Just a few short years ago, in 2022, a new musical named Kimberly Akimbo hit Broadway after its premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company in November 2021, and it’s been all the rage ever since. Now it’s headed to Birmingham, with seven opportunities for you to see the show. Kimberly Akimbo is a musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order), and it has quickly racked up 5 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical,” as well as a Grammy nomination for the score.
Set in suburban New Jersey, the story follows Kimberly, who’s about to turn 16, as she navigates family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Yet she doesn’t let it get her down—she’s determined to find happiness no matter the circumstance, and she takes life on as an adventure. The show is part comedy, part drama, and part musical heartbreaker. I recently got to chat with Brandon Springman, who plays Buddy, Kimberly’s father. Keep reading if you want to get the inside scoop on this production that’s heading to the BJCC Concert Hall November 25–30.
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*Valid for Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday Evening performances. Offer applies to base ticket price only. Tickets are subject to additional fees. Must use Code 25BETTER to receive offer. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. Valid for Front Grand Tier, Mid Grand Tier, Gold Circle Balcony, Front Balcony, and Mid Balcony. Discount valid 11/14/25-11/30/25 and cannot be combined with any other offers or applied to any other shows and events. Due to the nature of live entertainment dates, times, performers, and prices are subject to change. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No exchanges or refunds.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
About the Show
“The music is incredible [and] the book is incredible,” Springman shares. “As an actor, it’s… an honor to be part of such an acclaimed production. You laugh a lot, and you cry; it’s a beautiful experience in the theater. It’s a rollercoaster of a show and it’s so fun. It’s a gift to be able to tell this beautiful story.”
When asked about the musical as a whole, Springman says, “It’s a show with hope and laughter—what we do with the time we have and how we take care of ourselves. Kimberly as a person is so full of hope and you can see how deeply she impacts the people in her life. There are [all kinds of] moments—it’s full of everything—but mostly I’d say it’s full of heart and hope.”
Buddy Akimbo: A Flawed but Well-Meaning Father
Buddy is Kimberly’s dad—but really, he’s a kid raising a kid, because he and Kimberly’s mom had her when they were in high school. “Buddy’s a character that doesn’t come around that often,” Springman explains. “[Kimberly’s parents] are dealing with many things like we all always are, as humans. They’re dealing with their daughter dealing with this disease she has. They’re struggling to be parents.”
Springman describes his character as “a fun loving guy” at his core. “He’s always hoping, [and] he loves to make people laugh.” Springman loves portraying Buddy, because “falling short and failing sometimes is a beautiful portrayal of being human. We all fall short and we do our best to do better the next day, and he’s a great representative of a parent doing their best and falling short.”
Buddy is relatable, because let’s be honest—there isn’t one perfect parent out there. We all let the people we love down. Yet this very flaw is what inspires you to root for Buddy, “as any person roots for a parent to be the best version of themselves for their kid,” Springman puts it. “In spite of his specific flaws he struggles with, the theme of falling short and doing the best you can resonates with everyone,” he adds.
The Cast & Crew
According to Springman, the cast and the crew is “an embarrassment of riches of people and talents.” He praises the show too, declaring, “It will be one of the great memories of my career and life, and to get to share it with the country. I can’t say enough how great the company and creative team is and take care of each other. It’s such a joy to show up to work.” And when he says “share it with the country,” he means it—they’ve traveled something over 18,000 miles and performed in front of close to 5,000 audience members already.
Behind the Scenes
“There’s a lot of fun stuff that happens in the show, and a lot of joy and laughter that builds behind the show,” Springman says. “The moments you find backstage with people bolster your performance. You find crew members backstage and do the choreography and you share a laugh.”
When asked about his favorite scene, he admits, “There’s a lot that takes place at the skating rink, and it’s always fun for me to do that part of the show.” Springman also gives a little glimpse into life behind the curtain when he recalls the “spooky boo” backstage tradition—everyone decorates each others’ dressing rooms to give each of the actors a little piece of home away from home.
They also just welcomed a few new cast members for this new leg of the tour. “It’s always exciting welcoming new cast members in and seeing their interpretations of the role and also getting to experience how the show impacts them as a person,” Springman states excitedly. “There’s no better word than fun.”
Life Is Short
Springman’s challenge to the audience, inspired by the production, is simple: “The time we have is important, so live it to the fullest and take care of the people in your life and love them deeply. There are no guarantees and it’s important to love the people in the best way we can.” He encourages parents and teens alike to watch the show, both for those funny and heart-felt moments of remembering what it was (or is) to be in high school. “There’s so much joy and laughter and fun to be had.” The themes of the show are very universal, so it’s easy to connect to the characters and the story no matter your age or stage. “The responses have been across the board very strong emotional responses and a deep sense of love for the story, both by the people who knew nothing and people who have followed the show since it was off Broadway,” Springman explains. “It’s been very beloved in every city we’ve gone to.”
Be sure to check it out yourself when it comes our way late this November. Kimberly’s bubbly, upbeat perspective will be a very fitting take for the season of gratitude. You can order your tickets on BroadwayInBirmingham.com, BJCC.org, or Ticketmaster.com. For more information about the musical itself, visit KimberlyAkimboTheMusical.com.
