All Photos: Alan Mercer
Karen Akers first appeared on Broadway in the original production of ‘Nine,’ a musical directed by Tommy Tune and based on the Federico Fellini film ‘8 1/2,’ playing the part of Luisa Contini, the wife of promiscuous film director Guido Contini. The show opened May 9, 1982, and had a successful run of 732 performances, closing February 4, 1984. The six foot tall beauty won a Theatre World Award for her performance and was one of three actresses in the show nominated for the Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Musical.
She has appeared in many prestigious venues worldwide from Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, New York's Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, and London's Piazza on the Park. Her career also includes three performances at the White House.
Karen has had two of her own PBS television specials: "PRESENTING KAREN AKERS" and "KAREN AKERS: ON STAGE AT WOLF TRAP." The latter is available on DVD. In addition to her own PBS specials, she has performed in PBS musical tributes to Ira Gershwin and Duke Ellington. A review in ‘Variety’ described her as "a contralto with uncommon dramatic depth", and a "sultry chanteuse." She has released ten exquisite albums so far.
She appeared again on Broadway in ‘Grand Hotel,’ a musical adaptation of the novel and film, again directed by Tommy Tune. The show opened November 12, 1989, for a successful run of 1,018 performances through April 19, 1992.
She appeared in the Woody Allen film ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ as a celluloid chanteuse, and in ‘Heartburn’ as the mistress of Jack Nicholson's character. Karen also appeared in one episode of ‘Cheers’ as Cliff Claven's shy, Plain Jane gal pal in 1987.
I have loved Karen Akers since she became well known from ‘Nine’ in 1982. I had the chance to see her perform live in Dallas in 1987 and I never forgot the intensity of her brilliant performance. This past year she came to Los Angeles to perform and I saw her twice. She is even better on stage now than she was back then.
AM: Karen, who’s lyrics do you enjoy singing?
KA: I love Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. They’re incredible.
AM: You’re the kind of artist who can really bring out the most in the lyrics. I think you are equally an actress as well as a singer.
KA: I’ve been told that a lot. Mostly people say I’m an actor who sings instead of a singer who acts.
AM: I feel that you are equal 50/50 of each.
KA: That’s nice. That’s good isn’t it?
AM: I think you are the very top at what you do!
KA: In cabaret?
AM: At anything you do. What is the meaning of cabaret?
KA: For me it’s the fusing of theater and music.
AM: That’s the best way I have ever heard it put.
KA: It’s the “what if” that does it for me, that is extraordinary...when I’m in the middle of a song. 'What if’ I was discovering and forming these words in the moment, living whatever I’m singing about. That’s how it’s fun for me to do it. Then it makes sense and becomes real for me.
AM: Your audience has to be smart to understand your songs.
KA: You really do have to listen. This is art in communication.
AM: Karen you are also a pop singer because you can really sing a pop song!
KA: Yes I can. Thank you, no one's ever said that.
AM: I wouldn’t label you as a pop singer first.
KA: I’m just a singer. Is Tony Bennett a pop singer?
AM: Yes!
KA: OK then I’ll go for it. (laughter)
AM: You have recorded a few pop songs in your career.
KA: I’m on the fringe. The songs I have recorded are not so terribly known or commercial but one thing I’ve got to record is Sondheim’s 'Water Under The Bridge.’
AM: That’s your song!
KA: Stephen just about said that to me and it meant the world to me. I love the song fiercely.
AM: Did you start out as a folk singer?
KA: That is true! It is so true that I got asked for my autograph by people who thought I was Joni Mitchell. I had the bangs and long hair. Because I was so shy I would sing with just a guitar and a scotch and water by my side. (laughter) I wouldn’t dream of doing that now! In those days it was not only my courage but I thought it helped me sing better, which is nuts.
AM: Well that’s youth.
KA: Of course it was youth.
AM: Was ‘Nine’ you’re first show?
KA: It was.
AM: How did it feel to get plucked out of obscurity onto the Broadway stage?
KA: Extraordinary! The way it all came about was so serendipitous. I was singing at a place called Micky’s. I worked there a lot in the late 70's and into the early 80's. Tommy Tune was casting the show and this guy named Luciano told him he had to see me. So I auditioned for Tommy and the producers. I sang three songs. Tommy said, “Thank you very much” so I left wabbling out the door. After any kind of audition like that my knees are shaking. They wanted me but they didn’t know which part to give me at first.
AM: Well they gave you the right part for you!
KA: Yes they did. It was really one of the happiest and most exciting times...AND the most difficult times really. I was living in Washington DC and I had two little boys. My first husband Jim was being a house husband at that time. By the way, the thirtieth anniversary of ‘Nine’ just happened last week.
AM: That sure was a wonderful experience for you. Do you prefer Broadway performing or nightclubs?
KA: I love them both for different reasons. The scale of Broadway or a place like the Hollywood Bowl is exciting, but you have to make a conscious effort to keep the intimacy. Also when you are on Broadway you have a character you are bringing to life and you’re not yourself.
AM: You’re very good at maintaining intimacy with your audience.
KA: Thank you, when you sing in a big place you have to sing to the audience as if they are only one person. I know it can be done even in a football sized arena. I have done this before. Cabaret is more frightening because you don’t have a character to hide behind. You are baring your soul to total strangers.
AM: I know you have performed in Europe many times. Do you notice a difference between an American audience and a European audience?
KA: Hmmm...the Russian audiences taught me about rhythmic clapping. That was really fun! When they really like someone they go into a rhythmic clapping, saying don’t you dare go anywhere...they want some more. That was fun and exciting. They also love songs in French and I love singing in French. I think the most demonstrative audiences are here.
AM: How many languages do you speak?
KA: I speak English of course, French, Italian, a little German, a little Russian. I’m working on Spanish more now. That’s about it. Oh I can order food in Greek!
AM: Are you interested in acting now? Do you audition for acting roles?
KA: Yes I am but I’m such an odd bird that I know it will be a rare thing that comes along that I would be right for.
AM: I know what you mean. You are specific.
KA: I am specific...which is nice. Maria Callas always said, “Get a look!” I have a look in people’s minds.
AM: You have a very elegant look.
KA: Well so I’m told. I think that has to do with my grandmother’s cheekbones and my height. Also the trademark haircut that I can’t seem to lose no matter what.
AM: I have always loved your hair style on you.
KA: Now this darling French man cuts my hair while we both stand up. He says that’s the only way to get the right look.
AM: I don’t ever want you to change your hairstyle.
KA: I did change it once in Italy. I felt so liberated. I was whirling around like a dervish and I was happy. Then all of a sudden...nothing worked. I didn’t know how to take care of it and it looked awful.
AM: Any chance of a new recording soon?
KA: Funny you should ask since I just saw a note to call Cynthia in regards to our live recording of my Cole Porter show in 2010. I wasn’t really happy with it so I let it go. Now I want to go into the studio and do the Cole Porter material not as a live show, but as a collection of songs. I really love the Porter show.
AM: I saw this show twice and you are brilliant!
KA: So you enjoyed it?
AM: I really loved your stunning renditions of these songs.
KA: I’m so glad you said that. This is more inspiration to get it done.
Karen with her accompaniest Donald Rebic
To learn more about Karen Akers visit her web site http://www.karenakers.com/
