"The Tony Award-winning best musical," says Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations for Ensemble Arts Philly. "It's based on the play 'Kimberly Akimbo' by David Lindsay-Abaire and the Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori."
"It's very funny. It's very heartfelt," says actor Jim Hogan. "It'll certainly make you feel some stuff."
Ensemble Arts Philly is bringing the musical to the Academy of Music.
"It's a coming-of-age story of a young girl who has a unique condition," says Egler.
"She has a rare, fictional, genetic disease that ages her 4 to 5 times the natural rate," says Hogan.
While she looks like an older woman, Kimberly Lovaco feels like a regular teenager from New Jersey.
"And we kind of see her entire 16th year, from her birthday to what is considered her final year of life. The life expectancy of this disease is 16 years old," he says. "It is kind of centered around the idea of our mortality."
"And how she's sort of discovering, basically, how she wants to enjoy the adventure that is her life," says Egler.
Along the way, she deals with some family challenges.
"I play her father, Buddy, who's a part of her crazy, zany family who adds a lot of heart and comedy and drama to her life," says Hogan.
She also has typical teen experiences, like having her first crush and trying to make friends in high school.
"It's bittersweet, but it's definitely a lovely comedy," says Egler.
Hogan adds that there's "such power within the dynamics of 'Kimberly Akimbo'".
"It just kind of gives everyone a sense of purpose," he says. "You will walk out of the theater needing to live your life to the fullest."
Ensemble Arts Philly presents "Kimberly Akimbo" October 21 - November 2 at the Academy of Music.
Ensemble Arts Philly - "Kimberly Akimbo"
Link to Tickets at the Academy of Music
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102