the mommy avenger

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the national tour kickoff of Kimberly Akimbo at the Buell Theater in Denver, and let me tell you—this show is nothing short of a whirlwind of emotion, energy, and pure musical brilliance.

The night opened with an undeniable energy that never wavered, instantly captivating the audience. From the first note to the final bow, Kimberly Akimbo is a masterclass in blending heartfelt storytelling with music that resonates long after the curtain falls. The plot, centered on Kimberly, a teenager with a rare genetic condition that makes her age rapidly, offers a poignant yet humorous exploration of family, friendship, and survival.

The star of the show, Carolee Carmello, who portrays Kimberly Akimbo herself, is nothing short of remarkable. Carmello brings depth, humor, and vulnerability to the role in ways that make you feel every moment of Kimberly’s journey. Her portrayal is sensitive and nuanced, capturing the tension between the teenage spirit and a body that is betraying her far too quickly. Carmello’s voice is equally impressive, lending power and emotion to every song she touches, particularly during the show’s quieter, introspective moments.

And let’s not forget Miguel Gil, who brought so much life to the role of Seth. His portrayal of the quirky, socially awkward teenager who befriends Kimberly was both charming and endearing. Gil’s performance was filled with heart, and his chemistry with Carmello felt so natural. Together, they formed a duo that truly anchored the show.

What really makes Kimberly Akimbo stand out is its music. The score, composed by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, is a true gem. The songs effortlessly weave through various emotions, from lighthearted and playful to deeply introspective. The lyrics are sharp, witty, and at times, achingly beautiful. You could hear murmurs in the audience after some of the ballads—yes, it’s that kind of show where the music lingers with you long after you leave the theater.

Highlights of the night? Well, let’s talk about “Better,” one of the most powerful numbers performed by Carmello. It’s a song that captures the essence of wanting to be more, to be better, to strive for something bigger—and it was a showstopper. I also loved Carmello’s performance of “Make a Wish,” a touching, yet playful piece that gave us a glimpse into her imaginative spirit and hopes.

The set design was simple yet effective, allowing the performances to really shine. It felt intimate and cozy, drawing the audience into Kimberly’s world without overwhelming the storytelling.

Kimberly Akimbo is an absolute triumph. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and deeply moving all at once. With standout performances, unforgettable music, and a story that will leave you reflecting on life’s fragility, this is a show that you’ll be thinking about long after the final curtain. Grab your tickets, bring your tissues, and prepare for an unforgettable night at the theater! This is a show you don’t want to miss! To get your tickets, visit Denver Center for the Performing Arts online. Kimberly Akimbo will be running at the Buell Theater until October 5, 2024.

Be sure to check out other stand out shows coming to Denver for the 2024-2025 season, such as Hamilton, Back to the Future, Life of Pi and more!

And as if Kimberly Akimbo wasn’t enough to get excited about, the 2024-2025 theater season is packed with even more incredible performances. Shows like  Hamilton, Back to the Future the Musical, and Life of Pi are all on the horizon. So if you haven’t already, now’s the time to secure those tickets because Denver’s theater scene is seriously thriving!

 ^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}