring company boasts four experienced Broadway performers, along with some talented newcomers, but ultimately I wasn’t wowed by any of it.
Frankly, I thought Kimberly’s aunt and mom were more convincing than she was…and more consistent in their performance. The actress who played Kimberly (Carolee Carmello) seemed to speak in a higher voice, potentially to mimic a younger girl, but her singing voice aged her and wasn’t a standout for me.
About Kimberly Akimbo the Musical
- 2023 Tony winner for best musical
- based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s play of the same title about a teenage girl named Kimberly Levaco
- Kimberly suffers from a condition that rapidly accelerates the aging process (in the show she’s 15, turning 16, but looks 60)
- deals with themes you would expect in a show revolving around high schoolers, like sexuality, first crush, first kiss, coming of age, friendships, moving to a new town, etc
- features a score by Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (lyrics)
The show will be at TPAC through Sunday, April 13, 2025. I was provided tickets to see the touring show in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Make sure you check out TPAC’s 2025-2026 Broadway season announcement. It’s a great one with some new standouts and classic favorites.
