Sixteen going on 72, Kimberly Akimbo is a heartwarming and humourous look at the trials of teenhood. Making its Western Canada premiere at The Arts Club Stanley BFL Canada Stage until May 3rd. The five-time Tony Award–winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, is based on Lindsay-Abaire’s earlier play of the same name.
Telling the story of Kimberly Levaco, a bright and insightful 16-year-old who, due to a genetic disorder that ages her exponentially, looks like a woman in her seventies. As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough, being ‘different’ as well as the ‘new kid’ makes it even harder to fit in.
New to New Jersey, Kimberly soon finds a group of similar outsiders at Skater Planet, the local ice rink hang-out. She meets and forms a friendship—and eventual romance—with a shy, puzzle-loving classmate, Seth Weetis as well as a show choir quartet of misfit teens. Offsetting her new social footing at school, Kimberly’s chaotic home life means she is often the mature voice of reason surrounded by her irresponsible parents and scheming aunt who pulls her into a reckless money-making scheme. As the story unfolds, Kimberly must decide how best to live her limited life; will she go along with the adults around her or follow her own dreams and make the most out of every day.
Director Ashlie Corcoran leads an outstanding ensemble of players, every one of them commanding attention and applause at every turn and note. As Kimberly, making her Arts Club debut, Lisa Horner brilliantly finds the perfect balance between the appearance of a mature woman while still carrying the wildly changeable waves of teen-emotions – awkward, innocent, cynical, meek and angry all at the same time. Always stellar, Jason Sakaki once again embodies his role, breathing life into the introverted, nerdy but big-hearted Seth, who also goes on an arc of self-discovery. The show choir members, Sarah Cantuba as Teresa, Angella Cody as Delia, Joaquín Little as Martin and James Ross as Aaron, bring enthusiastic energy to their quartet of laughable, lovesick teens.
The ‘adults’ in Kimberly’s life are a absolute powerhouse trio of award-winning performers; Steffanie Davis and Josh Epstein are Pattie and Buddy Levaco, Kimberly’s less-than-reliable progenitors, who offer glimmers of loving parents behind their wayward, whimsical infantile grown ups. As con-artist Aunt Debra, the chameleon-like Madeleine Suddaby belts out the big, bold, brash numbers that her character deserves.
The creative team including Musical Director Caitlin Hayes and Choreographer Shelley Stewart Hunt keep the production faultless with the actors invited to express themselves with freedom of movement that’s organic to their characters. The troupe’s natural maneuvers play into the insecure and ungainly teenage angst that evolve with their personalities.
Exploring mortality, growing up, finding joy and meaning in life – however short – Kimberly Akimbo is long on heart, honesty and humour. Seize the day and catch the weird, wacky but beautifully genuine production of Kimberly Akimbo until May 3, 2026 at The Arts Club Theatre Company Stanley BFL Canada stage 2750 Granville Street.
Visit artsclub.com for tickets and more show information – special performances include Sunday Salon April 12: a chat with Choreographer Shelley Stewart Hunt discussing her artistic process, TalkBack Tuesday April 21; a 15 minute post-performance audience with the artistic team and VocalEye performances April 26 and May 1