Hello Friends,

Much has been happening since you received your last newsletter. Principal photography was complete March 3rd for The Karen Carpenter Story. This C.B.S. Movie of the Week stars Cynthia Gibb as Karen. Mitchell Anderson as Richard, Peter Michael Goetz as Dad Carpenter and Louis Fletcher as Mom Carpenter. Richard served as Executive Producer and technical advisor for the project and also will be composing the score. The film, which features over twenty Carpenters songs, was directed by Joseph Sargent and is tentatively scheduled for airing this fall. The Karen Carpenter Story is based on fact, meaning that artistic license was used for certain events in Karen's and Richard's lives. This practice is quite common in biographical films as they are dramas and not documentaries. That fact notwithstanding, Richard tried to keep certain aspects of the production as accurate as possible. Both Carpenter homes were used for certain interior scenes. Autobmobiles that Richard has owned for years were used as well as some of Karen and Richard's wardrobe and all of their instruments. Richard is now working in post-production on the film and has found the whole experience to be quite emotional, exciting and upsetting.

Richard, Mary and Kristi recently returned from Japan by way of Hawaii. Richard performed in concert to a capacity audience at NHK Hall in Tokyo on March 23rd. His new group consists of seven members and includes "old timers" Tony Peluso and Bob Messenger. Guesting approximately 45 minutes into the show was Akiko Kobayashi whose new album was released in Japan on March 25th. The album City of Angels was produced and arranged by Richard. The debut single, How Could I Ask For More? was written for Akiko by Richard and John Bettis. Akiko, who has a lovely alto voice, joined Richard and group in a number of Carpenters hits as well as several tunes from the new album. As is always the case, the Japanese were the most gracious of hosts and immediately were taken with baby Kristi. Kristi, who recently turned seven months, was extremely well behave throughout the long trip. (Much to Richard and Mary's delight!)

In addition to the post-production work previously mentioned, Richard will be resuming work on the Scott Grimes album for A&M Records. Richard is quite excited about Scott's talents and believes him to have a most promising future.

The Carpenters video Yesterday Once More is still available via mail order, but there is a new address for ordering: A&M Video, POB 118, Hollywood, CA 90028.

Regretfully, the Carpenters Fan Club will be disbanded as of January 1989. There will then be a six month period for members to purchase Carpenters Memorabilia. We are no longer reordering stock as it is depleted, so if there are items you have been meaning to order, I suggest that you send your order in now.

The Carpenter family and staff wish each of you a wonderful and safe summer. They also send sincere appreciation for the beautiful remembrance sent in honor of February 4th and March 2nd.

There will be one more newsletter toward the end of the year. Until next time. EV.

Last changed: Sun Sep 25 20:51:33 EDT 2005