Broadway Lights Up Utica: How Kimberly Akimbo is Transforming the Local Scene
A few weeks ago, downtown Utica buzzed with excitement as five 53′ tractor-trailers rolled off the NYS Thruway and made their way up Genesee Street to The Stanley Theatre, loaded with the sets, costumes, sound systems, and production equipment for Broadway Utica’s latest sensation, Kimberly Akimbo. Along with the trailers came an impressive team: 21 cast and company members (including swings, stage management, and merchandise management), 13 specialized crew members, and eight musicians, all of whom play vital roles in bringing this critically acclaimed show to life.
For ten days, the Kimberly Akimbo team—47 members strong—made Utica their home, settling into The Delta and TownePlace Suites. However, the comforts of plush beds and a home-like atmosphere were just the beginning. The team quickly immersed themselves in the local scene, sampling the best of Utica’s cuisine, exploring the vibrant downtown, and enjoying the city’s nightlife. Their off-the-clock adventures not only enriched their experience but created a significant economic ripple effect that extended far beyond the theater.
“The influx of Broadway professionals is a huge boost for local businesses,” said Heather Delia, co-owner of Utica Roasting Company. “Events like these bring in new customers, allowing us to showcase our unique products and the special character of our area. It’s fantastic to see actors, cast, and crew mingling with locals in the café, sharing conversations that help spread the word about Utica. This kind of exposure not only gives our business a surge but also contributes to the broader local economy, helping keep our community vibrant long after the shows have moved on.”
But the impact of Kimberly Akimbo goes beyond dining and entertainment. Broadway Utica tapped into local resources by hiring 67 men and women from Utica’s own ITEA Local One. These local union workers have been integral in setting up, rehearsing, and fine-tuning the production, as well as contributing to hair design, makeup, and wardrobe.
“Having shows like Kimberly Akimbo do their technical rehearsals in Utica has been a great opportunity for our local labor pool and the community at large. We have a chance to work side by side with great designers and technicians in a much more hands-on capacity than we do for ordinary performances. We can gain new skills and learn about the newest technology while the show is being built, tested, and honed. We also get to share our favorite restaurants and Utica cuisine, so everybody wins,” said Joe Fanelli, ITEA + Technical Director for Broadway Utica. “The long hours are, of course, good for the bottom line for the union, its members, and all of the permit workers, but more important than that is the relationships and connections that get built. We have seen our locals here get ‘discovered’ and they have moved on to careers touring or working on Broadway. We are stronger for having spent our time with them, and we get to send a little bit of Utica NY across the country as they tour.”
The production’s decision to kick off their tour in Utica wasn’t a coincidence. The area’s strategic proximity to New York City, coupled with its state-of-the-art theater amenities—including expansive backstage areas, loading docks, and cutting-edge facilities to accommodate complex set builds—made it the ideal launchpad for the show’s national tour.
“Tech shows like Kimberly Akimbo aren’t just performances that come and go. They’re full-scale productions that spend weeks in town, building, rehearsing, and fine-tuning every detail before they hit the road,” explained Danielle Padula, Executive Director of Broadway Utica. “It’s an incredible boost for the area, as everyone involved in the show—cast, crew, musicians—live, eat, and shop locally during that time.”
Historically, Broadway Utica’s tech shows have injected over $1.7 million into the local economy, and with Kimberly Akimbo opening its tour in Utica, that number is expected to rise. The production is not just supporting the local economy; it’s playing a pivotal role in the city’s vibrant arts scene and providing new opportunities for creative talent. The lights of Broadway aren’t just shining on the stage; they’re illuminating Utica as a key player in the city’s dynamic art and theater scene.
September 14-15 at The Stanley Theatre
For tickets, click here.
Article by: T.K. Millo
