By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez
It’s no surprise that “Kimberly Akimbo” garnered five Tony Awards. The hit musical is a standout on many levels.
“Kimberly Akimbo” is currently being presented by Broadway in Chicago at CIBC Theatre through June 22.
The play, which opened on Broadway in 2022, revolves around 16-year-old character Kimberly Levaco, who has a genetic disorder making her age rapidly to where she looks decades older. Kimberly’s family has moved to New Jersey and she must get used to her new surroundings, new classmates and new people whom she hopes will accept her.
There are plenty of bittersweet moments as well as humorous scenes in this show with its sweet character and her dysfunctional family in the spotlight.
Carolee Carmello does a terrific job portraying Kimberly and makes her a character the audience can definitely care about. The entire cast is an ensemble of strong performers. Also starring in the show are Miguel Gil, Jim Hogan, Emily Koch, Grace Capeless, Skye Alyssa Friedman and others.
The score of “Kimberly Akimbo” is a standout as well, featuring catchy music and witty lyrics. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Securing a iicket to this production will, no doubt, ensure an entertaining evening at the theater.
FYI: “Kimberly Akimbo” continues through June 22 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $35 to $125. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Sidebar: Actress from “Kimberly Akimbo’ shares family recipe
Skye Alyssa Friedman enjoys stepping into the kitchen.
“I enjoy good food and making my own food,” said Friedman.
The actress is currently starring as Teresa in “Kimberly Akimbo.” The production runs through June 22 at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.
Friedman said it’s much more difficult to prepare your own food while on tour though.
“When I moved to New York City for college I lived alone and cooked for myself,” she said.
Among favorite meals she’d prepare were seafood, pasta and soup.
“It’s nice trying different restaurants (when on tour),” she said.
Friedman, who said she’s not a “picky” eater, remembers special dishes her mother made while she was growing up. Among favorite specialty meals were prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, which her mother made often for Christmas.
The actress had some family influences when it came to cooking.
“I was inspired by my grandparents and parents and what they passed on,” Friedman said. Healthy food was always in the spotlight in her family’s kitchen, Frieman stressed. “My mom always made food with healthy ingredients.”
Friedman said she’s not really into following the work of famous chefs.
“So many people (everyday cooks) make yummy food. They don’t have to be a chef,” she said.
Friedman said she’s enjoying her role with the touring production of “Kimberly Akimbo.” “I absolutely love the way it’s written,” she said about the show. “I love how funny and irreverent it is but it’s also bittersweet and so life affirming.”
The following recipe is from Friedman.
Yorkshire Pudding
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups of flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons oil
Mix all ingredients, except the oil, together.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Take an 8×8 square pan and pour the 4 tablespoons of oil into it.
Heat the pan for 2 minutes before pouring in the cold batter.
Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do not open the oven door during cooking.
Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy outer edges and the custard-like inside.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
