Toni Lee brings Karen Carpenter close to you
By Daniel O’Neill
“It’s a privilege, I feel honoured,” says Toni Lee, the voice of Karen Carpenter in tribute show We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters Celebration.
The show is coming to Cork Opera House on 19 May and is a must see for all Carpenters fans. Not only do you get to hear the incredible Toni Lee, but you get to sing your heart out to your favourite Carpenter’s songs along with other die-hard fans.
Karen spoke to the Cork Independent about the show, what it’s like to be the voice of the iconic Karen Carpenter and life on tour.
Speaking about singing for Karen Carpenter, Toni said: “From a very early age I fell in love with her voice and music. I feel flattered that people think I sound like Karen. I didn’t actually think I sounded like Karen, when I’d sing people would say I sound like her, and I would say ‘Do I?’. It's a great feeling.”
When asked about the difficulties and challenges that come with touring, Toni explained: “First and foremost It can definitely be tiring. The good thing about touring is you have a production team with you, so you can focus on being onstage. I am a perfectionist, I do get a bit of anxiety because I always want to be better, but once I step on stage and have the audience behind me, I just think this is why I do it. It all just comes together.”
Toni told us about some of her favourite onstage moments and songs to perform saying: “I love when you first step out and you feel the energy in the room, you just think they’ve got my back. I love doing ‘Close to You’ which is a very special song to my heart because it got me hooked on their music. Everyone loves that song, it’s just a magical moment. I love the meet and greets and speaking to people because if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am.”
She expressed her love of Cork and excitement for the upcoming show saying: “I’m looking forward to coming over to Ireland, it’s become a second home. I love the audiences in Dublin and Cork, I always feel very welcomed. I have a real connection with Cork and a love for the venue, because I’ve been there so many times when I walk in the doors backstage I feel like I’m at home.”
Tickets for the We’ve Only Just Begun - The Carpenters Celebration are €36 with booking fees. Get your tickets from the Cork Opera House website at corkoperahouse.ie. It takes place on Monday 19 May at 8pm and tickets cost €36.