Kimberly Akimbo at Providence Performing Arts Center

“Meet your favorite new musical. So clever, funny, and touching, you might want to give everyone on stage a hug. It’s happy-sad heaven. Do not miss it!” – The Hollywood Reporter

If you were looking for a deeply moving, yet fun and optimistic night at the theatre, one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life with fondness, then this one’s for you! 

If you thought that David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2001 play Kimberly Akimbo was good, wait until you’ve seen the 2021 musical – Broadway’s latest, hottest, and most Tony Award-winning musical of the season! It’s bound to be one of the greatest adventures of your (and Kimberly’s) life, and the warm-and-fuzzies are guaranteed! And what is even more exciting than the news of the new musical adaptation of the much-adored play, is the fact that the five-time Tony Award-winning coming-of-age musical Kimberly Akimbo is coming to the Providence Performing Arts Centre this season! 

Kimberly Akimbo – deeply funny at times, and deeply moving at others – is a magnificent, endearing, and heartfelt tale about growing up and growing old – in whichever order they might occur, bound to captivate, enthrall, and dazzle, leaving audiences with a nostalgic kind of optimism. From the stunning picture-book-style sets to the fun 90s costumes that transport you straight back to the days of scrunchies, gameboys, and candy necklaces; from the authenticity and honesty of the characters to moments of humour; from the fantastic music as composed by Jeanine Tesori to the rollercoaster-ride of emotions, Kimberly Akimbo is the biggest must-see of the season!  

Kimberly Akimbo Tickets

“The best new musical of the year – by far.” – The Wall Street Journal

SYNOPSIS

Kimberly is about to turn 16 years old – however, in Kimberly’s world, the age of 16 looks a bit different from others. She suffers from a rare genetic condition similar to progeria that results in her aging four-and-a-half times as fast as others, hence her appearance is similar to that of an older woman. She is the new girl in town, with many dreams to fulfil before her time on earth is done. 

Kimberly’s story is that of a teenager trying to find happiness against all odds – from navigating life in her dysfunctional family to possible felony charges, from her very first teenage crush to making messy choices with messy repercussions. At the core of it all, Kimberly is trying to live life to the absolute fullest, not allowing challenges to get in the way, even if time is not on her side. 

“The season’s most moving new play earns its place among the behemoths of Broadway.” – The New York Times

CREATIVE TEAM

David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2001 play Kimberly Akimbo has been adapted into an incredible, authentic musical that feels different from big box musicals – and therein lies the magic of the production. David Lindsay-Abaire’s book and lyrics, together with Jeanine Tesori’s magnificent score resulted in a multiple award-winning musical – one that should be seen by all! 

This season’s touring production of Kimberly Akimbo is headed up by a world-renowned creative team – so you are guaranteed to be in good hands! The direction for this run has been handled by Jessica Stone (Water For Elephants, Match, As You Like It, Absurd Person Singular), the choreography by Danny Mefford (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, The Bridges of Madison County, Fun Home, Dear Evan Hansen), and the musical supervision by Chris Fenwick (Once On This Island, Sunday in the Park with George, Fun Home, Rocky). 

The extraordinary creative team also includes the talents of scenic designer David Zinn, costume designer Sarah Laux, lighting designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, sound designer Kai Harada, orchestrators John Clancy and Macy Schmidt, and music coordinator Antoine Silverman. 

“A howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show!” – The New Yorker

CAST

Few productions delve as deep into the humanity of characters quite like Kimberly Akimbo. The characters are raw and authentic, which contributes greatly to their unpredictability. This has been made possible by the stellar cast audiences across North America will get to experience this year – including Ann Morrison (Merrily We Roll Along, Gigi, The Fantasticks, Forbidden Broadway, Guys and Dolls) as Kimberly, Marcus Phillips as Seth, Jim Hogan as Buddy, Emily Koch as Debra, Laura Woyasz as Pattie, Gabby Beredo as Delia, Skye Alyssa Friedman as Teresa, Darron Hayes as Martin, and Max Santopietro as Aaron. 

“It’s one of those perfect inventions that convinces you that the world isn’t so terrible after all. Hilarious and heartbreaking, it’s the kind of entertainment – wise, original, moving – that stamps musical theatre as one of the best things ever made in America.” – The Washington Post

HISTORY & LEGACY

The 2021 musical adaptation of Kimberly Akimbo opened Off-Broadway at the Linda Gross Theatre in Manhattan in December 2021 to much critical acclaim. The production moved to Broadway in 2022, where it had its premiere at the Booth Theatre. 

To date, Kimberley Akimbo has received no less than five Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, three Lucille Lortel Awards, a New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, four Dorian Awards, an Actor’s Equity Foundation Award, as well as an honorary Theatre World Award. 

“Best theatre of the year. A dose of pure joy.” – The New York Times

THE PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

If it’s Broadway’s hottest new touring productions you’re after, music concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, family entertainment, film festivals, or arts showcases, the iconic Providence Performing Arts Centre on 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, has got you covered! This magnificent historical theatre has been welcoming the best of the best in all things entertainment to its stage for nearly a century – and this year won’t be any different, as the wonderful venue welcomes the latest and biggest Broadway success Kimberly Akimbo! 

Apart from the Providence Performing Arts Centre’s magnificent architecture, gorgeous chandeliers, marble columns, detailed moldings on the walls, gilded ceilings, and sweeping balconies, the venue’s design makes luxurious seating for up to 3,100 across an orchestra floor, loge, and two dress circles possible. So, regardless of your taste and budget, your seat is guaranteed to be one of the best in the house! The venue also boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, breathtaking views of the stage, pin-drop acoustics, and modern amenities that cater for every single want and need. 

“Not flashy, just fantastic!” – Next Magazine