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Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical Melbourne Review
Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical has made its way to Arts Centre Melbourne, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia. This production brings all the sharp wit, big laughs, and emotional depth that made it a Broadway sensation. After its Broadway premiere in November 2022, the show went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. During its Broadway run, Anne-Louise Sarks, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Melbourne Theatre Company, saw Kimberly Akimbo and knew it was a story that needed to be shared with Melbourne audiences. I’m so glad she made it happen.
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What is Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical About?
Set in 1999 New Jersey, the story follows Kimberly Levaco (played by Marina Prior), a teenager about to turn 16, trying to settle into a new school and dealing with a chaotic home life.
Kimberly lives with a genetic condition similar to Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome), a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four to five times faster than normal. On the outside, she looks like a woman in her 60s, on the inside, she is a teenager just trying to figure life out.
At home, Kimberly’s world is no less complicated. Her mum, Pattie (Christie Whelan Browne), is caught up in her own health dramas—two broken arms, a fractured foot, and a baby on the way who won’t stop kicking. Her dad, Buddy (Nathan O’Keefe), is unreliable and frequently drunk, but there’s a part of him that’s still trying to be a good father. And then there’s her unpredictable and funny aunt, Debra (Casey Donovan), who bursts onto the scene with a dodgy scheme to cash in on a forged cheque plot.
At school, Kimberly finds an unexpected connection with the awkward but lovable show choir misfits (Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Alana Iannace, and Jacob Rozario). Among them is Seth (played by Darcy Wain), a sweet and nerdy kid who’s obsessed with anagrams and quickly becomes her closest friend and maybe love interest.
As Kimberly realises she can’t rely on the adults around her, she decides to take control of her own life. With the clock ticking, she asks the big questions: What does it mean to really live? To take risks, fall in love, and be seen.
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Kimberly Akimbo is a richly layered production that perfectly balances laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt heartbreak. More than once, I found myself unexpectedly moved to tears. The show is filled with simple yet powerful moments, like when Kimberly’s friends excitedly talk about their futures after school, unaware that she may not live past sixteen. Or when her dad awkwardly tries to discuss boys and sex, only to be bluntly reminded she’s already been through menopause. Or while she dreams of “going on a big adventure” and seeing the world, her parents remain focused on the arrival of a new baby.
Despite everything, Kimberly refuses to be defined by her condition. She’s determined to make the most of the time she has.
The Cast
Directed by four-time Helpmann Award winner Mitchell Butel, the cast present a well-paced, emotionally rich performance that brings both the humour and heartache of Kimberly Akimbo to life.
Marina Prior delivers a standout performance as Kimberly — capturing the awkwardness of adolescence, the vulnerability of a teenager facing tough realities, and a quiet inner strength that holds it all together.
As Aunt Debra, Casey Donovan brings sharp humour and a larger-than-life energy, balanced by a sensitivity to the story’s emotional depth.
As Pattie, Kimberly’s mum, Christie Whelan Browne combines perfect comedic timing with an undercurrent of emotional strain, revealing the messy, complicated layers of motherhood.
As Buddy (Kimberly’s dad), Nathan O’Keefe brings a quiet tenderness to the role, capturing the struggle of a man trying, and often failing to do the right thing.
Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Alana Iannace, Jacob Rozario, and Darcy Wain form a talented ensemble that brings warmth to the production. Their performances provide a strong contrast to the show’s more emotional moments, capturing the awkwardness, humour, and honesty of teenage friendship.
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Kimberly Akimbo is full of humour, teenage awkwardness, and deeply emotional moments. It’s a story about growing up under difficult circumstances and still choosing joy, connection, and hope. I loved it — and I know I’ll be thinking about it long after the production leaves Melbourne.
Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical is now playing at Arts Centre Melbourne Playhouse until 30 August 2025.
Age recommendation: 12+.
Warning: Contains occasional coarse language and mature themes.
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