11/1/2024
Broadway Las Vegas
Carolee Carmello in the National Tour of KIMBERLY AKIMBO, Photo by Joan Marcus Min
Kimberly is about to turn 16, and she’s navigating the usual challenges of adolescence after arriving in suburban New Jersey. She deals with family dysfunction (her parents mean well but have their own issues, and her Aunt Debra is an actual criminal), her first crush, and even possible felony charges.
She also happens to have a rare condition that causes her to age at four-and-a-half times the normal rate, but she refuses to let that her slow her down. Kimberly is determined to find happiness against all odds – and embark on a great adventure while she still can.
“It’s a very clever, very original show … and you’ll come out glowing from having experienced something completely unexpected.”
That’s how Paul Beard, programming advisor to The Smith Center, described Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo earlier this year, once he and his team had locked down its highly anticipated eight-show Las Vegas premiere for February 2025.
Beard has booked Broadway for The Smith Center since the performing arts center opened its doors in 2012, and he said Kimberly Akimbo would be one of the most beloved shows ever to come through Reynolds Hall.
But don’t just take his word for it. The Tony Awards® bestowed their top overall honor – the Best Musical trophy – to Kimberly Akimbo last year, while showering the production with four other Tonys, including Best Original Score and Best Direction.
The New Yorker called it a “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show,” and, in a glowing review of the tour’s opening night, The Denver Post wrote, “It’s one for the ages! Kimberly Akimbo wastes no time staking a claim to both exuberance and the weight of the world. It’s infectiously joyous.”
Making the touring version even more exciting is its stellar cast, led by the acclaimed Carolee Carmello – who has starred in Mamma Mia!, Parade, Sister Act, Tuck Everlasting and many more – in the title role.
In short, it’s one of the absolute must-sees of The Smith Center’s 2024-2025 Toyota Broadway Las Vegas® Series. It’s recommended for ages 13+, and tickets are available now at TheSmithCenter.com.