Since September 2024, Regene Seven Odon of Neptune has been traveling the country on the national tour of Kimberly Akimbo, the critically acclaimed Broadway show that follows a teenage girl with a rare, rapid-aging disease as she navigates her dysfunctional family and New Jersey high school. The show won five Tony Awards, including best musical.
City Lifestyle caught up with Odon on the road to talk about his artistic journey, his roots in Monmouth County and his unique name.
How long have you been performing?
Both my mom’s and dad’s sides of the family introduced me to art and music at a young age, and I loved it.
When my mom realized I wanted to sing on stage, she entered me in competitions in the Philippines, where I lived as a child. I continued competing after moving to Ocean Township at about age 7. I joined Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York and local competitions in Monmouth County, including “Freehold Idol.”
A funny fact: I didn’t know what musical theater was until I moved to the United States. When I saw my first show, I was absolutely enthralled. I felt in my heart that it was something I wanted to do.
Now I’m doing it for a living, and that’s really cool.
How did you develop your “triple threat” skills?
I trained in acting and voice with Theresa Pittius, owner of The Prep in Little Silver. She taught me to bring myself to each role and never forget where I came from.
Although I have no formal dance training, I took lessons at Project Dance in Eatontown.
How did you launch your professional career?
In 2020, I signed with Take 3 Talent Agency in New York City. They sent me on auditions for TV, film, theater and commercials. I appeared in two episodes of City on a Hill, starring Kevin Bacon, and filmed a commercial for Facetune in Ukraine in 2022.
Tell us about your big break with Kimberly Akimbo.
I auditioned for the tour in 2024. At the end of July, I had just arrived in upstate New York for a two-week contract when my agent called to say I was cast as an understudy for Seth, Aaron and Martin. I finished that show in early August, and rehearsals for Kimberly Akimbo began the following week. I left my nine-to-five job and was on the road by September.
What was it like to tour nationally?
I was nervous at first, but tour veterans gave me great advice. It turned out to be an incredible experience.
I visited places on my bucket list and explored each city along the way. If I’m somewhere new, I want to see everything. That keeps my energy up.
Your name has a special meaning.
Yes. “Regene” comes from combining my grandfathers’ names, Renato and Generoso. “Seven” reflects that I was born in 1997 and am the seventh grandchild on both sides of my family.
What makes you most proud?
There was a time I considered doing something else because of constant rejection. When I auditioned for “Kimmy,” I told myself I would try one more time.
Now, I see those “no’s” as redirection. That’s what I’m most proud of.
What are you looking forward to after the tour?
The tour ended in May, so I’m excited to be home with family and friends and spend the summer in New Jersey. And I have to shout out JJ Delicacies in Red Bank. I’ve tried poke bowls across the country, and nothing compares.
What’s next?
I’m heading back into auditions. This show was such a great experience, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Follow Odon at @regeneodon.