Karen Akers: Simply Styne is the title of the singing actress' eighth consecutive spring engagement at the famed nightspot. Akers' newest program, which will be offered April 17-May 12, will feature direction by Eric Michael Gillett and musical direction by Don Rebic. Last season Akers drew much acclaim for her program First You Dream, which featured the songs of Kander and Ebb.

Born Julius Kerwin Styne Dec. 31, 1905, in London, England, Jule Styne's Broadway composing credits include High Button Shoes, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Funny Girl, Bells Are Ringing, Peter Pan and Gypsy. Among his catalogue of tunes are such ditties as "Time After Time," "All I Need Is the Girl," "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry," "It's Magic," "People," "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!," "Never Never Land," "Small World," "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Just in Time." Styne died in New York, NY, Sept. 20, 1994.

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.

The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel is located in Manhattan at 59 West 44th Street. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 9 PM with additional shows Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30 PM. For reservations call (212) 840-6800.