REVIEW
THE CARPENTERS STORY
A RETURN visit to Weymouth by this production company led by pianist entrepreneur Phil Aldridge came to pay tribute once more to one of the most respected musical groups in the pop world, Karen and Richard Carpenter.
Many of the numerous hits developed by the sister and brother are reproduced by an extremely talented seven piece band along with the amazing vocalist Claire Furley whose rich voice has the same stunning contralto range and rhythm that made Karen a world-wide star.
Beautiful songs that were arranged and often written by Richard, bring the audience to their feet as they clap and sing along to hits like Only Yesterday, There’s a Kind of Hush and Close to You to name but a few.
So far, so good. There is just one aspect of the show’s content which is missing and that is their story. The production is called The Carpenters Story but very little of the siblings lives are told, much of the second act being unadulterated publicity material to promote the show.
Karen’s struggle with anorexia is inevitably touched upon as she died at the early age of 32 from symptoms associated with the disorder but what happened to Richard and where is he now?
That said, Richard’s marvellously sensitive arrangements are faithfully replicated by the fine musicians who bring colour and harmony to Rainy Days and Sundays and We’ve Only Just Begun, all songs that stir the soul and deserve to live forever
MARION COX
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