The Carpenters Tribute Tickets

I was a little surprised that the touring show doesn't feature any additional band members, only Sally and Ned. The stage had a grand piano and a small drum kit along with some props. I was curious on how this was going to work as I figured there would be a full band to replicate the sound. The backup instrumentation was pre-recorded. But for the most part it satisfied the need for all of the background instruments. I do understand that costs would be much higher with a full band performing, and the pre-recorded music ended up being fine. Sally's vocals were wonderful, I could listen to her all night long. The background vocals and piano from Ned were also a terrific part of the show. In fact on the songs they harmonized together, they truly sounded like Karen and Richard. My only issue was that there was an excessive amount of talking and stage performance and comedy skits from Ned. While I do understand it was a recreation of the '76 tour, some of the songs presented could have been replaced with actual Carpenter hits. The frequent comedy skits and audience interactions were simply too long. Just when we were getting into the good music with Sally on vocals, such as in a medley, it would end with a long skit. The audience was a bit perplexed by the format of the show. Several die hard fans actually left at intermission. I'll admit the first half was concerning with not enough music. We did get a wonderful medley tribute to Burt Bacharach, and in the 2nd half of the set towards the end, we finally got a true multi-song, lengthy portion of music. Yes, i do understand this is a Vegas production. But when you take a music tribute out on the road away from Vegas, the expectation is that we will hear predominantly music, and not a Vegas lounge comedy show. I've seen over 100 tribute acts in the past 30+ years, I know my stuff and I know what works. I hope this feedback is helpful. The vocals really were tremendous, the piano playing was great, Sally is a superstar! With some adjustments to the format of the show, this could be a 5-star production.

Carpenters Legacy starring Sally Olson & Ned Mills at BAPAC Thousand Oaks. The looks, the sounds, and the talent and attention to detail all come together in this show. The only thing I would like to know the next time I see them is if the show is including a tribute to Herb Alpert and a live band. They have these elements in their Las Vegas show, but I realize when touring some groups have to travel light. They did have use of a wonderful grand piano at this show.

There was too much time spent by the piano player with “filler” jokes , songs that were corny and not carpenter songs . The last half she sang more but even then it was snippets of the carpenters songs and not complete songs . She kept leaving the stage and he would fill in with corny things that were obviously just to take up time . Very disappointed and would not recommend this show . The Carpenters deserve more than that .

Great show. Amazing performers. Intimate setting. A welcome relief from the stresses of everyday life.

I loved being in the small venue for this. Lots of nice people around our seats to chat with before the show. "Richard" was so talented on the piano... amazing! "Karen" was good. But there will NEVER be another voice like Karen Carpenters!

OMG! Two hours out of my life that I will never get back. Only a small part of the show was Carpenter songs. I felt like I was a kid's birthday party when audience members were called up to blow kazoos and push horns. Ridiculous. The piano player (Richard Carpenter want to be) played Gershwin and a medley of Teensy Weensy Spider Really???? What does that have to do with the Carpenters???? Waste of money and time.

I didn't enjoy it! It felt rushed, fake, and out of place! They were friendly, but she kept leaving; he played the piano beautifully, not Carpenters songs! Disappointed :(

I neglected to look this act up on YouTube before purchasing. The duo made it clear from the introduction that they were "straight from Las Vegas" and they did not disappoint on that front. This act could have easily been a skit on SNL with no changes. Think Bill Murray as the Lounge Lizard and you got the picture. Sally Olson has a very good voice but in the first half she rushed through a medley of songs without the pacing, interpretation and feeling given by Karen. Ned is an accomplished piano player but we came for the Carpenters not for tacky Vegas schick.

We were expecting to hear more Carpenter songs. The singer who played Karen did very well in the little time she had on stage. The piano player took up most of his time showing off his piano skills and often times you didn’t know if he was himself or playing Richard. We wanted to walk out but our seats weren’t in a position to do so. This was more like a Vegas lounge show. Would not recommend!

overall good experience. However, I think too much time spent on the solo piano music. I preferred to hear Karen sings her songs and more of them. She does have a beautiful voice and does excellent renditions of the Carpenter's songs. I wish there had more of that and less of piano solos...