INTERVIEW: Laurie Roldan to honor Karen Carpenter
Laurie Roldan, a singer and actor, has chosen the timeless songs of Karen Carpenter for a new evening of music and personal stories. A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter, which premiered earlier this year in New York City, will be presented Saturday, Nov. 1, at Feinstein’s at the Nikko in San Francisco, which is something of a hometown show for Roldan, who lives in the Bay Area. Then the concert moves to the East Coast with a special engagement at 54 Below in New York City on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Fans of Carpenter should expect hit tunes like “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Close to You,” Superstar” and “Ticket to Ride,” among others. Nicolas Perez will provide music direction for the evening, which not only centers on Carpenter’s songbook but also stories from Roldan’s life.
Roldan is an accomplished singer who has performed with the likes of the Diablo Symphony and Livermore Amador Symphony, according to her biography. Her stage credits include everything from Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to The Spitfire Grill.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Roldan to learn more about her love for Carpenter’s songbook. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What do you love about the music of Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters?
Ever since I was a young child, I have always felt a connection to Karen Carpenter. I drew incredible inspiration and comfort from listening to Karen’s voice. What I love most is my childhood memories of learning how to sing to the Carpenters’ music and the fact that so many years later Karen Carpenter’s amazing music was my inspiration for my cabaret.
I especially remember the song “Top of the World” because my mom would exercise to this song when I was a child, and I would try to dance along with her. It really seemed to bring me closer to my mom, and in some mysterious way … seemed to bring me closer to Karen, too.
“Bless the Beasts and the Children“ is another one of my favorite songs that has always deeply moved me. Many of us have had times in our lives when we feel we have lost control. We have no voice over things that are happening to us, but I believe darkness can be an incubator bringing dark to light .
Is there a purity and peacefulness to the Carpenters’ catalog?
Yes, absolutely! Karen Carpenter had such a unique, pure and soothing voice, it gave me that feeling of peace. “Yesterday Once More” is one of the songs that really resonates a peaceful feeling to me, as it reminds me of being that little girl again laying by the turntable learning to sing with Karen.
How did you select the specific songs for this evening?
In the beginning, it was very difficult because I loved all the Carpenters’ songs! However, as I was working to select the order of the songs, it became clear just how deeply the lyrics aligned so strongly with my life story. I knew I wanted to bookend my show with “A Song for You,” and so I built the order of the show to reflect the lyrics in the songs as they fit chronologically in my life. They really flow so naturally together!
Would you say your renditions are faithful to the originals or take the compositions in new directions?
Oh, yes! To honor Karen, I wanted to be faithful to her and the original music, and at the same time be true to myself and connect my own voice and story. I also have three backing singers in the show that strengthen the harmonies, and I feature them each in a duet. My show is unique as it is my life story woven through the Carpenters’ songs.
How was your New York City debut earlier this year?
It was truly a dream. … I had an amazing music director, Nicolas Perez (current part-time conductor of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Buena Vista Social Club) as well as fabulous musicians and singers, including my daughter, Bridgette Kinsella, an aspiring NYC actress. I was incredibly grateful and overwhelmed with the outstanding reviews I received, and I am so thrilled to be returning to New York this November to present my show at 54 Below!
Are the skills needed for a concert similar to the skills needed for a musical theater performance?
What makes my cabaret concert unique is that the dedication and commitment I have brought to my show reflect that same hard work and commitment expected for any theater performance. I have approached my show with the strongest desire to fulfill my vision to inspire, encourage and uplift my audiences to never give up on their own passions in life. I bring the very best of myself, and I am so grateful to be able to be living out my passion and dream!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
A Song for You: The Music of Karen Carpenter, performed by Laurie Roldan, will be presented Nov. 1 in San Francisco and Nov. 11 in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
