April 10, 2026

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Kimberly Akimbo at the Arts Club Theatre Company is a production that gets many of the essentials right. Beneath its quirky premise is a deeply human story about time, family, and the small, defiant acts of joy that make life meaningful.

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First and foremost, the cast is terrific across the board. Every performer brings commitment, specificity, and emotional clarity to their roles. Lisa Horner, playing Kimberly, strikes a delicate balance between youthful awkwardness and the weight of her condition. Jason Sakaki, as the introverted and unsure Seth was a stand out. There’s a gentleness to his performance that never slips into sentimentality; instead, it feels honest and quietly brave. Kimberly’s parents may be deeply flawed, but Steffanie Davis and Josh Epstein deliver anything but. They imbue their performances with such depth and nuance that the audience finds itself rooting for their redemption rather than bracing for their downfall. As Aunt Debra, Madeleine Suddaby is irresistibly roguish, pairing effortless comedic timing with a powerhouse belt that brings the show to a thrilling halt.

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Direction and design are solid, serving the story and allowing fluid transitions between locales. Pam Johnson’s New Jersey set captures the poetry of the working class with unflinching honesty. Every worn surface and practical detail helped to create a world that’s as tough as it is tender, and completely, unmistakably real. 

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In the end, this Kimberly Akimbo is elevated by its excellent cast and their unwavering commitment to their character’s tropes. The second act lingers longer than it should. I found myself wishing for it to wrap up after a near three hour running time. There’s real heart here, and a deliciously quirky and deeply human story about time, family, and the small, defiant acts of joy that make life meaningful.

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- Vancouver Stage 

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Kimberly Akimbo is at the Stanley BFL Canada Stage from April 2 - May 3, 2026

Find tickets and info here

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