If there was ever a musical that managed to be both gut-busting and heartbreaking in the same breath, Kimberly Akimbo is it. Now playing at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, this Tony Award–winning gem tells the story of Kimberly, an optimistic, dreaming teenager despite her rare genetic condition that causes her to age four times faster than normal. As she navigates this marked life, having a 50-year-old body as a 16-year-old, she tackles a first love and dysfunctional family dynamics headfirst. Kimberly’s story becomes a poignant meditation on time, mortality, and the beauty of simply being alive.
The musical, based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2000 play of the same name and featuring music by Jeanine Tesori, strikes an exquisite balance between comedy and tragedy. It’s rare for a production to make an audience laugh out loud one moment and wipe away tears the next, but this staging at the Kravis manages that delicate feat effortlessly. Credit goes to the entire cast, each of whom delivers a performance that feels lived-in, complex, pure. There is not a single weak link among them, and the chemistry onstage glows from the first note to the last.
Ann Morrison plays the titular character, Kimberly Levaco, whose name as an anagram is “Cleverly Akimbo,” gives the musical its title. Her performance reverberated across timelines, reminding the viewer that it’s never too late to start living. Morrison captures the emotional complexity of Kimberly’s condition with such warmth and sincerity that it’s impossible not to fall in love with her portrayal. She brings life to a young woman wise beyond her years yet still brimming with hope and humor, and her presence centers the production in something intimate and transcendent.
Aunt Debra, played by understudy Sarah Lynn Marion during opening night, was just incredible. Marion’s take on the hilariously scheming Debra ranks among the most memorable comedic performances I’ve seen since the Soothsayer in Something Rotten! With the comedic timing of a great, she brought a chaotic energy that lit up every scene she entered. Beneath the mischief, Marion infused Debra with genuine affection and vulnerability for Kim, giving the show its perfect blend of humor and heart.
“Kimberly Akimbo” at the Krais Center
The rest of the ensemble shines just as brightly. Marcus Phillips as Seth, Gabby Beredo as Delia, Darron Hayes as Martin, Skye Alyssa Friedman as Teresa, Max Santopetro as Aaron, and the power couple, Brandon Springman and Laura Woyasz as Kim’s parents Buddy and Pattie; all contribute memorably, fleshing out the fractured family and circle of misfit friends around Kim. Every relationship feels honest, every line spoken with purpose.
For a show with a minimalist set design, the use of color made the stage feel full. Each lighting shift and costume choice seemed to mirror Kimberly’s emotional state, as though the visual palette itself were in conversation with her journey. Again, every part of the show dripped with intention.
Then, the musical numbers… my god. Every song pours emotion from an overflowing cup, from the opening ensemble piece that sets the tone of awkward suburbanism. “Skater Planet,” in particular, has bought real estate in my brain. It’s one of those rare show tunes that captures the exuberance and vulnerability of being young and uncertain yet daring to dream anyway. The mixture of song and dialogue here is some of the best I’ve ever seen, blending seamlessly into a rhythm that feels as natural as breathing. Tesori’s score and Lindsay-Abaire’s lyrics complement each other perfectly, creating a soundscape that is quirky and unforgettable.
It is not often I walk away from a performance with no notes, but Kimberly Akimbo left me speechless in the best way possible. Every element, from the performances to the pacing to the design, felt perfect. I was deeply touched by its central message: that life is fleeting, and we must seize every moment while we can. This musical reminds us what it means to live fully, love freely, and celebrate time in all its forms.
I have never wanted a show to end less than this one. As the final notes echoed through the Kravis Center, I found myself hoping the second hand might slow down, if only to savor a few more minutes in Kimberly’s world. Kimberly Akimbo is a small miracle of storytelling that manages to make the ordinary extraordinary.
Don’t miss your chance to see it before it’s gone. The Kravis Center continues its season next with ’Twas the Night Before…, running from November 20 through 30. If Kimberly Akimbo is any indication, this Cirque du Soleil performance will also be worth experiencing.
