"Kimberly Akimbo," the Tony Award-winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, is a deeply funny and heartfelt exploration of life, family, and the preciousness of time. Set in 1999, before the heavy use of cell phones, the show follows Kimberly Levaco, a teenager grappling with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly. This premise is brilliantly brought to life by a stellar cast at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Carolee Carmello delivers an incredible performance as Kimberly. She masterfully balances the character's quirky, comedic personality with the emotional depth of someone who has to confront mortality at such a young age. Her heartfelt moments resonate powerfully, and her voice is both beautiful and moving, capturing Kimberly's vulnerability and resilience.

Miguel Gil, who plays Seth, is a joy to watch. Seth’s genuine care for Kimberly is heartwarming, especially given the knowledge of her short life expectancy. The sincerity of his crush on Kimberly shines throughout the show, and his standout moment comes in "Good Kid." In this solo, Seth reflects on his transformation from always being the "good kid" to risking it all in a check fraud scheme with Kimberly and her Aunt Debra. Miguel Gil's performance here is captivating, and he perfectly captures the internal conflict of wanting to help Kimberly while stepping out of his comfort zone.

Emily Koch as Aunt Debra is an absolute scene-stealer. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and her vocals in "Better" and "How to Wash a Check" showcase her undeniable talent. Her interactions with Kimberly’s school peers—Martin (Darron Hayes), Aaron (Pierce Wheeler), Teresa (Skye Alyssa Friedman), and Delia (Grace Capeless)—are laugh-out-loud funny as they join her in an elaborate scheme to cash fraudulent checks for their own selfish and heartfelt reasons.

Jim Hogan as Buddy, Kimberly’s father is another wonderful addition to the show; his character oscillates between overprotective parent and flawed individual. The comedic moment in "Happy For Her," where Buddy embarrasses Kimberly by accusing Seth of inappropriate intentions, is a highlight, as is Kimberly's fiery response.

The show is a masterclass in blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. Every character has clear, relatable motives; wethether it’s Seth’s desire to help Kimberly live her life fully, the school peers’ ambition to fund show choir outfits, or Kimberly’s struggle to find meaning in her limited time, the motivations feel real and compelling.

I had the pleasure of seeing this at the stunning Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. Originally not part of my itinerary, I was lucky to catch this show due to a flight cancellation, and I couldn't be happier to have experienced it. Kimberly Akimbo runs at the Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall until February 2, 2025.

For more information on Costa Mesa performances, visit
https://www.scfta.org/events/2025/kimberly-akimbo.

For details on the national tour, visit
https://kimberlyakimbothemusical.com/.

Whether you’re in Costa Mesa or another city on the tour, Kimberly Akimbo is a show that should not be missed. It’s funny, touching, and a poignant reminder to make the most of every moment.