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| Although the runs of most cabaret shows don't lend themselves to full-scale reviews at CurtainUp, on this page we attempt to bring readers a taste of cabaret life in New York. In the section called "New and Noteworthy," we provide news and reports about cabaret goings-on that are especially worthy of attention; in the "Cabaret Venue" section, a list of major cabaret venues of potential interest to theater-goers in New York and, where available, links to websites that contain up-to-date information on who's performing. |
New and
Noteworthy
Karen Akers: Time After Time By Brad Bradley
Most frequenters of Manhattan's cabaret rooms long ago concluded that Karen Akers is a remarkable vocalist, with heartfelt delivery and an often-haunting voice, yet a few critics sometimes have faulted her for a cold and detached manner. Akers' current collection of songs, presented at the Oak Room of the fabled Algonquin Hotel, seems to address such critics, for the talented lady has become downright adorable, all the while holding on to her unusual gifts for delivering songs with their greatest impact, both cerebral and emotional.
Her opening song, Frank Loesser's "If I Were a Bell," affords a giddiness and accessibility that will be somewhat of a surprise to many of her fans; its slightly modified lyrics serve as a personalized touch by a superb and heavenly hostess who welcomes her dearest guests one by one to her private party in the manner of a sublimely classy coquette.
A more familiar song, the Gershwins' "How Long Has This Been Going On," while receiving a traditional measured and conversational treatment, nevertheless is delivered with excitement. Reaching more deeply into emotional territory, Kurt Weill's "It Never Was You" penetrates with a heartbreaking resonance. Songs this special are rare, as are superb renditions of it; Akers scores strongly and memorably. Part of Ms. Akers' stock-in-trade includes songs in foreign languages, and while the current program does not focus on this repertory, the area is effectively represented by "Senza Catene" (known in English as "Unchained Melody" and by an Edith Piaf favorite "Hymne A L'Amour" ("If You Love Me, Really Love Me"). The former, begun a capella and later joined by the piano, is enchantingly spiritual, and the latter is used as a stirring encore and acknowledgement of her own musical past.
I do have quarrels with two of the program's musical choices. In "Just One of Those Things," the tempo began extremely slowly, yet the tune surprisingly ended as an ironic salute. Perhaps this mood change is too much for the song to bear. And the show's title tune, "Time After Time," is perhaps the most ordinary music of the evening; even in such capable hands and with such caring delivery, it still sounds rather plain and sentimental.
Ms. Akers seemed on much more appropriate ground with a brilliant pairing of two lover's laments, the nearly unknown "Loving You" from Sondheim and the much more familiar "Why Was I Born" torch song of Kern and Hammerstein. As the songstress asserted, although the pieces were written three generations apart (1994 and 1929), "the generation gap disappears," rendering one lyric a logical continuation of the other. "Send in the Clowns," Sondheim's most recognizable melody, still was unquestionably fresh and raised the question, "When will Ms. Akers play the role (in A Little Night Music) that will permit her to sing this standard for theater audiences?" Now is the perfect time, for this ageless performer's voice and appearance deliver considerable warmth and charm on top of her long-noticed beauty and distinctive style.
Karen Akers: Time After Time
Director: Richard Niles
Musical Director, Arranger, and Pianist: Don Rebic
Running Time: One hour (no intermission)
Oak Room, Algonquin Hotel (59 West 44th Street).
Viewed on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 by Brad Bradley
Plays Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. Late shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. Engagement from April 6 to May 15, 2004.
Cabaret Venues
{Phone Numbers are 212 unless noted)
{Phone Numbers are 212 unless noted)
Birdland, 315 W. 44th St. 212-581-3080
Bitter End, 147 Bleeker St. 212-683-7030
Blue Note, 131 @. 34d St. 212-475-8592
Café Carlyle, 35 East 76th Street 744-1600
The Club at La MaMa E.T.C. 74A East 45th St. 212-254-66468
Danny's Skylight Room, 346 West 46th Street 265-8133 www.dannysgrandseapalace.com
Dillon's, 245 West 54th Street, 212-307-9797 Web Site
Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street 757-0788 www.donttellmama.com
The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street 255-5438 www.theduplex.com
Feinstein's, 540 Park Avenue 339-4095 web Site
Mama Rose's , 219 Second Ave 212-533-0558 web site
The Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St. 212-840-6800
Triad, 158 W. 72nd St. 212-799-4599 web site
Upstairs at Rose's Turn, 55 Grove St. 212-366-5438
West Bank Cafe, 407 W. 41nd St. 212-695-6909
Joe's Pub, 425 LaFayette Street 539-8770 www.joespub.com
Rose's Turn, 55 Grove Street 366-5438 www.rosesturn.com
The Triad, 158 West 72nd Street 799-4599
West Bank Café/Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 West 42nd Street 695-6909
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