KIMBERLY AKIMBO Off-Broadway - Previews & Reviews — Page 3

kwoc91 said:

The cherry on top of a nice matinee was bumping into Christopher Fitzgerald on my way out. His partner is the Director of the show."

The name of the director is Jessica Stone -- and yes she and Fitzgerald are married (almost 20 years now).

OK, I put my thoughts together.

As it currently exists, Kimberly Akimbo is a wonderfully entertaining and funny show with top-notch talent but it's never profound. In spite of the topics it touches on, it never goes deep enough to be truly poignant or thoughtful or inspirational or cathartic. It feels like Jeanine Tesori's and David Lindsay-Abaire's talents are a bit wasted on just adding a very well-executed entry into this genre of mid-tier teen-focused contemporary musical theater. Think The Mad Ones with much less angst. It feels as weightless as a sitcom even though it touches on alcoholism, narcissism, mortality, incarceration, infidelity, complex parent/child dynamics (e.g. neglect, two-way resentment), etc. For all the melodrama and crime, it's more Raising Hope and Malcolm in the Middle than Shameless or Weeds. I didn't think it tried to balance the tone at all. It came across as entirely comedic to me in the way sitcoms casually gloss over the characters' more serious problems.

I did love all of the performances and I would recommend it if you go in with your expectations appropriately calibrated. I do think it's important to think of this as a period piece or the younger characters will come across way too young, even for sheltered show choir kids. Justin Cooley is so sweetly, earnestly charismatic and adorkable and all the adult actors are as good as you'd expect but I'm happy I'm going back so I can really focus more on the ensemble. It's a really well cast show. No weak links.

I'd sit a few rows back or more to get the full picture of the stage.

To answer some points made in this thread: The skating is fine. Maybe they've figured it out but no one looked scared or uncomfortable.

I do think Victoria Clark is trying but she's never a believable 16-year-old and I agree with the person who talked about that break in her voice whenever she sings out or goes into her upper register. She's giving a good, capable performance in spite of that but it's not a Tony-winning performance by any means.

VintageSnarker said: "OK, I put my thoughts together.

As it currently exists, Kimberly Akimbo is a wonderfully entertaining and funny show with top-notch talent but it's never profound. In spite of the topics it touches on, it never goes deep enough to be truly poignant or thoughtful or inspirational or cathartic. It feels like Jeanine Tesori's and David Lindsay-Abaire's talents are a bit wasted on just adding a very well-executed entry into this genre of mid-tier teen-focused contemporary musical theater. Think The Mad Ones with much less angst. It feels as weightless as a sitcom even though it touches on alcoholism, narcissism, mortality, incarceration, infidelity, complex parent/child dynamics (e.g. neglect, two-way resentment), etc. For all the melodrama and crime, it's more Raising Hope and Malcolm in the Middle than Shameless or Weeds. I didn't think it tried to balance the tone at all. It came across as entirely comedic to me in the way sitcoms casually gloss over the characters' more serious problems.

I did love all of the performances and I would recommend it if you go in with your expectations appropriately calibrated. I do think it's important to think of this as a period piece or the younger characters will come across way too young, even for sheltered show choir kids. Justin Cooley is so sweetly, earnestly charismatic and adorkable and all the adult actors are as good as you'd expect but I'm happy I'm going back so I can really focus more on the ensemble. It's a really well cast show. No weak links.

I'd sit a few rows back or more to get the full picture of the stage.

To answer some points made in this thread: The skating is fine. Maybe they've figured it out but no one looked scared or uncomfortable.

I do think Victoria Clark is trying but she's never a believable 16-year-old and I agree with the person who talked about that break in her voice whenever she sings out or goes into her upper register. She's giving a good, capable performance in spite of that but it's not a Tony-winning performance by any means."

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this one. A very thorough, thoughtful, and generous overview.

I agree one would be better situated in the middle to rear seating areas. I was 3rd row and the action was too "in my face" .

What is a "mid-tier" production if you don't mind my asking?

Im surprised this is getting such mixed feedback! I found it utterly, utterly charming. Victoria Clark for me was 100% believable as a 16 year old and the chemistry between her and Justin Cooley was SO CUTE. The show is hilarious and simple/not pretentious but also has its occasional emotional moments too. The aunt nearly steals the show. The score is memorable and melodic. The ensemble are adorable. It might need a bit of trimming/focus and I’m not sure what the next steps could be for this show (it’s hard for me to imagine it on a Broadway stage but stranger things have happened). However, for an evening of entertainment I don’t feel short changed.

Updated On: 12/7/21 at 10:12 AM

swoboda said: "What is a "mid-tier" production if you don't mind my asking?"

Right in the middle. Not the best, not the worst. But also mid-tier in ambition. This show never had the aspirations of Flying Over Sunset but this isn't a throwaway off-Broadway endeavor. I think it's mostly effective at what it's trying to do but if they did want it to be more poignant, I don't think they've accomplished that yet.

binau said: "Victoria Clark for me was 100% believable as a 16 year old and the chemistry between her and Justin Cooley was SO CUTE."

It wasn't exactly the same because of the respective ages but I felt a similar cringe as I did with the romance in Tuck Everlasting. The kids do feel like they're written a bit young and chaste but I'm glad they kept it to one kiss because it would have been too awkward otherwise.

Saw the show Sunday night, and it reminded me why I love going to the theatre. For me, very little on Broadway can compare to the exhilaration of seeing a great show Off-Broadway. I loved Victoria Clark's heartfelt performance, Justin Cooley is a star, and Bonnie Milligan's first act number was the best thing I've seen on a stage in quite some time. Hoping this gets love from the critics.

Review: Off-Broadway's Most Convincing Teen Is Victoria Clark in Kimberly Akimbo | TheaterMania

‘Kimberly Akimbo’ Off Broadway Review: A Triumphant New Musical About a Girl Who Looks Like Her Grandmother (thewrap.com)

4 stars from Adam Feldman:

Review: Kimberly Akimbo is the best new musical of 2021 (timeout.com)

I saw this last night and it left me with the biggest smile on my face. I'm glad to see it getting some love from so many critics!

Off-Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ at Atlantic Theater Company combines hilarious dark comedy with a meaningful message - DC Metro Theater Arts

Amazing reviews, so happy for the creative team and cast. These reviews seem to assume a Broadway transfer is inevitable. Is there any validity to these claims?

I would love to see this in January if it extends, or if it takes to Broadway and takes Circle or the Booth. Time Out NY calling it the best new musical of the season seems like it might make the move to Bway.