"Move On": Karen Akers Returns to the Algonquin May 13

By Andrew Gans
13 May 2008

Karen Akers
Karen Akers

Karen Akers, who starred in the original Broadway productions of Nine and Grand Hotel, returns to the fabled Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel May 13.

Akers' ninth consecutive spring engagement at the famed venue is titled Move On and is described as "a wry and sophisticated, rueful yet hopeful look at the universal challenge of starting over."

Through the poetry of Dorothy Parker and the music and lyrics of an eclectic array of composers Akers, press notes state, will explore "what happens when life's unexpected twists and turns force us to make peace with the past, pick ourselves up, and face the future." Cabaretgoers can expect to hear songs by Stephen Sondheim ("The Glamorous Life"), Cole Porter ("Down in the Depths"), Rodgers & Hart ("This Funny World"), Amanda McBroom and Michele Brourman ("Hope Floats"), Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ("I Was Here," "My Garden"), Lieber and Stoller ("Ready to Begin Again") and Maury Yeston ("Only With You").

Akers will be accompanied on piano by musical director Don Rebic. Eric Michael Gillett directs.

Show times are Tuesdays-Thursdays at 9 PM with two shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 and 11:30 PM.

Karen Akers received a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut as Luisa Contini in the original Tommy Tune-directed production of Nine and returned to Broadway in another Tune musical, Grand Hotel. Her feature film credits include "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Heartburn" and "Vibes," and she was seen in an episode of the hit TV series "Cheers." It's been the concert/cabaret stage where Akers has been most praised. Her solo recordings — including "Like It Was," "Presenting Karen Akers," "In a Very Unusual Way" and "If We Only Have Love" — are available on CD.

DRG Records has just released Akers' newest recording, "Simply Styne."

There is a $65 music charge for all shows plus a $30 minimum. The Oak Room is located within the Algonquin Hotel at 59 West 44th Street. For reservations call (212) 419-9331.