This event is offered to students entirely free of charge, but we are seeking a sponsor. If you or your organization would like to provide this opportunity please contact us!

JM artists travel to the Durham Performing Arts Center for the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical “Kimberly Akimbo” in our 2024-25 series providing an opportunity for JM arts students to experience world-class arts.

A new musical about growing up and growing old, Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone.

Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.

Our new “Pinnacle of the Arts” series provides an opportunity for JM students to experience world-class arts regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. We’re working to arrange some post-performance opportunities to meet the artists and learn more about what the students just experienced.

About 30 students will attend each event, which includes excellent seating locations, travel and sometimes a meal for no more than $30 per event — with the option for students to raise the entire cost of their trip through our annual JMArts Raffle for the Arts or to receive financial assistance through JMArts scholarships designated for this series. Thank you to contributors and event sponsors for helping cover the cost of these opportunities!

“Pinnacle of the Arts” began in September with the international tour of contemporary music legend Herbie Hancock, an event offered entirely free of charge thanks to a contribution by Rose and Chip Pate. It also includes Carolina Ballet’s renowned production of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” (an event offered entirely free of charge thanks to a contribution by The Wren Foundation), the North Carolina Symphony performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Behind the Scenes at the North Carolina Museum of Art (an event offered entirely free of charge thanks to a contribution by The Wren Foundation) and this national Broadway tour of “Kimberly Akimbo.” There may be more events to come.

👉 If you, your business or your nonprofit would like to sponsor an event, please contact us. This is a remarkable opportunity to shape the lives of young artists.