Jeanine Tesori, a renowned composer known for her work on Broadway and other stages, recently reflected on the aging process, particularly for women, while discussing her musical Kimberly Akimbo. The show, based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s play, follows a teenage girl with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four times faster than normal. Tesori’s thoughts were inspired in part by her own 95-year-old mother, who often expresses surprise at her age. The musical, which recently had its London debut at Hampstead Theatre, features 66-year-old Maria Friedman in the title role, bringing a youthful energy to the character despite her advanced age on stage. Despite the show’s focus on a life-shortening condition, Kimberly Akimbo is described as a comedy with elements of chaos and tenderness, including a heartfelt teenage romance and a dysfunctional family dynamic. The original New York production won multiple Tony Awards in 2023. Tesori and Lindsay-Abaire intentionally left the ending open to interpretation, allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions about the protagonist’s fate. This approach reflects Tesori’s broader interest in the emotional truths of life and the passage of time. Tesori, now 64, has long been inspired by the urgency of living fully. She references a famous line from poet Mary Oliver: “what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This sentiment resonates with her, especially after witnessing the impact of the AIDS crisis on her generation, which deepened her awareness of how to live meaningfully. Her body of work, which includes Broadway hits like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Shrek, as well as more complex productions like Caroline, or Change and Soft Power, often explores emotional depth and personal connections. Tesori’s fascination with father-daughter relationships is evident in several of her projects, including Fun Home, an adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel, and Caroline, or Change. These stories are influenced by her own life, particularly the loss of her father over two decades ago. Her upbringing in a large, chaotic Italian family, where music was a central part of life, also shaped her artistic vision. Her grandfather, a band arranger and violist from Sicily, and her sisters all played roles in her musical development, giving her a broad and versatile foundation in music. Despite her success, Tesori is concerned about the future of Broadway, which she describes as having a “scary” business model due to rising costs. She remains committed to mentoring young artists and supporting the performing arts, even as she navigates the challenges of the industry. Currently working on multiple projects, she only takes on stories she deeply believes in. Kimberly Akimbo continues its run in London until 7 November.