The Broward Center for the Performing Arts in association with Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale Series, is thrilled to present Kimberly Akimbo,winner of five 2023 Tony Awards and the most critically acclaimed musical of its season. Kimberly Akimbo will make its Fort Lauderdale premiere at the Broward Center April, 7-12.
Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.
Named “BEST MUSICAL by the Tony Awards, New York Drama Critics Circle, The Drama Desk Awards, The Lucille Lortel Awards, and The Outer Critics Circle Awards, Kimberly Akimbo is also the winner of 4 additional Tony Awards: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Score (David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori), and Best Book (David Lindsay-Abaire).
The North American Tour of Kimberly Akimbo is produced by David Stone, The Atlantic Theater Company, James L. Nederlander, LaChanze, John Gore, Patrick Catullo, and Aaron Glick.
It was a pleasure to down with Max Santopietro, for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
Growing up, I was always the kid making his parents watch the dance he came up with. I was often performed in front of family members at gatherings, in full costume. So, I have always had the performance bug. It wasn’t until middle school that I started performing in actual plays and musicals. I grew up in Charlotte, NC, and there was a wonderful youth theater scene. I started auditioning for plays both in and outside of school and haven’t stopped since.
What was your first professional gig (and tell me about it)?
While this is my first professional theater gig, I have been on a few TV episodes. My first was “Homicide Hunters”, which I was cast on for an episode alongside my younger brother, Griffin. We were able to play siblings on the show. It was a super cool experience for both of us to be on a working set with seasoned TV actors. It is a completely different pace than theater and flexes a different acting muscle.
When did you know performing would be your career?
Honestly, ever since I started acting in musicals, I knew this was what I wanted to do. By the time I entered high school, I knew there was no other choice, and if I didn’t pursue a theater degree in college, I would always regret it.
Other than this show, what has been your favorite role so far?
When I was in college, my school did Cabaret. I played the Emcee in the production, which has always been one of my dream roles. I think Cabaret is a perfect musical, and there is so much that can be done with the role of the Emcee. I had a wonderful director who I worked with closely to specify what my take on the role would be, and we spent so much time researching Weimar-era Germany and clowning to make the role feel true to the context of the show.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
There are a few roles I played in high school/college that I would love to get another chance to play in my adult life (Seymour, Pippin, Emcee), but a show I have yet to touch is Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I love rock and roll and even play the guitar myself and I think that the show is wildly funny and brilliant. It would be a dream to take on that beast of a role.
Is it intimidating or is there extra pressure touring with a show that won “Best Musical” by the Tony Awards, New York Drama Critics Circle, The Drama Desk Awards, The Lucille Lortel Awards, and The Outer Critics Circle Awards?
It is intimidating entering such a critically acclaimed show, but the entire cast, crew, and creative team have been so warm and welcoming to me. I am one of the newest cast members to join the tour, but I have never felt like I don’t belong. Performing the show (almost) every night has really given me insight into why it won so many awards. It is truly unlike any other show I have seen or been in; it is so charming and unexpected. The comedy is laugh-out loud, but it also has so much heart. It is such a blessing to be able to tell this story.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, creative, and silly
What do you do for fun?
I always like to have a craft on hand, whether that is painting, drawing, or paper-mâché.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of, “Kimberly Akimbo”?
For those who are unfamiliar with the show, they should expect to be surprised. Kimberly Akimbo is a show that subverts expectations, even up until the final moment. It is not your classic musical, but it has some aspects like catchy songs and slapstick humor. This touring cast brings so much heart and soul to these characters, and I never get bored of watching my fellow castmates belt their solos on stage. For readers who have seen the show, it is still the same show you know and love! Luckily, our creatives have given us the chance to make these characters our own, so maybe you will see a new take on “Kim” or “Seth”. However familiar they are with the show, they have something to look forward to with this touring company.
For more information, please visit KimberlyAkimboTheMusical.com
To purchase tickets to Kimberly Akimo at The Broward Center, go to Broward Center.org or call 954.468.0222
