Karen Carpenter’s voice has served as the soundtrack for many lives. How many star-struck tweens mooned over rock idols to the strains of “Superstar”? Nursed a broken heart listening to “Goodbye to Love?” Enjoyed the exhilaration of new romance with “Close to You”? Maybe even exited the wedding ceremony to the strains of “We’ve Only Just Begun”?

When The Carpenters dominated the charts, from the late 1960s through the early 1980s, Karen was regarded as the best pop female singer of her generation. Her brother, Richard, wrote many of the songs and did most of the arrangements. The constant touring, however, took its toll on both of them. While Richard battled substance abuse, Karen died at the young age of 32 from heart failure brought on by her struggle with anorexia nervosa. Although their songs still sell albums and are played on the radio, their legacy has never received the attention it deserves.

Maria Ottavia has set out to change all that. Her current show at Don’t Tell Mama, “If I Were a Carpenter: A Reconstruction,” showcases The Carpenter songbook while adding a contemporary twist to the well-known tunes. Two performances remain, at 7:30 p.m. July 20 and July 27. Reservations are recommended.

On American Idol, Simon Cowell often cautioned contestants to avoid tackling songs closely identified with a specific singer unless they were up to the challenge. So Ottavia took a huge risk. Fortunately she did her homework and tapped the right people to help. Her musical director, Tracy Stark (above), not only accompanies Maria on the piano and vocally, but also is responsible for the inspired arrangements that, in many cases, combine two songs and give them a modern beat. In addition to Stark, Xerxies Eclipse and Dara Seitzman sing backup vocals.

Ottavia reminisces about dancing around her bedroom as a young girl, singing Carpenter songs into her pink porcelain hairbrush. She credits Karen with being a huge influence on her decision to pursue singing. We are glad she did. While Ottavia’s voice lacks the throaty “vocal intimacy” and incredible range that were hallmarks of Karen’s talent, she can still deliver a song. And she manages to bring the proper emotion to the lyrics—upbeat at times, wistful at others.

There is a common thread that runs through the bulk of The Carpenter’s songbook—the pursuit of love. Hearing some of the song pairings brings home how one song dovetails another, although some pairings worked better than others. “We’ve Only Just Begun” seamlessly moves into “Lovers and Other Stranger,” while “Hurting Each Other” seemed oddly joined with “Bless the Beasts and the Children.”

Fans hoping that Maria will sing some of their favorites will not be disappointed. These include “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Goodbye to Love,” “Top of the World,” and “Yesterday Once More.” (It’s not the season, but sorely missed is “Merry Christmas Darling”).

Ottavia concludes the program with “Sweet Sweet Smile” and asks fans to remember Karen’s talent and legacy, rather than the way she died. Her program brings home that point brilliantly.

Maria Ottavia
If I Were A Carpenter: A Reconstruction
Don’t Tell Mama
343 West 46th Street
212-757-0788
www.mockinbirdmusic.com