Why is 'Kimberly Akimbo' Closing On Broadway After Huge Tony Awards Sweep?

Despite being the most awarded musical production at the 2023 Tony Awards, "Kimberly Akimbo" is closing its doors and taking its final bow soon.

"Kimberly Akimbo" took home five awards at the 2023 Tony Awards last year, including Best Musical.

'Kimberly Akimbo' Closing on Broadway: Why?

Deadline reports that "Kimberly Akimbo" is closing on Broadway on Apr. 28, 2024, after 32 previews and 612 performances on Broadway.

The publication noted that the same company has been performing since 2021, way back when they were still an Off-Broadway musical. Up until their final performance on April 2024, the entire original company will be performing.

The reason for "Kimberly Akimbo's" closing has not been revealed. However, the publication reported that although they grossed a huge figure during the Holiday season, their numbers have been unpredictable in the past month as the musical has lost "some of its original Broadway steam."

Apparently, the show can fill 90% of the seats at the 766-seating capacity Booth Theatre, but recent numbers revealed that they can only fill up to 540 to 610 seats on average, which amounts to 70-80% overall.

Meanwhile, eager musical lovers could still watch "Kimberly Akimbo" when they tour in the third quarter of the year with a 60-city national tour starting in September 2024 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. However, the national cast hasn't been announced yet.

'Kimberly Akimbo' Tony Awards

The announcement of "Kimberly Akimbo's" closing date was quite a surprise for many because of how critically acclaimed the musical was and how awarded it was on Broadway. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

On the 2023 Tony Awards, "Kimberly Akimbo" bagged Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Bonnie Milligan, Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Victoria Clark, and Best Musical.

Comparatively, "Kimberly Akimbo" followed the worrying trend on Broadway where big productions in the past season started closing. "New York, New York" the second most nominated musical last year, closed its doors already. "Some Like It Hot," the most nominated production and second most awarded show dimmed its marquees already. "Shucked," which received significant attention post-Tony Awards because of Alex Newell's sensational performance has also announced its closing date.

"Kimberly Akimbo" received eight nominations last year including Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Justin Cooley, Best Orchestrations, and Best Direction.

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Broadway