The Adelaide Insider

Some shows leave you smiling. Some leave you in tears. And then there’s Kimberly Akimbo; a rare gem that manages to do both, often within the same scene. In an Australian premiere co-produced by State Theatre Company South Australia and Melbourne Theatre Company, this Tony Award-winning musical arrives in Adelaide with all the warmth, wit, and wonder you’d expect from a world-class production. Directed with heart and soul by Mitchell Butel, Kimberly Akimbo is a perfect blend of quirky comedy, emotional depth, and musical brilliance. Bursting with colour, energy and life from the very first scene, it’s a show that leaves you laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. If you’re heading out to see just one show this winter, let it be this one.

Set in late-90s New Jersey, Kimberly Akimbo follows the deeply affecting story of Kimberly Levaco (played by Marina Prior), a teenager with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age at an accelerated rate. Despite appearing decades older than her peers, Kimberly is still navigating the typical trials and tribulations of adolescence: friendships, crushes, teenage angst, and a chaotic family dynamic. The story, adapted from David Lindsay-Abaire’s original play (who also penned the book and lyrics), is brought to life with a score by the always-extraordinary Jeanine Tesori. Together, they’ve created a narrative that is both wildly offbeat and universally relatable. Add an ice skating rink, rollerblades, and a borderline criminal dose of mischief, and you’ve got a show that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking; a rare theatrical gem that leaves the soul feeling a little more full than it was before you entered the theatre.

At the centre of this powerhouse cast is Marina Prior in a performance that might just be her finest to date. Prior masterfully captures the teenage spirit trapped inside Kimberly’s aging body, delivering a portrayal so sincere, funny, and nuanced, it’s easy to forget she isn’t actually a high schooler. Her show-stopping number, Before I Go, is an emotional gut punch and a clear standout in an already phenomenal show.

Casey Donovan is equally magnetic as Aunt Debra, a hilariously overbearing yet endearing presence whose act one number Better practically blows the roof off Her Majesty’s Theatre. Donovan’s powerhouse, gutsy vocals are matched by a sharp comedic sensibility, never overplaying the humour, always rooted in truth.

Christie Whelan Browne (as Kimberly’s heavily pregnant mother, Pattie) and Nathan O’Keefe (as her alcoholic father, Buddy) bring extraordinary nuance to roles that could have easily tipped into caricature. Instead, they find a perfect balance of comedy and pathos, grounding their performances in a reality that makes the emotional beats land even harder. Songs like Hello, Darling and Father Time reveal layers of vulnerability and complexity that are deeply affecting.

Darcy Wain brings irresistible charm and sincerity to the role of Seth, Kimberly’s awkward-yet-adorable palindrome-obsessed classmate and budding love interest. With a voice that’s warm and clear, Wain delivers a performance that’s equal parts goofy and heart-melting.

And then there’s the four-piece ensemble of highschoolers, made up of Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Alana Iannace, and Jacob Rozario, who add a healthy dose of Broadway-esque pizzaz to the production with their impeccable vocals, comic timing, and fully-formed characterisations. For many, this marks their professional musical theatre debut, but you’d never guess it. Together, they produce harmonies that are rich, complex, and completely captivating.

Visually, Kimberly Akimbo is a feast for the eyes, thanks to the genius of Jonathon Oxlade’s set design. A pastel-toned dreamscape of geometric shapes and rotating elements, the set floats in and out like ice skaters gliding on a rink, often with help from cleverly costumed crew members. It’s surprisingly functional, beautiful, and seamlessly immersive.

Ailsa Paterson’s costume design delivers a delightful throwback to the late ’90s, full of clashing patterns, layered textures, and dorky hand-me-downs that look worn in and well loved. These choices add both authenticity and a delicious slice of nostalgia to the production, anchoring the characters in their era while enhancing their individual quirky personalities.

Matt Scott’s lighting design is immersive and ambient, expertly shaping the emotional tone of each scene with carefully chosen palettes and intensities. And Andrew Poppleton’s sound design is crystal clear, ensuring every lyric and line lands exactly where it should.

What a joy it is to experience a musical that’s refreshingly unique and original; not adapted from a film or franchise, but instead based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s book and play. Kimberly Akimbo’s score is quirky, lyrical, and deeply affecting, shifting effortlessly from offbeat ensemble numbers to soul-stirring solos. Kym Purling’s music direction is nothing short of sublime, creating a soundtrack full of soul and surprises. The score by Jeanine Tesori is full of quirky charm and emotional depth, matched beautifully by Lindsay-Abaire’s witty, heartfelt lyrics. The live band, composed of local Adelaide musicians, delivers an impeccable performance from their off-stage position, proving that our city is brimming with musical talent that deserves the spotlight.

Equal parts quirky comedy and emotional truth, Kimberly Akimbo is one of those rare shows that hits you with its humour, then sneaks up on you with its heart. Funny, raw, original and deeply human, this is the kind of theatre that reminds us why we keep coming back. With its perfect blend of humour, heartache, and humanity, it speaks to what it means to live, love, and grow – even when life throws you something completely unexpected. Playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre for a limited season until July 19, Kimberly Akimbo is an absolute winner that Adelaide audiences should savour before the season ends.

Kimberly Akimbo
Dates: Tuesday 8 – Saturday 19 July 2025
Location:  Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★½