After a celebrated off-Broadway run at the Atlantic Theater Company last season, Victoria Clark is returning to Broadway this fall in the new musical adaptation of David Lindsay-Abaire’s play “Kimberly Akimbo.”
In the latest episode of “The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal,” Clark, last seen on Broadway in 2015’s “Gigi,” spoke candidly about coming back to Broadway, the age differences among the cast and learning to have fun.
“I had been doing mostly directing and doing some writing, and I have a lot to say right now in my life,” Clark told Fadal.
“So it would take a really special show for me to go back onstage and feel like I can channel something that I myself would want to express. And this show is doing it to a T.”
“I’m approaching that age where every moment counts,” she continued. “And I could never have said it better than David Lindsay-Abaire and [composer] Jeanine Tesori. I’m so fortunate to be able to use their words to say what’s in my heart.”
The musical, which Clark said explores major themes of joy and humor, has the 63-year-old actor playing a teenager with a disease that forces her body to age very quickly.
“I don’t think the audience thinks for one minute, ‘Well, that’s an actual teenager,’” Clark said.
“But after a while, I hope people forget that it’s an older actor.”
As far as the age differences within the cast, Clark said the people playing her parents — Broadway veterans Alli Mauzey and Steven Boyer — and family members are about 20 years younger than she is — if not more. And then the cast members playing high school students are about 20 years younger than them.
“So we’re really a three-generation cast,” Clark said. “It’s very touching for me to be in the room with them and to see them kind of grow up. They’re teaching me so much.”
Clark said that sharing the stage with this company has her “learning how to have fun again.”
“Being around this cast has reminded me just how much fun life can be and how much fun live theater can be.”
“Kimberly Akimbo” is currently in previews at the Booth Theatre. The production opens on Nov. 10.
“The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal” airs on weekends. Check your local listings for air time and channel.
