everything theater in the Mahoning Valley!

Portrayals make ‘Akimbo’ beautiful

Published: Tue, November 8, 2011, By LorRaine Wardle, entertainment@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Kimberly Levaco has a rare disease that causes her body to age four and a half times the normal rate. She won’t live far past 16. And that’s the least of her problems. Kim is the central character of “Kimberly Akimbo,” the latest production at the Oakland Center for the Arts.

The play by David Lindsay-Abaire is a poignant and funny look into the complicated life of a young woman who is forced to grow up — literally — before her peers. As if a fatal disease isn’t enough, Kim must also deal with an alcoholic father, a pregnant hypochondriac mother, and a criminal aunt. And then there’s high school.

In fact, there is so much going on in this play, the fact that Kim has a disease hardly matters. The beauty of Lindsay-Abaire’s script is in his development of each character.

At first glance, the play may seem like an “afterschool special,” focusing on how the characters deal with the disease. But this play is about so much more: the family dynamic and the characters’ relationships. His treatment of the characters delivers a realistic and beautiful play.

The play takes place in New Jersey in the late winter, on and around Kim’s 16th birthday. It moves quickly, as Kim deals with her impending mortality and her crazy family.

Director Cleric Costes’ staging gives the play a quick pace while his cast brings their characters to life. The play would never work without a believable Kim, and this is where Costes lucked out. Molly Galano is one of the area’s finest actresses, and she does not disappoint.  READ FULL REVIEW

Oakland Center for the Arts
Kimberly Akimbo
written David Lindsay-Abaire
directed by Cleric Costes
Show times: 8 pm on November 4, 5, 17, 18, and 19th.
Tickets: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors, $10 Students
Reservations: 330-746-0404