The Tony Award-winning Best Musical KIMBERLY AKIMBO brings a great adventure to Cleveland from next week on but today we're getting to know one of the show's stars Skye Alyssa Friedman to hear about life on tour.
Who do you play in KIMBERLY AKIMBO?
Teresa Benton
Can you tell us a little bit about your character?
Of course! Teresa is 1/4th of the teen quartet who becomes friends with the title character Kimberly in the show. She’s a high school sophomore with a big crush on Martin and is such a sweetheart. She’s a people pleaser for sure--always super polite, kind, and excited but also a little anxious/chaotic (especially around Martin). She is so fun to play and I love her deeply!
Skye signing a wall tag with fellow cast member Grace
How was the rehearsal process?
It was lovely! I had a different experience with rehearsals for this tour because I’ve been with the show for years. I started with the off-broadway production in October of 2021 at Atlantic Theatre Company as a cover for Delia (the other girl in the teen quartet) and Teresa. I then transferred to Broadway with it and was there for that entire run which was about a year and half. I am so lucky that I’m still with this show and get to play Teresa, tour the country, and share KIMBERLY AKIMBO with new audiences. We started working on this tour in August of 2024. We had a few weeks of rehearsals in NYC and then “teched” the show in Utica. It was such a fun rehearsal process--the energy in the room was amazing! It was a combo of friends from Broadway and new friends, which made it extra wonderful. Because I had been with the show for so long, I had such a comfortability with it that I felt really safe to explore and play in the rehearsal room. I was able to soak in the entire process in a new way.
Skye on the first day of rehearsals
How is life on the road? Any favorite spots you’ve visited so far?
Life on the road is so cool! It’s such a unique experience to have as a 23-year-old, and I’m very grateful for it. I hadn’t traveled much before tour, so this has been eye-opening! I love getting to explore new places and try delicious restaurants and experience the vibes of all these cities across America. Obviously, life on the road can also be weird and hard (constant packing, new beds all the time, limited kitchen access, etc)--there’s pros and cons, but I believe it is so worth it. My favorite spot so far has been San Francisco--we were there for 4 weeks and I wasn’t at all ready to leave. I lived in an Airbnb in North Beach with my friend Miguel (who plays Seth) and it was perfect. Other favorites include Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Salt Lake City. However, I’ve really enjoyed every city we’ve visited--they all have something special to offer. I am so excited to be in Cleveland again, and I know I will enjoy my time here greatly!
Skye at stage door in San Francisco
What is your pre-show ritual / warmup?
At this point, it isn’t super extensive since I feel so comfy with the show. I usually socialize for the first part of half hour before I get ready. I’ll maybe make a coffee or tea, check in with our stage managers, wander around the building a bit (as long as my voice/body is warm). I get ready for the show fairly quickly . . . I prefer this process as opposed to being ready super early and then just sitting around waiting--I’d rather jump right in! I wear ice skates in the first number of the show and lacing those skates has oddly become sort of a ritual for me. It gets me focused and in show mode and all ready to go!
Skye in costume
Do you have a favorite moment / lyric in the show?
Ah, so hard because I love so many moments! I really enjoy doing the number “How to Wash a Check.” I also love a moment in Act 2--it’s called “Skater Planet (reprise #2)” and it’s a short, simple, but incredibly beautiful number. Kim and the teens are sitting around playing Uno as they often do and the teens are expressing their excitement for growing up and living out their dreams while, at the same time, Kim is understanding that she probably won’t get to experience any of that due to her genetic condition.
Skye and fellow cast member Miguel celebrating 100 shows!
Where are you from originally and where did you train as a performer?
I am originally from Jupiter, Florida. I grew up attending classes at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory of Performing Arts and also performing in shows at the theatre. After high school, I moved to NYC to attend college. In May of 2024, I graduated summa cum laude from the BFA Acting Program at Pace University’s Sands College of Performing Arts in New York City!
Skye in college
Can you tell us about how you got into performing arts, do you remember your first role either professional or amateur?
I have always loved theatre and performing since before I can even remember. I played Mary Poppins in my preschool production of Mary Poppins and never looked back! My first professional role was Gretl in The Sound of Music and then, a few years later, I made my Broadway debut at 11 years old in the revival of Annie at the Palace Theatre in NYC.
Skye in preschool production of Mary Poppins
What piece of advice would you give to young aspiring performers?
Keep at it. Keep training. Be kind and fun to work with!!! This industry is super small and everyone knows everyone--people want to work with people they enjoy. Embrace your individuality--only you can be you, and that will help you every time. Authenticity is key.
Skye backstage in San Francisco
Is this your first time performing at Playhouse Square? Ever been to Cleveland before?
Yes, this is my first time performing at Playhouse Square, and I’m so excited. I have a bunch of family members and friends coming to the shows, which is really special. I grew up visiting the Cleveland area! My mom is from a suburb of Cleveland, and some of my family still lives in the area. I’m so delighted to be back.
A younger Skye visiting cousins in Cleveland
Why should audiences come and see KIMBERLY AKIMBO?
Audiences should come see KIMBERLY AKIMBO because it is a hilarious, heartwarming, irreverent, beautiful show. It is so life-affirming and really reminds us all that life is precious--we need to enjoy it while we can and cherish the people we love. It is also an excellent reminder to embrace individuality and our own uniqueness. It’s a fantastic, atypical show for some laughs on a night out with a little bittersweetness mixed in, just like life. I hope audiences here will have a great time and love our little show--I know I do!
Kimberly Akimbo cast outing