Kimberly Akimbo - review
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Jane Zussman
Mar 10, 2026, 11:39:11 PM (14 days ago) Mar 10
to Jane Zussman
Kimberly Akimbo is my kind of musical — heartwarming, thought-provoking, surprising and funny.
The set-up is pretty well known: our heroine Kimberly has a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four-and-a-half times faster than normal. She is an older woman in a high-schooler’s situation. That condition seems almost tangential to the entertaining, twisted plot, but it provides a life-is-short lens through which assorted challenges are met — involving fellow misfit teens, hilariously dysfunctional parents, and a wayward aunt to be reckoned with.
The set-up is pretty well known: our heroine Kimberly has a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four-and-a-half times faster than normal. She is an older woman in a high-schooler’s situation. That condition seems almost tangential to the entertaining, twisted plot, but it provides a life-is-short lens through which assorted challenges are met — involving fellow misfit teens, hilariously dysfunctional parents, and a wayward aunt to be reckoned with.
The small-for-a-musical cast was outstanding, every one, with great voices and a wonderful blend from the show-choir kids Gabby Beredo, Darron Hayes, Skye Alyssa Friedman, and Max Santopietro, each of whom also embodied a distinct and memorable character.
Marcus Phillips is adorable as Kimberly’s anagram-geeky crush, Seth. Father Buddy (Jim Hogan) and mother Pattie (Laura Woyasz) manage to remain charming and relatable despite their many parental shortcomings. Aunt Debra (Emily Koch) is a hoot and a delightfully horrible influence.
But of course, the heart and soul of the show is the amazing Ann Morrison as Kimberly. Petite and endearing, she at first seemed to actually BE a teen (from row J without binoculars.) In act two, she slowed and stooped a bit, and we were reminded of her short-life sentence. Still, her optimism and determination inspired her to find happiness against all odds.
I believe all ages (teen and up) will be captivated by this show — perhaps especially those of us challenged by actual actuarial tables rather than a rare genetic condition.
Kimberly Akimbo continues through March 15 in Wharton’s Great Hall. Tickets at http://www.whartoncenter.com
Jane Zussman
G.L.U.T. List
(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)
cell 517-930-0932
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