The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration

The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration is a concert tribute to Karen and Richard Carpenter, bringing the duo’s distinctive pop sound and Karen Carpenter’s celebrated voice back to the stage. Created by the team behind The Simon & Garfunkel Story, the production combines a full band with personal storytelling and invites audiences to sing along and revisit songs such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Close to You,” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.”

The cast features Christina Hélène Braa as Karen Carpenter, Kevin Lausche as Richard Carpenter and music director, and Ellie Wyman as the Karen Carpenter cover and a backing vocalist.

When: October 17, 2026

Showtimes: The page confirms the October 17 performance but does not list a specific showtime.

Run time: 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.

Tickets: Price not available

Cast: Christina Hélène Braa (Karen Carpenter); Kevin Lausche (Richard Carpenter and music director); Ellie Wyman (Karen Carpenter cover and backing vocals).

Cast notes: Braa studied theater at the University of Southern California and has performed on the national tour of Peter Pan and with Norwegian Cruise Line in Beetlejuice and Icons. Lausche is making his national tour debut and has performed in Million Dollar Quartet, Heartbreak Hotel, and Mamma Mia!, including keyboard work. Wyman’s credits include Hair, SIX, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical; she also describes discovering The Carpenters’ music on vinyl and finding it personally meaningful.

Venue: The National Theatre

Address: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004

Plan your visit: The National is near dining, parking, and major Washington, D.C., landmarks. Participating restaurants offer Broadway-related pre-theater menus with special pricing.

Ages: No age guidance is provided.

Accessibility: No accessibility information is provided.