Karen Akers: Feels Like Home

For much of veteran Karen Akers celebrated career, she offered shows with themes or comprised
of songs that resonated at the time. These last few years, however, the artist has shared thoughts and feelings about where she is in life. Material is carefully, eclectically curated and mined for truth.

Tonight, Akers looks at the concept of “home,” as in where the heart was or is; memories, peace of mind, love; a room, a mate, the country. “It’s a safe place where we discover where we are…” she tells us. Developed before the election was resolved, the show brims with anxious awareness and determined hope. “Home” (John Kander/Fred Ebb) opens wry and resigned in what sounds like a tenement apartment rife with constant disasters. “I’ve got another leak, oh/He’s (the super) in Puerto Rico…”

Randy Newman’s “Feels Like Home” centers on a loved one. “La, la, la, la, la …A window breaks down a long dark street/And a siren wails in the night/ That’s alright ’cause I have you here with me/And I can almost see through the dark there’s a light…” She sounds uneasy, clutching at the sides of a small boat bobbing on accompaniment.

Tom Hubbard, Karen Akers

“Growing up in Massachusetts, there were these two boys…” Akers dreamily recalls introducing a low key rendition of “Boys in the Trees” (Carly Simon). The performer looks back with benevolence towards her younger self. “Our House” (Graham Nash) brings up sense of community. Twice married and from a large family, the artist has known this feeling, but also refers to those joined in music. Alex Rybeck echoes and harmonizes.

A long professional relationship with the work of Craig Carnelia is tapped for the beautiful “Just Where They Should Be.” The performer’s heart is in her voice. “There’s a light in the window/And a warmth in the light/Things are just where they should be tonight…” Every breath contributes. Stephen Flaherty’s droll “Torch Song” about the very tall green woman in our harbor looking for a date fits Akers’ graceful 6’ stature and dry sense of humor.

Author Julie Gold offered the artist “From a Distance” years ago. “And I foolishly refused to sing it because it spoke of God. Well, I’m older now and I think of God as the capacity for love and hope.” A lovely piano bridge evokes wind chimes. “From a distance you look like my friend/Even though we’re at war…” Eyes close. She gazes up lamenting.

Tom Hubbard, Karen Akers

“God on high/Hear my prayer…” begins a heart-rending version of “Bring Him Home.” (Claude-Michel Schonberg/Herbert Kretzmer & Alain Boublil). “Anthem”(Benny Andersson/ Björn Ulvaeus) erupts with knife like intensity. “No man, no madness/Can possess my country’s heart!” Rybeck weaves in a few bars of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

Back in the 80s when Ronald Reagan was president “gosh, it’s funny how that can seem positive,” Akers was invited to sing at The White House. The confirmed Democrat didn’t want to go. Her friend Paul Hecht said, “It’s not his house, it’s ours.” A heady “Take Care of This House” (Leonard Bernstein) follows as touching entreaty.There’s vulnerability and dignity in tonight’s bravado.
“Your My Home” (Billy Joel) embraces the audience with gratitude and resolution.

Except for conscious injection of theatrical levity, I don’t understand the inclusion of “I Never Do Anything Twice.” (Stephen Sondheim)

Alex Rybeck is an orchestra at the piano.

Photos – Alix Cohen
Opening: Alex Rybeck, Karen Akers, Tom Hubbard

Karen Akers- Feels Like Home
MD/Piano –  Alex Rybeck
Bass – Tom Hubbard

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