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Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical opens in Melbourne

Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical opens in Melbourne

Now playing at Arts Centre Melbourne, Kimberly Akimbo is a big-hearted, laugh-out-loud, and quietly heartbreaking musical about growing up when life gives you anything but a fair shot. After debuting in New York in 2022, Kimberly Akimbo won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and State Theatre Company South Australia, this production brings the acclaimed Broadway musical to Melbourne audiences.

Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical opens in Melbourne
Image: Kimberly Akimbo Cast, Image by Sam Roberts

WHAT IS KIMBERLY AKIMBO: A MUSICAL ABOUT?

Set in suburban New Jersey in 1999, Kimberly Akimbo follows 15-year-old Kimberly Levaco, played by the iconic Marina Prior. Kimberly has just moved schools and is trying to keep her head down, which isn’t easy when you look like a woman in her 60s. Kimberly lives with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly, but inside, she’s still just a teenager trying to make sense of friendships, family, and first love.

At home, things are chaotic. Her mum Pattie (Christie Whelan Browne) is consumed by her pregnancy and own medical issues. Her dad, Buddy (Nathan O’Keefe), means well but keeps messing up. And her rogue Aunt Debra (Casey Donovan) rolls in with a sketchy cheque-fraud scheme and a whole lot of chaos.

At school, Kimberly connects with the outcasts in the show choir, a misfit group that brings plenty of laughs. One of them, Seth (Darcy Wain), quickly becomes her closest friend.

Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical opens in Melbourne
Image: Kimberly Akimbo Cast, image by Sam Roberts

CAST

Directed by Mitchell Butel, the production is well-paced and emotionally grounded. Marina Prior brings a thoughtful mix of youthful energy and maturity to Kimberly. Casey Donovan is hilarious as Aunt Debra. Christie Whelan Browne captures Pattie’s distracted and dramatic personality, while Nathan O’Keefe gives a vulnerable performance as Buddy. The young ensemble — Marty Alix, Allycia Angeles, Alana Iannace, Jacob Rozario, and Darcy Wain — contribute well to the show’s balance of awkward teen moments and genuine connection.

Kimberly Akimbo walks the line between hilarious and heartbreaking. It’s full of surprising, touching moments. Despite everything Kimberly goes through, she isn’t looking for pity. She’s brave, funny, and full of heart — determined to live life on her own terms and take whatever time she has left and make it count.

Kimberly Akimbo: A Musical opens in Melbourne
Image: Casey Donovan Kimberly Akimbo, Image by Sam Roberts

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DATE: 26 JUL —  30 AUG 2025
VENUE: ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, PLAYHOUSE
PRICE: $25 – $135
BOOK TICKETS 

Age recommendation: 12+. Duration: Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes, including interval. Warning: Contains occasional coarse language and mature themes.

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