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Helen Welch will perform her “Superstar. The Carpenters Reimagined” show at 7:30 p.m., on Fri., October 23 at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center Hoke Theatre.
Don’t expect Welch to dress as Karen Carpenter or copy exactly how the duo performed their songs. As a docu-musical, “Superstar” is not a tribute concert, but an original, fresh perspective of songs peppered with vignettes that capture the true quality and essence of The Carpenters in an uplifting and respectful manner.
“This is not a tribute show in the way people may think of a tribute,” Welch said. “First, we’ve taken the arrangements and given them a fresh spin. And second, I want to reimagine how we talk about the Carpenters so that the focus is on some fascinating backstage stories and how the songs came to be.”
Richard Carpenter has given his blessing to this one-of-a-kind show featuring Welch and her world-class musicians.
Fans will hear 22 of their favorite Carpenters’ songs reimagined through Welch’s distinctive alto voice and the precise, lush new arrangements. Some of these will include “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Top of the World” as well as the title song, “Superstar.”
“I hope with this show and its beautiful reinterpretations of these timeless songs everyone will fall in love with the Carpenters all over again,” Welch said.
This performance will be one of the first with a limited live audience since March when Stocker Arts Center closed for the pandemic.
“Helen Welch is one of our favorite performers here at Stocker and we are so appreciative that she is working with us to make this event happen,” said Janet Herman Barlow, director of the Stocker Arts Center.
“The Stocker Arts Center holds a very special place in my heart, mainly because of my long-standing professional relationship with Janet,” Welch said. “This is home and for that reason I can’t think of a better place to perform ‘Superstar.’”
Because of the state guidelines for reopening, the 988-seat Hoke Theatre will only be able to host 138 patrons. Safety protocols will require patrons to wear masks and be seated in a socially distanced manner.
“It’s a unique time for all of the arts and we hope by following the guidelines we will be able to provide our audiences with the opportunity to return to seeing live performances,” Barlow said.
That includes offering a livestream option for this show for patrons who prefer to see the show from the comfort of home.
Tickets for the in-person option are $20 each and $10 for LCCC students with a valid ID, youth 18 and under and Active Duty Military with a valid ID. It will also be live-streamed with donations going to support the LCCC Student Emergency Aid Fund through the LCCC Foundation. Donations are tax deductible.
For tickets or more information, including safety precautions being taken for this and other shows, visit www.stockerartscenter.com.
