Review: Richard Carpenter Holiday Concert

[JAZZ4JEFF]

Richard made one of his rare concert appearances on December 16th as part of the Musical Theater West production "Home for the holidays". MTW is the resident musical company and they perform four musicals each year at the Carpenter Center.

Richard was the special guest for their variety holiday show. Richard opened the second half wearing all black. He wore a short sleeve shirt with a silk screen picture of Santa playing piano on the back.

He opened with an acoustic performance of "The Christmas song/Ave Maria". Richard sounded great. You forget what a fine pianist he is. The only speaking he did was to introduce his daughter Mindy. She performed Harry Belafonte's "Mary's boy child", followed by Mona Abboud's comical "The pretty little dolly". She closed with the only Carpenters arrangement of the afternoon, "Little alter boy". She was joined by a local high school choir.

Having seen Mindy perform at numerous RC concerts over the years, she really has developed the goods. Her poise, personality, and stage presence is terrific. She really can deliver a song in a "musical theater" style. Richard obviously loves playing behind her. He seemed very proud.

The show was sold out, and many of the "over 60's" crowd loved the appearance of Richard & his daughter.

 

[alonely bull in paradise]

I wish I could've been there. I am really sad. I'm glad the show was great and it's awesome he has such a talented daughter.

 

[JAZZ4JEFF]

Richard has been added to the lineup for the "Top of the world" fundraiser at the Carpenter center. Here is the text from their website.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Dublin style
Top o' the Evening Gala Fundraiser
Saturday March 17, 2007
Celebrate an evening of Irish revelry in support of Classroom Connections, the Carpenter Center’s interactive arts in education program for area youth.
Before the performance by Dublin’s Traditional Irish Cabaret, our VIP guests will be treated to a champagne reception, lavish dinner, and exciting live auction. Then, we’ll move into the theatre and take the ‘best seats in the house’ for Irish comedy, dance and music straight from Dublin. Extra Special guests Richard Carpenter and his daughter, Mindi, will sing some of your favorite Irish songs, and close the evening with a rousing sing-along “Top of the World,” a Carpenter Center tradition!
Top o’ the Evening will also salute the 2007 Arts in Education Hero of the Year Individual Awardee, Richard Carpenter, and the Organizational Awardee, the Dwight Stewart Youth Foundation. Their continuing generous support of our arts education efforts allows us to bring the arts to thousands of local students and schools.
All proceeds from Top o’ the Evening support Classroom Connections. Tickets are $175 each and include our deep thanks for your support!