Theater Review: The wonderfully off-kilter Kimberly Akimbo

The final show of the 2025-2026 Broadway Series at the Providence Performing Arts Center is here, and it’s ending the season with a flourish. Kimberly Akimbo is quirky, colorful, and heartfelt all at once. 

For those unfamiliar, the show follows the titular Kimberly (played by Ann Morrison), a teenager with a rare genetic disease that causes her body to age rapidly, grappling with her mortality as she nears her condition’s average life expectancy. Meanwhile, she navigates the trials of a dysfunctional family and tribulations of starting at a new high school. She befriends Seth, a polite kid with a knack for puzzles, and an existing group of oddballs—Martin, Aaron, Delia, and Teresa—all four with unrequited feelings for another. 

The obvious stand-out of this show is the leading actress. Ann Morrison brings a youthful exuberance to the role of Kimberly. Morrison nailed the angst and uncertainty you’d expect from a teenager despite having celebrated her 70th birthday last month. Morrison’s conviction drove the show’s most memorable numbers as well. While “Anagram” helps Kimberly understand Seth’s perspective and helps relate to him, “Our Disease” contrasts her experience with those of her peers, as her own affliction of aging will cure her friends of their affliction: adolescence. 

Another notable performance was Marcus Phillips as Seth. While the character itself was well-written and compelling, Phillips’ character choices from the squeaky voice to the delivery of socially-awkward lines made Seth endearing instead of uncomfortable, all while being kind and genuine.

Contrasting the two sincere characters listed above, Aunt Debra (played by Emily Koch) helped offset the heavier themes of the show with her own sideshow of comedy. Kimberly’s aunt, out of prison, on parole, and the reason Kimberly’s family had recently moved, Debra introduces a level of chaos and lawlessness to the otherwise well-mannered teens. This is best seen in the number “Better,” where Debra attempts to persuade Kimberly and her friends into helping with a money-making scam. Koch nailed the humor this role required, embodying the role of “smooth-talking bad influence” with satirical finesse. 

Another highlight of the show was its costumes. Set in the 90’s, the show features a vibrant collection of nostalgic outfits. The very stylish Kimberly might be dressed in a plaid flannel or dress, flare jeans, or long-sleeve shirt worn under a short-sleeve shirt (or all at once, which is not an exaggeration). The rest of the cast matched her spunk with vibrant, striped polos, denim jackets, and swirly patterned tops. 

Overall, the show skates a perfect balance between silly and serious. It’s sure to get a laugh, and leave you thinking on the way home. It’s a wonderful way to end the 2025-26 Broadway Series at the PPAC.

For more information on upcoming shows, visit ppacri.org.