I had the pleasure of seeing Kimberly Akimbo once again; this time at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas, where it’s playing through Sunday, September 21. (To read my original review of the Costa Mesa production, click here!)

Seeing the show again reminded me why this Tony Award-winning musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori is so special. Set in 1999, it tells the story of Kimberly Levaco, a teenager with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age rapidly. It’s a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with touching emotional beats.

Ann Morrison took on the role of Kimberly in this performance, and she brought warmth, charm, and emotional depth to the character. Her comedic timing was spot-on, and her vocal performance beautifully captured Kimberly’s mix of hope, fear, and quirky resilience.

The rest of the cast remained largely the same from the previous production I saw — Miguel Gil once again shone as Seth, Kimberly’s sweet and nerdy friend. His big moment in "Good Kid," where Seth reflects on stepping out of his “good kid” role to help Kimberly pull off a check fraud scheme, was just as moving and inspiring as before.

Grace Capeless, Darron Hayes, Skye Alyssa Friedman, and Pierce Wheeler brought vibrant energy to the stage as Kimberly’s classmates, whose own goal of funding show choir outfits leads them to join in Aunt Debra’s antics.

Emily Koch was once again a standout as Aunt Debra, with powerhouse vocals and impeccable comedic timing in numbers like “Better” and “How to Wash a Check.” Jim Hogan as Buddy continues to balance humor and heartbreak as Kimberly’s well-meaning but flawed dad — his scene in “Happy For Her” got big laughs from the Houston audience.

Seeing Kimberly Akimbo a second time only solidified my love for this musical. It’s clever, heartfelt, and so full of life — a reminder to cherish every moment.

If you’re in Houston, you still have a chance to see it at the Hobby Center until Sunday, September 21. Don’t miss this beautiful, funny, and moving production.

For ticket info, visit The Hobby Center Website.
.