Scripps Ranch Theatre Kicks off Season 46 with Kimberly Akimbo
the play that inspired the musical
By David Lindsay-AbaireDirected by Ted Leib
September 26th – October 19th, 2025
Preview Performance: Friday, September 26th at 7:30pm
Opening Night Saturday, September 27th at 7:30pm
Scripps Ranch Theatre kicks off their Season 46 with Kimberly Akimbo, written by David Lindsay-Abaire. Directed by Ted Leib, the production runs September 26th – October 19th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. There is a preview performance on Friday September 26th at 7:30pm and Press Opening is Saturday, September 27th at 7:30pm. Patrons can purchase Ticketsonline at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573.
Synopsis: The prospect of dying by age 16 hardly seems like obvious fodder for comedy. This play, which inspired the musical that took Broadway by storm in 2022, is a haunting and hilarious dark comedy that offers theatre at its most wacky and original. Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of a girl with a genetic disorder that accelerates her aging process – she’s going on 16, but has the body of someone four times older. Kimberly Akimbo manages to ask the big questions about family and mortality in a funny, zany and heartfelt tone. The New York Times called it “the comedy of the year.”
“Kimberly Akimbo is exceedingly rare and almost impossible not to love. It’s a bit like an amusement park ride: Half the fun is knowing your heart is about to get drop-kicked.” –Variety
The cast features San Diego performers Katee Drysdale (as Debra), Jason Guffey (as Buddy), Reden Magtira (as Jeff), Ruth Russell (as Pattie) and Debra Wanger (as Kim).
Director Ted Leib shared “David Lindsay-Abaire is among my favorite playwrights because he creates characters who are accessible and relatable, then often places them in seemingly mundane situations, and slowly peels back the veneer to reveal a profound dysfunction borne of some past indiscretion. The audience experience is like that of a great mystery: We gleefully follow down the rabbit hole* and savor the unravelling and resolution. (* – pun intended, as Rabbit Hole was Lindsay-Abaire’s first great popular success)”
Director Ted Leib’s talented production team includes the following
Stage Manager Charmaine Reed
Asst Stage Manager Aiden Winchester
Co-Producer Ruth Russell
Co-Producer Tyler Jiles
Set Design Dixon Fish
Set Construction Mgr John Owen
Props Design/Set Dressing Duane McGregor
Scenic Painting Duane McGregor
Lighting Design Josie Gerk
Sound Design Ted Leib
Costume Design Chong Mi Land
TED LEIB (Director, Sound Designer) San Diego directing credits include last season’s Fully Committed, She Loves Me, The Fantasticks, Foxfire, and The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, all for SRT; Sweet Charity, Man of La Mancha, Same Time Next Year, Picnic, Boeing Boeing, A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play, and The Musical of Musicals for Oceanside Theatre Company; previously, in Orange County: Pirates of Penzance (STAGES theatre); Bug (Hunger Artists); Bus Stop (Vanguard); Forever Plaid and The 12 Plays of Christmas (Orange County Pavilion). Ted’s sound design credits for SRT include Fully Committed, Stew and Chapatti for SRT, among many others.
Scripps Ranch Theatre is located on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances run from May 23 – June 15th on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can purchase Ticketsonline at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org or call 858-395-0573.
About Scripps Ranch Theatre
Scripps Ranch Theatre (SRT) is a professional theatre company located on the campus of Alliant International University and is celebrating its 46th Season. Helmed by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler, Scripps Ranch Theatre produces a mainstage season in their intimate 118 seat space. SRT strives to share stories that engage the heart and mind. To learn more, visit www.scrippsranchtheatre.org
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