Our next presentation on Monday February 12, celebrating Valentine’s week, is Karen Akers. And for a moment, you might forget that this heartfelt and sincere invitation is coming from a legendary cabaret artist who has been captivating us with her talent (and gifts) for many years. That’s how surprising and enchanting Karen Akers is. She has always been able to astonish and charm us, from her unexpected debut as a singer at Reno Sweeney’s in the Village, to her stunning Tony nominated roles under Tommy Tune’s direction in NINE and GRAND HOTEL, Akers has always been (and still is) the object of our endless curiosity. She has been featured in 3 movies and has made 11 albums.
In this intimate Rittenhouse Grill setting, Ms. Akers’ artistry – in splendid form – also shows another side of her; the singer, known for her humor and grace, is also deeply and touchingly human. Perfect for Valentines.
She takes us on a journey with the worldly songwriter through his travels from Manhattan to Paris and even a supermarket in Old Peking, Akers, with subtle phrasing and crisp diction, brings out Cole Porter’s witty humor and refined word play in a unique way. Indeed, to see and hear Akers, with her elegant gestures and flowing robes, deliver the amusing story of “The Tale of the Oyster” or express the frustrated sarcasm of “The Physician” is to see and hear Cole Porter as he wanted to be seen and heard. She also does tributes to Sondheim and the Great American Songbook.
But it is in the songwriter’s ballads and blues – a complex blend of happiness and sorrow, hope and courage – that have challenged many of the greats that Akers’ remarkable interpretive skills shine the most. With her majestic presence (and cheekbones) that evoke European royalty, Akers, also pays tribute to Édith Piaf, the quintessential cabaret singer.
