Strand Theatre
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 7:30pm
THE CARPENTERS SONGBOOK:
A Live Celebration
Starring
Christine Helene Braa & Kevin Lausche
featuring
Ellie Wyman
Written & Directed by
Dean Elliott
Please note: The taking of photos and video during the show is strictly prohibited.
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Christina Hélène Braa ("KC") is thrilled to bring this beloved music to life! Born in Connecticut on March 2nd, she shares a birthday and birth state with Karen Carpenter! Christina was raised in San Francisco and graduated from USC with a BA in Theater. Credits: National Tour: Peter Pan (Ensemble). Norwegian Cruise Line: Beetlejuice (Miss Argentina/Ensemble) and Icons (Principal Vocalist). Many thanks to her family, fiancé, the creative team, and her agent at FSE.
Kevin Lausche (“RC” & Music Director) is thrilled to be making his national tour debut! He is a graduate from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. His recent credits include the last Broadway leg of Million Dollar Quartet aboard Norwegian Cruise Line (Jerry Lee Lewis), Heartbreak Hotel at the John W. Engeman Theatre (Keys/Ensemble), and MAMMA MIA! at WSU Festival Theatre (Keys). He would love to thank the cast, directors, & crew for making his first touring experience one of the most memorable adventures he’s ever had in his career.
Ellie Wyman (Backing Vocals & “KC” Cover) is a small town girl from the mountains of Northern California. She fell in love with The Carpenters after moving to New York City and finding their Close To You album on vinyl at a thrift store in Brooklyn. Their music brought her a lot of comfort during her transition from a small town to the big city. She spent many nights at home singing along with Karen, and now she gets to sing those very same songs on stages all across the country! She is honored to be a part of the celebration. Recent Credits: Crissy in Hair (Broadway at Music Circus), Jane Seymour in SIX (Norwegian Cruise Line), Elsa in Frozen: A Musical Spectacular (Disney Cruise Line) and Clarice in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (National Tour). Thanks to the entire team at Right Angle Productions, her agents at ATB, Clayton, Mom, Dad; and Karen, for sharing her self with us.
Soona Lee-Tolley (Guitar) is a multi-instrumentalist originally hailing from New York city. He graduated from USC with a B.M. in guitar performance and is now based in Los Angeles, gigging and touring on guitar, fiddle, mandolin and more. He is very excited to have the opportunity to play keys, guitar, and pedal steel and honor this amazing music!
Jay Hemphill (Bass) is so excited to be a part of The Carpenter’s Songbook! You may recognize him from The Simon and Garfunkel Story or recent Carmax ads featuring Donnovan Mitchell and Paige Buckers. When he is not working on his Joe Osbourne basslines, he is playing locally in Southern California and with island reggae artist Anora. Growing up in Long Beach, the Carpenters were a big part of the soundtrack of his childhood, and he could not be more thrilled to deepen his connection to the music and share it across the land!
Alejandro Garay (Drums), known as Alex, is an inspiring drummer making his national tour debut this holiday season. A graduate of the renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, he brings a powerful blend of groove, passion, and high energy to every performance. Whether in the studio or on stage, Alex is dedicated to connecting through rhythm and creating unforgettable musical moments that uplift and resonate with audiences.
CREW
Company Manager: Mickey Mulcahy
Associate Tour Manager: Becca Oursler
Stage Manager: Tim Rogers
Audio Head: Roderick Vincent
Lights: Max Wurtz
PRODUCTION
Director & Writer: Dean Elliott
Producers: Dean Elliott, Alison Spiriti & Justin Sudds
GM: Joe Ruffner
Associate GM: Carlee Strinich
Music Supervisor & Arrangements: Collin Keller
Lighting Designer: Ruby Leigh
Associate Lighting Designer: Max Wurtz
Production Manager: Cody Murray
Marketing: Soloshoe Communications
PR: Tellem Grody PR
Casting Director: Holly Buczek & HDB Casting
FOR RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT
Director Of Operations: Robin Mishik-Jett
Accounting: Christine Sinacore
VP Business Development & Content: Tom Greenwood-Mears
VP Marketing & Revenue: Todd Rossi
Executive Director: Joe Ruffner