Adapted from David Lindsay-Abaire’s play and set to Jeanine Tesori’s score, Kimberly Akimbo tackles adolescence, mortality, and family dysfunction with an uproariously smart and deeply moving blend of absurdist comedy and emotional truth. This Australian premiere, directed by Mitchell Butel, is a joyful and delicate triumph from start to finish
This production exhibits some absolute stalwarts of Australian musical theatre in a refreshingly unique manner. Each of the main female leads are playing roles against their traditional type and all are exemplary. Marina Prior as Kimberly Levaco embodies a teenager whose body ages four times faster than normal. It’s a daring casting choice, but Prior imbues the role with profound vulnerability and quiet strength, her luminous soprano voice and emotional nuance anchoring the show’s heart. Christie Whelan Browne (as Pattie, Kimberly’s mum) delivers comic brilliance with a sharp edge, portraying a self-absorbed, fraught woman with both heightened absurdity and surprising emotional layers. Casey Donovan as Aunt Debra steals nearly every scene. Bursting with diva energy and wickedly funny vocal moments, she makes an unforgettable impact—even when the storyline dips into caper territory
Jonathon Oxlade’s pastel, movable set pieces and Ailsa Paterson’s vivid 1990s costumes create a visually playful environment that complements the tonal shifts—from adolescent angst to theatre and life metaphors—with perfect clarity. Matt Scott’s lighting further elevates the aesthetic narrative
Butel’s direction skillfully balances pathos and comedy. While a subplot involving cheque-washing occasionally feels overly implausible, the cast navigates it with enough charm to keep the tone intact
This is a story about life lived on a compressed timeline. Kimberly’s rare condition is never named outright, but the emotional resonance is unmistakable: a teenager who confronts mortality head-on and refuses to be defined by it. The themes of belonging, love, and living courageously are explored with wit, tenderness, and surprising depth.
The tonal tightrope walk between heartfelt drama and screwball caper is managed with grace; where the comedy soars, the emotional moments land powerfully. The result is a show that is as funny as it is bittersweet, as whimsical as it is grounded.
Kimberly Akimbo is an indelible musical: exuberant, funny, heartbreakingly human and beautifully staged. Marina Prior, Christie Whelan Browne, and Casey Donovan deliver performances that are equal parts daring, devastating, and joyous. With a creative team that brings both visual flair and emotional honesty, this Melbourne production is essential theatre—one that lingers long after the final note.
Photo Credit: Sam Roberts