A Carpenters Kinda Christmas

Starring Debora Krizak and Darren Mapes

Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salon on December 8.

Review by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD 

Claire's Kitchen was almost too small to have hosted A Carpenters Kinda Christmas. 

Darren Mapes and Debora Krizak play Kempsey musicians Darren & Sharon Carpenter. It's a show with three elements. The performers exchange bitchy bogan banter that could only come from siblings. I suspect that the comedy material was written by two people who have different perspectives on comedy.

The dialogue is surrounded by Christmas songs such as Jingle Bell Rock and Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire that are performed in Debora's own amazing voice. 

The main parts of the show are Karen and Richard Carpenter’s biggest hits that include Rainy Days and Mondays, Top of the World, Superstar, We've Only Just Begun, Jambalaya, Ticket to Ride, my favourite song from 1970, Close to You and others. The two have remained faithful to The Carpenters’ music, they respected the original works and delivered them beautifully. Debora is the finest Karen Carpenter sound-alike that I've seen live, and it seems like the musical relationship between Darren and Debora is similar to that of Richard and Karen.

I’d highly recommend the show but we're unlikely to see them do another Carpenters show for a while because Debora has been cast as Miss Hannigan opposite Anthony Warlow in a major production of Annie next year. It’s possible that there could be season extensions after the initial Sydney and Melbourne runs.

Also, if talent scouts from L.A., New York or London see Debora in that production, she will likely be launching her international career. Her impressive performance skills, chameleon-like versatility, timing and powerful stage presence will ensure success. Watch this space.