Kimberly Akimbo – Ordway Theater – St. Paul MN – February 24th 2026

Opening Night Review – Feb. 24, 2026

The touring production of Kimberly Akimbo opened its Ordway engagement with warmth, wit, and emotional clarity, drawing the audience into its offbeat suburban world almost immediately. Rather than relying on spectacle, the show leans into intimate storytelling — and on opening night, that intimacy played beautifully in the Ordway’s acoustically rich space.

Performances

Ann Morrison playing Kimberly carried the evening with a delicate balance of teenage awkwardness and quiet wisdom. Her performance grounded the musical’s unusual premise in emotional truth. The supporting cast — particularly the actors portraying her chaotic parents and scene-stealing aunt — delivered sharp comedic timing while still honoring the show’s underlying poignancy.

Seth and the teen ensemble brought buoyant energy to the lighter numbers, providing contrast to the show’s more reflective moments. Their sincerity kept the humor from feeling cynical.

Tone & Direction

Opening night felt carefully calibrated: quirky but never cartoonish, sentimental without tipping into melodrama. The production maintained a steady rhythm, allowing emotional beats to land naturally. Several scenes drew sustained laughter, while key reflective moments were met with attentive silence — always a good sign.

Design & Staging

The set design evoked a modest suburban New Jersey environment with clean, efficient transitions. Lighting subtly shifted moods without drawing attention to itself. Costumes effectively underscored character — especially Kimberly’s slightly out-of-time aesthetic, which reinforces the story’s themes of aging and identity.

Audience Response

The Feb. 24 crowd responded warmly throughout, with strong applause following several musical numbers and an enthusiastic standing ovation at curtain call. The overall atmosphere suggested a production that connected both emotionally and humorously from the start of its run.

Bottom Line

Opening night at the Ordway delivered a heartfelt and thoughtfully executed performance. Kimberly Akimbo thrives on character and nuance, and this production allowed those strengths to shine. It’s less about Broadway flash and more about emotional resonance — and on Feb. 24 in St. Paul, that resonance was clearly felt.