Grand Forks: Dark Comedy at Fire Hall Theatre

By Christopher P. Jacobs
Staff Writer

A strong cast brings playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s dark comedy “Kimberly Akimbo” to life in the current production of the Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre. The show opened last week and continues its run at the Fire Hall Theatre in downtown Grand Forks at 7:30 pm Thursdays through Saturdays through May 15, with a Sunday matinee at 2 pm on May 9. Tickets are $15, or $12 for students, senior citizens, or military personnel.

Directed by Chris Berg, “Kimberly Akimbo” is a comic drama of the relationships in a peculiarly dysfunctional family. It centers around a teenage girl with a rare genetic disorder that causes her body to age four and a half times faster than normal, so by age 16 she’ll be physically equivalent to a 72-year-old and will have reached her average life expectancy.

Buddy and Patty, her alcoholic father and pregnant, hypochondriac mother have recently moved the family to a new town under suspicious circumstances, and they’re soon joined by Patty’s homeless ex-con sister Debra, an outspoken and scheming con-artist.  Meanwhile, Kimberly is developing a tentative friendship with classmate Jeff, who’s working on a school project with her.

The show provides a great showcase for eccentric performances as well as a fine opportunity for ensemble acting. Mare Thompson gives a sensitive portrayal of Kimberly, effectively conveying the sense of a world-weary teenager on the verge of first love. Pat DeMars is very entertaining, and as usual seems to be channeling Walter Matthau as the blustery but concerned Buddy. Heather Helgeson gives good support as the self-absorbed Patty, who deep down would just like a normal life.

Sharon Bures is wonderful as Kimberly’s wild aunt Debra, quite a departure from her typically more restrained roles at the Fire Hall, and Ryan King is very good as the teenage boy who can see the teenage Kimberly through her aged physical appearance.

“Kimberly Akimbo” is both a very funny satire and perceptive commentary on family issues and human relationships. It does feature some very frank language and deals with some sensitive subjects, but is well-worth seeing for adult audiences.

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If You Go

What: “Kimberly Akimbo”
Where: Fire House Theatre, Grand Forks
When: Through May 15
Info: 701.746.0847