Kimberly Akimbo Soars to New Heights with MTI Licensing

The critically acclaimed musical Kimberly Akimbo has joined the prestigious Music Theatre International (MTI) licensing catalogue, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This Tony-winning production, with a book by David Lindsay-Abaire and a score by Jeanine Tesori, is currently captivating audiences on a national tour, and its addition to the MTI roster promises to bring its heartwarming story to stages across the world.

Unlocking the Doors to Theatrical Brilliance

A Triumphant Broadway Debut

Kimberly Akimbo, based on Lindsay-Abaire's 2000 play of the same name, made its Broadway debut in 2022 following a successful Off-Broadway premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2021. The musical's captivating narrative follows the life of Kimberly Levaco, a New Jersey teenager grappling with a rare condition that accelerates her aging process. This poignant story struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, culminating in a remarkable five-win sweep at the 2023 Tony Awards, including the coveted Best Musical accolade.

Joining the MTI Catalogue

The acquisition of Kimberly Akimbo by MTI places it alongside other acclaimed Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire collaborations, such as Shrek The Musical, as well as Tesori's solo works, including Caroline, or Change, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Violet. This move not only solidifies the musical's status as a modern classic but also opens the door for its widespread production and performance in theaters worldwide.

A Heartfelt Journey for the Creators

In a joint statement, Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire expressed their delight at the show's journey, from its humble Off-Broadway beginnings to its triumphant Broadway run and now its inclusion in the MTI catalogue. They shared their excitement at the prospect of Kimberly Akimbo's hopeful spirit, humor, and tenacity inspiring audiences globally, as the show embarks on a new chapter of its adventure.

Embracing the Future with MTI

MTI President and CEO Drew Cohen echoed the creators' enthusiasm, hailing Kimberly Akimbo as an "instant classic" and expressing the company's eagerness to welcome the musical into its esteemed catalogue. With the show's availability for licensing, theaters across the globe will have the opportunity to bring Kimberly's story to life, further expanding the reach of this heartwarming and deeply moving production.

Unlocking the Playbill Experience

As part of the MTI licensing agreement, productions of Kimberly Akimbo will be able to create Broadway-quality Playbill programs using the iconic yellow-and-black Playbill header through the PLAYBILLDER platform. This feature will allow theaters to seamlessly integrate licensor-approved character and song lists, as well as billing pages, into their programs, enhancing the overall theatrical experience for audiences.

A Bright Future Ahead

The addition of Kimberly Akimbo to the MTI catalogue marks a significant milestone in the musical's journey, opening up new avenues for its widespread production and performance. As theaters around the world eagerly await the opportunity to bring this heartwarming story to life, the future of Kimberly Akimbo shines brighter than ever, poised to captivate audiences and inspire them with its message of embracing life's challenges and finding joy in the present.