Co-Produced by State Theatre Company South Australia and Melbourne Theatre Company. Book & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Music by Jeanine Tesor, Based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire
A brilliantly performed, touching and hilarious work about making the most of your situation
Reviewed by Annika Loki
Melbourne Arts Centre
Until 30th August
Tickets: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/seasons/mtc/kimberly-akimbo
Type: Contemporary, Musical Theatre
If You Liked: Dear Evan Hanson, Fun House
Receiving five Tony awards in 2023 (including the coveted triple; Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book) as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album; new musical Kimberly Akimbo grabbed the attention of performing arts communities and around the world. Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director Anne-Lousie Sarks was one of those people whose attention it grapped, and just two years later, Kimberly Akimbo has arrived on Australian shores to delight audiences with its unconventional but relatable story of resilience and making the most of the time we have.
After their joint success with Shrek, The Musical, David Lindsay-Abaire (book & lyrics) has again joined forces with Jeanine Tesori (music) to adapt his 2001 play into a musical. Set in 1999, the work tells the story of lonely teenager Kimberly Levaco, having just moved with her dysfunctional family to New Jersey to start over. We follow her journey through what initially looks like typical coming of age story, but what transpires is a story that is anything but typical. Kimberly, who is about to celebrate her 16th birthday lives with ‘one in four million’ genetic disorder (unnamed, though similar to Progeria) which causes her to age four to five times faster than the average person, with a life expectancy around mid-late teens. Her parents Buddy & Pattie Levaco give Mr & Mrs Wormwood from Matilda a run for their money, (not) dealing with their challenges through denial and resentment. Kimberly is very aware of exactly what her diagnosis means for her as she turns 16, so her constantly scheming con-artist Aunt Debra encourages her to “grab life by the balls”. As an audience we are invested in Kimberely and her exploration of love, life and friendship with her new school peers, crossing our fingers it’s not too late for a great adventure.
The writing combines fun spoken-style lyrics in songs/scenes with plenty of funny one-liners, while always returning to the reality Kimberley faces. Although there are a few scenes that feel a little unnecessary to the plot, director Mitchell Butel has filled the show with energy and vigour, and the casts’ enjoyment performing the work is palpable. The non-replica set-design (Jonathon Oxlade) together with costume design (Alisa Paterson) pays homage to the 1990s obsession with abstract shapes, bright bold colours, and includes plenty of ‘90s easter eggs to make any adult over 30 nostalgic. I especially loved the five “high school peers” ensemble costuming which left me smiling, thinking back to my own clothing choices during my high school years.
This company is a great example what can be achieved when putting young professional debuts and rising talent alongside well established and experience artists. In the title role of Kimberly is the much-loved Australian performer, Marina Prior. Although maybe not perfectly suited to her vocal range, Prior brings a complexity to her depiction of Kimberley, balancing the maturity and teenage playfulness of the role. Christie Whelan Browne and Nathan O’Keefe flex their comedic chops as the unlikeable parents whose dreams didn’t quite go according to plan. Whelan Brown as Pattie in her hot pink iconic 90s JUICEY tracksuit, expertly presents an amusing dim-witted but usually well-meaning mother. O’Keefe has some lovely and funny father-daughter moments whilst his alcoholism has him in denial much of the time.
Casey Donavan demonstrates her phenomenal vocals once again, gets plenty of laughs and brings a fun and cheeky energy to the corrupting Aunt Debra. Although I was confused at times with her soulful singing accent vs her characters otherwise New Jersey accent, she gives a highly entertaining portrayal. It’s hard to believe Darcy Wain is making his professional theatre debut as gentle, anagram-loving tuba player Seth that begins to fall for Kimberly. Wain creates authentic chemistry with every character, making his performance consistently engaging and convincing. And wow, what a beautiful voice which grounds and balances his performance. Rounding-out the cast of nine are Kimberly’s school choir peers (Marty Alix; Allycia Angeles; Alana Iannace; Jacob Rozario). With three rising stars and another professional debut, all are triple threats with excellent comedic timing. I appreciate that the direction allowed for them each to show off their unique talents as well as demonstrating their highly seamless ensemble skills as a quartet. An uplifting and entertaining, moving production – the future of Australian musical theatre is in very safe hands.
Theatre thought: it’s brilliant seeing contemporary musicals excel on mainstream stages. What do you think makes a production particularly unique or special and differentiates it from the others?
Cast: Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Casey Donovan, Alana Iannace, Nathan O’Keefe, Marina Prior, Jacob Rozario, Darcy Wain, Christie Whelan Browne
Book & Lyrics David Lindsay-Abaire
Music Jeanine Tesori
Director Mitchell Butel
Musical Director Kym Purling
Choreographer Amy Campbell
Set Designer Jonathon Oxlade
Costume Designer Ailsa Paterson
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Sound Designer Andrew Poppleton
Accent Coach Jennifer Innes
Intimacy Coordinator Annabel Matheson
Based on the play by David Lindsay-Abaire
Licensed Exclusively By Music Theatre International (Australasia)
Co-Produced by State Theatre Company South Australia and Melbourne Theatre Company
