Laurie Roldan has always had a mystical connection to the late Karen Carpenter. The Bay area native, who has worked extensively in musical theater, decided to perform a cabaret of Carpenters songs. The result was “A Song for You”, which she brought to New York’s Green Room 42 last year.
On Thursday April 30th, she returned to the same space with an updated version of the show, “A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter & Friends” which included well known favorites like “Yesterday Once More” and “Top of the World.”
This time, Roldan focused on duets that Carpenter performed with artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, and Andy Williams.
Powerhouse Lianne Marie Dobbs joined Roldan for a cover of Dusty Springfield’s “I Only Want to Be With You.” and “Corner of the Sky” from the musical Pippin. Although Carpenter and Springfield never collaborated on a song, Karen’s brother, Richard worked with Springfield on the 1987 song, “Something in Your Eyes.”
Roldan’s husband, Dan did a lovely medley of songs originally performed by Como and Carpenter with his wife. Dan is a former theater performer who had an extensive stage career in New York and brought a sweet, rich baritone presence to the show.
Later, Alexandra de Suze brought her soulfully smooth voice to the stage as she and Roldan performed a medley of songs from Fitzgerald and Carpenter.
Pianist Mathew Zwiebel served as the show’s music director. He was joined by drummer Mitch Bowers and Magda Kress on bass.
Roldan wore a simple white prairie dress, similar to one that Karen might have worn, but she puts her own flare into the Carpenters’ songbook. Radiating infectious joy and earnestness, she brings big heart to her set. It’s impossible not to walk away from her show with a positive vibe. Her patter, however, might be improved with some more personal information rather than reciting the song’s lyrics before singing the song. It’s a minor critique, but one that might be noted with a seasoned director.
Still, Roldan is sure to please the most die hard Carpenters fans. As she mingled with the crowd post show, she hinted that she may bring a Carpenters’ Christmas to New York. For all we know, it would be a most welcome holiday gift.
For more information on Laurie Roldan, visit her website.
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