Jarethan said: "I have not seen this production, and I have loved Ashford in everything I have seen her in; however, I am shocked...I remember a number of critics saying she was dangerously close to or being completely over the top, and that her diction wasn't great in the songs, i.e., the lyrics were not always comprehensible. I cant say that I am disappointed, however. I also thought that Comer was dangerously close to overacting. Of the performances I have seen, I thought Chastain gave the best performance; but I have missed some eligible highly acclaimed, frequently limited engagement performances, including those of Hayes, Henderson,and the Top Dog gents.
I am in the camp that thought that Clark gave a terrific performance, but I don't think it is awful that she didn't win, Mrs. Lovett is certainly a meaty role that allows a solid performer to shine."
Kimberly Akimbo was eligible during its 2021 Off-Broadway run, making the Broadway transfer ineligible this season.