Middle-aged character actress Marylouise Burke tackles the tension of Kimberly's interior and exterior realities in the New York premiere of Kimberly Akimbo, David Lindsay-Abaire's quirky comedy, beginning previews at Manhattan Theatre Club's Stage I Jan. 14.

In addition to her disease, Kimberly must also contend with her pregnant, hypochondriac mother, a rarely sober father, a scamming aunt and the possibility of first love.

David Petrarca directs Jodie Markell (Sankebit), who plays Kimberly's mom, Pattie; Jake Weber as Buddy, Kimberly's father; Ana Gasteyer ("Saturday Night Live," The Rocky Horror Show) as Debra, Kimberly's scam-artist aunt; John Gallagher Jr. as Jeff, Kimberly's 16 year-old classmate and potential love interest. The play is set in Bogota, NJ.

The MTC run at City Center continues to March 30. The new work by Lindsay-Abaire (Fuddy Meers, Wonder of the World) had its world premiere at South Coast Rep in California (with Burke). MTC previously staged Lindsay-Abaire's Fuddy Meers and Wonder of the World, which both featured Burke.

Designers are Robert Brill (sets), Martin Pakledinaz (costumes), Brian MacDevitt (lighting) and Bruce Ellman (sound). Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last 5 Years) wrote original music for the production. Marylouise Burke recently starred as Jack's Mother in the Broadway revival of Into The Woods. Her previous New York credits include Inherit the Wind and The Chairs.

MTC is at City Center at 131 W. 55th Street. For more information, call (212) 581-1212 or visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.