Kimberly Akimbo – Orpheum Theater – Minneapolis MN – July 8th 2025

An offbeat triumph with heart, humor, and a skater rink.

The national tour of Kimberly Akimbo kicked off its Minneapolis run with an opening night that left the audience both laughing and visibly moved. This Tony Award-winning musical, known for its quirky premise and emotional depth, continues to prove that a story about a teenager trapped in the body of a 70-year-old woman can feel both incredibly original and universally human.

⭐ The Performance

Carolee Carmello, taking on the title role of Kimberly, is a revelation. Balancing youthful awkwardness with weary maturity, she grounds the character in pathos without ever feeling like a gimmick. Her voice soars in the score’s quieter moments, especially in “Make a Wish” and “Before I Go,” delivering emotional weight that lingers.

The supporting cast shines. Kimberly’s dysfunctional family—especially her chaotic, clueless mother and scheming aunt—provide sharp comic relief while also revealing deeper layers of sadness and desperation. The ensemble of teens, playing her classmates, inject much-needed energy, especially in the standout number “Skater Planet.”

🎵 Music & Staging

Jeanine Tesori’s score and David Lindsay-Abaire’s book continue to prove why this musical earned such critical acclaim on Broadway. The songs blend wit and poignancy, though some of the melodies are more functional than memorable. Still, the lyrics hit hard—dark, funny, and weird in all the right ways.

The set, particularly the skating rink staging, is simple yet imaginative. Clever lighting and scene transitions keep the pacing brisk. There’s a raw, almost handmade charm to the way the show blends suburban dreariness with bursts of teenage wonder.

🌀 Themes & Tone

Kimberly Akimbo walks a tonal tightrope: it’s about terminal illness, identity, bad parenting, and grand larceny—but somehow remains delightfully funny. The awkwardness of adolescence meets the inevitability of mortality, and yet the show remains hopeful. That balancing act is what makes it special.

👎 Any Weak Spots?

If there’s a caveat, it’s that the tonal shifts might not land for everyone. Some audience members may find the plot’s quirkiness distracting from its emotional core. And while the show’s songs are effective, few are traditional showstoppers.

🎟️ Final Verdict

A must-see for fans of smart, unconventional musicals.
Kimberly Akimbo is weird, wise, and deeply human. The Orpheum’s opening night audience gave a standing ovation—and it felt earned. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or someone reflecting on time’s relentless pace, this musical will leave its mark.