Reviews

“Brilliant performance!” ~ Peter Noone  

“Timeless music . . . phenomenal show!” ~ Bobby Vee  

“Her rich, smooth vocals made me feel like I was listening to Karen live onstage. Transporting back to when I was a kid listening to their songs on the radio, shedding a tear for the nostalgia.” ~ Teresa Ewers, New Mexico Entertainment Magazine 

“Unlike other tribute artists who try to impersonate Karen and Richard Carpenter by donning wigs and clothes they wore, Berting Brett wisely avoided doing a Karen Carpenter impression and did justice by singing Carpenters songs in the contralto range that made Karen a legendary vocalist.  Berting Brett captured the emotional phrasing of Karen Carpenter that made her performance memorable.” ~ Marvin Glassman, MiamiArtzine.com            

“Verona Performing Arts Series presented We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered, starring Michelle Berting Brett. A memorable evening of favorite songs, stories, and wonderful music was enjoyed by all. Michelle’s voice was as close to Karen’s as I have ever heard. Many patrons, as they left, said it was one of our best concerts! I totally agreed; I did not want it to end!” ~ Pat Wehrley, Co-President of VAPAS, Verona, WI  

“This is an exceptionally well-produced show that does justice to an act whose music has proved to be timeless.” ~ Paul Grein, Tolucan Times  

“Searching for an excellent Carpenters’ show without success, I listened to a CD featuring Michelle Berting Brett, talked with Producer Mark Brett, and was so impressed that we did the show sight unseen. It was all I could ask for short of the real thing. Great musicians, superb singers, with excellent graphics and commentary. Audience loved them. We will have them back for sure.” ~ Kurt Swanson, Director of Special Projects, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA  

“It is hard to explain, but Michelle Berting Brett is essentially an adult Disney princess with a whole lot of stage presence, and I loved it. She had a lightness to her that gave her a unique energy while telling the Carpenters’ story and singing their songs. It made her so easy to listen to, and it made her connection with the audience that much more tangible. She has this poise about her that never wavered once - think Glenn Close in either production of ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ She is the perfect amount of theatrical - think Idina Menzel singing ‘Funny Girl’ on Glee. She had a presence on that stage; it was hers, and she knew it - think of a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall.” ~ Justin Cole Adams, Broadway World  

“It was so lovely having you on campus. We were so pleased with the show and the amazing promptness of all your communication. The students benefited greatly from your lectures, and the audience enjoyed a nostalgic evening of memorable music. They have also commented on how much they enjoyed the stories about Karen and Richard’s life and careers. Thank you for ending our season with a show of grace, beauty, and joyful memories.” ~ Deborah A. Baker, Director of Special Events, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA  

“Last night, our Community in Boynton Beach, Florida experienced We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered. The audience was delighted and, after the performance, left the show humming every tune they heard. Wonderful presentation.” ~ Valerie Jett, Social Administrator, Coral Lakes, Boynton Beach, FL  

“There isn’t anything you could have said to prepare me for the experience of seeing We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered. Michelle Berting Brett was absolutely fantastic, and everyone in the 7-piece band were stars themselves. I especially enjoyed the memories of each and every song, but it really lifted me that my 11-year-old granddaughter loved it!” ~ Bill Warren, President, Performing Arts Live of Iredell, Member of North Carolina Presenters Consortium  

“Michelle Berting Brett and band totally mesmerized the audience. Great Performance.” ~ George Casper, Director of Events, Stephens Performing Arts Center, Pocatello, ID  

“The Norwood Theater came alive with the beautiful music of the Carpenters. Our patrons were taken back in time with all the memories and songs shared by Michelle Berting Brett and her wonderful band. Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas was the perfect show to begin our Holiday Season.” ~ Susan Lewis, Owner, Norwood Theatre, Norwood, MA  

“We presented We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered in Downey, California, in celebration of Downey’s 60th year as an incorporated City. Downey, CA, was the home of Karen and Richard Carpenter, and the show was met with great enthusiasm by the audience. Michelle Berting Brett represented the Carpenters’ music with grace and talent and gave an impeccable performance. The quality of the music that accompanies Michelle has an authenticity that is unmatched. In addition, Michelle and her management team went the extra mile to promote the show by arranging several media interviews, including network television. This was a terrific, sold-out show with an Artist and management with whom it was a true pleasure to do business.” ~ Judy Barkett, Senior Vice President, VenueTech Management Group  

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered completely won over the hearts of our audience with the first chord. Michelle and her band turned back time, and if you shut your eyes, you would swear Karen Carpenter was in our midst, note for note, song for song. Each musician could easily be a soloist, but as a band, they produced such a wonderful sound—a very unique Richard Carpenter sound. And Michelle was the glue. Her voice was so pure and strong that it resonated with each of our patrons to such a degree we were all singing along to each of the many hits. Her charisma and stories were mesmerizing. What an evening! Our town is still talking about this transcendent experience, humming each tune weeks after the concert.” ~ Matt Cadman, Executive Director, Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee, WA  

“I can’t say enough about how pleased we were with the event. From the ease of working with the entire crew to the quality of the show, it was a FANTASTIC night. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and Michelle was at her finest! We look forward to having her as part of our music series for hopefully many years to come.” ~ Gary Smith, Alhambra Theatre & Dining, Jacksonville, FL  

“The audience fell in love with Michelle. She was so charming and personable, and her patter was genuine. Her voice is like liquid gold. Everyone was a pleasure to work with, and that is so important to a small staffed organization like us.” ~ Cynthia Garren, Director, Cultural Programs at South Florida State College Theater for the Performing Arts, Avon Park, FL  

“Thanks for a wonderful show. Our audiences had a great time. It was the ideal Valentine’s Day weekend show.” ~ Weylin Symes, Producing Artistic Director, Stoneham Theatre, Stoneham, MA  

“Great show! We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered featuring Michelle Berting Brett and a superb group of musicians from Nashville was an evening to remember in Cumberland, MD! The show was by far the best tribute we have had in the past 13 years! The band and Michelle were fun to work with, and we would not hesitate to do it again in the near future!” ~ Denny Knippenberg, Board of Directors, Tri-State Concert Association, Cumberland, MD  

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered is so exactly right on that you’d think you were playing your favorite album from their 16 multi-platinum and gold record collections. The Carpenters are everybody’s favorite, and Michelle Berting Brett sings with the same silky quality as Karen. This trip back in time was the hit of our season!” ~ Jan McArt, Producer, Live at Lynn Theatre Series, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL  

“First class show! Michelle Berting Brett’s tribute to the Carpenters is superb! This is the most professional tribute show and musicians we’ve booked in the 21 years of our Festival. We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered SOLD OUT in just 8 days, 3 months before the show. This fabulous, intimate concert that connects with the audience is like having Karen and Richard in your living room!” ~ Ceylon & Karen Leitzel, Artistic Directors, Mt. Gretna Cicada Music Festival, Mt. Gretna, PA  

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered is, by far, one of the finest and most enjoyed tribute shows I’ve ever presented at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in my 11 years as director.  As part of our 2013/14 lineup, they gave an outstanding concert, and I received many rave reviews from those in attendance.  In fact, many of those reviews were from those who have been coming to the Macomb Center for years and said it was their favorite concert of all time! I will be inviting them back for our 2015/16 season to do their holiday show, and my audience will be thrilled.” ~ Christine Guarino, Director, Cultural Affairs & Community Engagement, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Clinton Township, MI  

“It’s been over a month since we presented We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered, and we are still receiving calls and messages from fans who said it was “one of the best shows they’ve ever seen.” We had two sold-out shows of elated patrons praising Michelle Berting Brett’s lovely, incredibly versatile voice and her team of super-talented musicians. This production was completely professional and a joy to bring to our theater. We look forward to bringing them back!” ~ Rachele Patrignelli, Theater Manager, Nelson Hall, Cheshire, CT  

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered with Michelle Berting Brett is definitely an audience pleaser.  I’ve never come across such a true representation of the music of the Carpenters.  My audiences loved it!  I immediately booked a return engagement.” ~ Terry Jenkins, Corporate Director of Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, Las Vegas, NV  

“When you close your eyes, you are there like it was in the days of that magical voice of Karen Carpenter.  And it stays that way the entire show...” ~ Tom Cantone, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT  

“You have such a quality show, and it’s music that much of America still wants to hear. Congrats on the sweet success you’ve enjoyed so far!” ~  Tom Cuddy, Programming, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment, New York, NY  

“Carpenters Remembered was a great addition to our concert series.  The group was amazing, and I was so impressed with the accuracy of their vocals.  A very well done production.” ~ Michael Joseph, Partner/Musical Director, The Company Theatre, Norwell, MA  

“Michelle Berting Brett sounds as close to Karen Carpenter as you can get. Beautiful voice, music, and show. Our guests were very impressed and enjoyed it immensely.” ~ Cathy Wright, Entertainment Manager, Spirit Mountain Casino, Grand Ronde, OR  

“Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas is an absolutely amazing holiday show that is sure to be enjoyed by all. Michelle Berting Brett brings to life a spectacular performance with some of the Carpenters' most cherished favorites and holiday classics. This endearing show truly fills you with the holiday spirit; I could not speak more highly of this wonderful Christmas show or of Michelle’s unforgettable performance.” ~ Mark Jacobson, Marketing Manager, Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Trinidad, CA  

“Michelle Berting Brett performed her heart out on not just one, but two very special shows here.  It wasn’t just the tunes; it was the vibe, the stories, and the memories all being shared. It’s a downright special event for anyone who has loved the Carpenters. This show could play and win just about anywhere.” ~ Pat Ryan, Entertainment Director, Bridge Street Live, Collinsville, CT  

“What an AMAZING show!!!  Michelle Berting Brett and her top-notch band recreate the spirit and essence of the Carpenters and provide an evening that brings back memory after memory. The cast & crew were very easy to work with, the rider is very simple, and the show was an extremely easy sell to our patrons! I look forward to their return to the WinnaVegas Casino Showroom!” ~ Deana J. Whistler, Entertainment Director, WinnaVegas Casino Resort, Sloan, IA  

“Fantastic! Such great musicianship and attention to detail. Michelle gave me chills on ‘Superstar’. . .” ~ Randy L. Schmidt, Author of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter 

“Michelle Berting Brett is a richly gifted vocalist whose heartfelt tribute to Karen Carpenter is simply not to be missed.” ~ Christopher Loudon, Vocal Critic, JazzTimes Magazine  

“A fabulous, entertaining, informative, and fun show. I loved it! Thanks for an awesome evening!” ~ John Dimon, CEO, Diamond Entertainment