From its first note to its final, bittersweet moments, Kimberly Akimbo is nothing short of extraordinary. Under the assured direction of four-time Helpmann Award-winner Mitchell Butel, this production strikes a near-perfect balance between heartfelt poignancy and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Marina Prior delivers a career-defining performance as Kimberly Levaco, embodying both the vulnerability and fierce intelligence of a teenager trapped in an aging body. Her nuanced portrayal anchors the show, allowing the audience to see both the aching fragility and irrepressible spark of this remarkable character.
Prior is surrounded by a powerhouse ensemble: Casey Donovan’s soaring vocals as Aunt Debra, Christie Whelan Browne’s razor-sharp comedic timing as Pattie Levaco, Darcy Wain’s goofy charm as Seth, and Allycia Angeles (Delia), Alana Iannace (Teresa), Nathan O’Keefe (Buddy Levaco), Jacob Rozario (Aaron), and Marty Alix (Martin) each adding layers of warmth, chaos, and humanity to the suburban world of late-90s New Jersey. Together, they create a tapestry of characters who are as messy and flawed as they are loveable.
Jeanine Tesori’s music is lush, witty, and endlessly inventive, while David Lindsay-Abaire’s book and lyrics sparkle with humour and disarming honesty.
Notable songs include Skater Planet, Make a Wish, Anagram, Better, This Time and Hello, Darling. The score, brought vividly to life under Kym Purling’s musical direction, is matched by Amy Campbell’s kinetic choreography, some involving roller-skates, pulses with youthful energy.
Visually, the production dazzles. Jonathon Oxlade’s clever geometric set design and Ailsa Paterson’s evocative costumes transport us straight into the quirks of suburban America, while Matt Scott’s lighting design paints the stage with both intimacy and grandeur.
The result is a show that feels refreshingly original yet emotionally timeless. Kimberly Akimbo reminds us that life, no matter how fleeting, is meant to be embraced… with awkwardness, joy, heartbreak and all. This show is a must see!
Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performance: Wednesday 30 July 2025
Season continues to 30 August 2025
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Images: Marina Prior as Kimberly Levaco in Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical – photo by Sam Roberts | The Cast of Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical – photo by Sam Roberts
Review: Rohan Shearn