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Theater review: 'Akimbo' goes outside the norm

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By David Burke | Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:06 PM CDT | () comments

From left, Aaron Sullivan, Denise Yoder and Jaci Entwisle perform in Riverbend Theatre Collective's production of "Kimberly Akimbo." (Contributed Photo)

At one point in “Kimberly Akimbo,” the second production by Riverbend Theatre Collective, the title character shrieks, “Do you think we could just be normal for a few minutes?”

Easier said than done.

The teen in the title role has an alcoholic, slacker father (Aaron Sullivan), a hypochondriac mother (Jaci Entwisle) who’s expecting a second child while her hands are bundled from carpal tunnel, and a homeless, con-artist, speak-her-mind aunt (Denise Yoder).

Sixteen-year-old Kimberly (played by Peggy Freeman) is the most normal one of the bunch — and she has a disease that ages her at 4 1/2 times the normal rate.

Riverbend latches onto David Lindsay-Abaire’s quirky black comedy and gives the play its all, thanks to director Allison Collins-Elfline.

Freeman, decidedly not 16 (I gave up on guessing women’s ages long ago) gives a simply amazing and completely believable performance in the title role. She captures not only the line readings of an angst-ridden teen, but the posture, mannerisms and attitude of one as well.

I kept thinking back to the movie “Juno” with its teen title character while seeing Freeman’s performance. It’s no coincidence that “Akimbo” plays and feels like an independent film comedy.

Collins-Elfline has raided Prenzie Players for the cast of the production. It’s interesting to see Sullivan, Entwisle, Yoder and Dustin Oliver (as Kimberly’s classmate-turned-almost-boyfriend) filling modern roles in contrast to the Prenzies’ unique takes on Shakespeare. Entwisle and Yoder especially have the comedic timing I’d like to see in other theatrical forms during the future.

Already a veteran of the show (she played the mother in a Cincinnati version), Collins-Elfline wisely chose “Kimberly” as the first play offering by the company she founded. She makes the most of the Village Theatre space, keeping the area in front of the stage as the family kitchen and the stage area serving as everything from an automobile to Kim’s bedroom.

Riverbend has put a parental advisory on the play because of a couple profanities and other language, but it’s not shocking enough to keep potential audiences away.

With equally balanced humor and melancholy, dealing with life and dealing with death, “Kimberly Akimbo” is a prime quirky choice.

IF YOU GO

What: “Kimberly Akimbo” by Riverbend Theatre Collective

When: 8 p.m. today through Saturday, June 28

Where: Village Theatre, 2113 11th St., Village of East Davenport

How much: $10

Information: Call (309) 757-1387 or RiverbendTheatreCollective.com on the Web

David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.