REVIEW: ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ Leaves Much to Be Desired

By Sarah E. Saysoukha | Photo by Joan Marcus

There’s no denying the talent bursting from the stage in “Kimberly Akimbo.” The cast delivers a powerhouse of performances, with soaring voices, comedic timing that lands effortlessly, and emotional beats that hit harder than the script often deserves. But while the actors shine, the storyline feels like it’s stumbling to find its footing.

The story begins with Kimberly yearning for a sense of normalcy — friends, connection, maybe even a little joy. She’s intelligent, observant, and quietly hopeful despite her circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, she becomes entangled in the chaotic world of her eccentric Aunt Debra, a manipulative and opportunistic conwoman whose schemes are as outrageous as they are ill-advised. Aunt Debra feels like a character straight out of a Melissa McCarthy comedy — particularly reminiscent of McCarthy’s wild, law-skirting role in “Tammy.” Her arrival injects a burst of absurdity into Kimberly’s already unstable life.

While Kimberly tries to navigate adolescence in an aging body, her parents prove to be unreliable at best and outright toxic at worst. Both deeply self-absorbed and emotionally stunted, they contribute to the dysfunction rather than ease it. By the final act, their actions cross a chilling moral line, culminating in what can only be described as the ultimate betrayal — a parental failure so profound it casts a dark shadow over Kimberly’s fragile world.

The acting was what saved the show! The incomparable Carolee Carmello as Kimberly was magnetic! Her vocals were immaculate. Her voice is transcendent, even as an awkward teen who looks old enough to be her own mother. Miguel Gil (Seth), Kimberly’s love interest, has the comedic timing of a Marx brother. Though he’s not much older than his character, his acting skills carry the weight of experience. How did I watch the entire musical without recognizing Jim Hogan (Buddy),  Kimberly’s dad, from the musical trio T.3 and “America’s Got Talent” fame? His vocals were impeccable, but his acting was so convincing that he was truly easy to love but easier to hate. Aunt Debra, played by Emily Koch, was so hilarious! Her comedic rhythm was like a Sinatra song: smooth, punchy, and pristine. She was everybody’s crazy aunt who always ruins Thanksgiving. Laura Woyasz was quite funny as Kimberly’s narcissistic, delusional, and emotionally immature mother. Finally, the group of actors that played her show choir obsessed friends (Delia, Martin, Teresa, and Aaron) were fun to watch. I enjoyed their four-part harmonies and comedic relationships.

The music, though serviceable, doesn’t linger in the ear long after the curtain falls. The lyrics are clever, but sometimes feel more like sketches than songs, and they occasionally undercut the moments that should land with emotional resonance.

In short, “Kimberly Akimbo” is a performance-driven show. The cast does the heavy lifting, and they do it beautifully — but they’re ultimately let down by a story that can’t decide what it wants to be. If you’re going for the acting, you won’t be disappointed — just don’t expect the plot to move you the way the premise suggests.

Know Before You Go

What: “Kimberly Akimbo”
Where: TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
When: April 8 – 13, 2025
How: Buy tickets here.
Important: Content advisory from TPAC – Recommended for ages 13 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theater. The show contains some strong language, crude humor, references to alcohol use, and authentic New Jersey vernacular.