Kimberly Akimbo

 Kimberly Akimbo
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater
November 20, 2021 

The Atlantic Theater Company production of KimberlyAkimbo is sheer joy.  Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire has teamed up with composer Jeanine Tesori to adapt his original play of the same name into this musical adventure.  The phenomenal cast, under the direction of Jessica Stone, delivers outstanding performances that will stay with you long after the show is over.

Kimberly (played by Victoria Clark) is a fifteen year old girl who wishes that her family was “normal.”  Her father (played by Steven Boyer) drinks too much.  Her mother (played by Alli Mauzey) thinks only of herself.  Kimberly suffers from a rare genetic disorder where her body ages at an accelerated rate.  She looks and feels like a sixty year old woman and has a life expectancy of sixteen years.  Seth (played by Justin Cooley), a tuba playing puzzle expert, asks Kimberly to partner with him on their science project.  At first Kimberly says no, but when they are both left without a partner, she agrees.  Kimberly becomes intrigued by Seth’s unique way of seeing things, and a friendship develops.  When Kimberly’s Aunt Debra (played by Bonnie Milligan) pops into town, she recruits a few of Kimberly’s school mates (played by Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan II, Nina White, & Michael Iskander) on an get rich quick scheme.  When Debra spills the beans on a family secret, Kimberly finds herself drawn into her aunt’s illegal plan. 

Steven Boyer & Victoria Clark
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Victoria Clark delivers a heartwarming performance as Kimberly.  Her character pushes past her comfort zone throughout the story.  Ms. Clark plays these moments with genuine naivete and a determined focus.  Justin Cooley is outstanding as Seth.  His openness and honesty is refreshing.  The connection between him and Ms. Clark is mesmerizing.  Steven Boyer and Allie Mauzey have a strong bond as Kimberly’s highly difunctional parents.  They both try as best they can to get their act together for Kimberly’s sake.  These two actors keep the subtext of tension throughout, making their fall predictable, even though you never stop rooting for them.

Bonnie Milligan drives the action forward, plotting and recruiting for Aunt’s Debra’s plan.  Ms. Milligan weaves many layers into this character.  She creates a likeable villain and, since her plan involves six innocent teenager, you keep your fingers crossed for her success.  Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan II, Nina White, & Michael Iskander are an amazing ensemble.  They each create distinct roles that hide their own individual secrets, while propelled by a unified desire. 

The Creatvie Team of Kimberly Akimbo
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The fruits of David Lindsey-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s collaboration abound in this production.  Mr. Lindsey-Abaire’s lyrics flow smoothly through Ms. Tesori’s week-crafted score.  There are moments of sincere emotion and deep realization, as well as charming humor.  The set design by David Zinn is full or surprises. 

Kimberly Akimbo is playing at Atlantic Theatre Company’s Linda Gross Theater through December 26.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels

Hudson Theatre

July 9, 2018

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels is fun and smart and wild and sexy!  Combining the music of The Go-Go’s with The Arcadia, a play written at the end of the 16^th century by Sir Philip Sidney, is pure genius.  The design and style for the production is over the top and brilliant.  It is the Renaissance meets Greek tragedy in the 1980s, surging forward to tell a well needed message of acceptance, love, and persistence.  The creative team, led by director Michael Mayer, pulls out all the stops and picks up the pace to entertain, dazzle, and fill the Hudson Theatre with pure joy.

Princess Philoclea (played by Alexandra Socha) is in love with Musidorus, a mere shepherd boy (played by Andrew Durand).  Her older sister, Princess Pamela (played by Bonnie Milligan), has been introduced to numerous suitors over the past five years, and cannot find anyone to her liking.  Their father, Basilius, King of Arcadia (played by Jeremy Kushnier), is not happy with these events, and his wife, Gynecia (played by Rachel York), is not happy with him.  Pythio, the Oracle of Delphi (played by Peppermint) has four predictions for the King.  When they come true, Arcadia will have a new King, “lose their beat,” and fall into turmoil and despair.  King Basilius keeps the oracle a secret and takes his family and court on a journey to Bohemia to avoid the predictions and face his adversary head on.  Truth in the guise of mayhem ensues, proving that you meet your destiny on your journey of denial.

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

The cast and ensemble are a skillful, energetic, and cohesive unit.  They are truly amazing in every way.  Their voices are strong.  Their energies are high.  Their timing is crisp.  Andrew Durand and Alexandra Socha are heartwarming and funny.  Jerry Kushnier and Rachel York are bold and commanding.  Bonnie Milligan and Taylor Iman Jones are daring and hilarious.  Peppermint is dazzling and fabulous.  Tom Alan Robbins is the glue that holds them all together during the mayhem. 

Photo courtesy of Head Over Heels

Scenic design by Julian Crouch creates numerous, imaginary locations that transport you into this outlandish story.  They are lush, alive, and colorful through enhancement from lighting designer Kevin Adams and projection designer Andrew Lazarow.  The costumes, by Arianne Phillips, transcends any specific time period.  They encompass a wide array of styles and evoke clear characters with a single glance.  Tom Kitt’s choreography is fierce and thrilling.

Head Over Heels is playing at the Hudson Theatre.  If you see anything this summer, make it this show!

 

Domenick Danza