And that\u2019s what I love about this show. <\/p>\n
Kimberly Akimbo is a \u201csmall\u201d show. With a cast of just nine and no special effects, this show relies entirely on a brilliant script, wonderful music and hysterical lyrics, sets that don\u2019t overwhelm and performances that each received a standing ovation.<\/p>\n
Ann Morrison is perfect as the 16-year-old Kimberly who suffers from a genetic disease that ages her at four times the normal rate and has a life expectancy of 16. As the new kid in school, she works to fit in and succeeds.<\/p>\n
But not right? As far as I\u2019m concerned, you gotta love a show that pokes fun at one of those $19-a-month nonprofits \u2014 in this case Make a Wish \u2014 with not one but two songs that pick the agency apart. Tell me it\u2019s not true that they make grantees pick three wishes and then grant the cheapest. <\/p>\n
And Kimberly, or more precisely her aunt Debra, goes down having the shortest coming out scene on record. Personally, I hate coming out stories filled with angst as much as Debra does, so I love this scene that Emily Koch executes perfectly. \u201cGay. Straight. Gay. Straight,\u201d she says pointing at the four high school students that comprise the chorus. \u201cThere, I just saved you years of heartache.\u201d Boom. Nailed it.<\/p>\n
And the four person ensemble is as good as any 20-member, over-produced chorus weighing down lots of Broadway productions. Their production of \u201cOne Disease,\u201d a song that has you rooting for Scurvy, is, again, perfect. <\/p>\n
Kimberly\u2019s parents have a wonderful relationship, even if mom is pregnant while her 16-year-old daughter went through menopause four years ago. <\/p>\n
And while I say this is a show without special effects, the snow was enchanting. And how was the cast ice skating on a wooden stage? That was magic enough for me.<\/p>\n
The humor\u2019s in the music as well as the props and performances. Yes, a mailbox is funny. So is a tuba. Marcus Phillips plays it terribly with perfection. <\/p>\n