Back by popular demand! Performing artists Katie Connor, Gail Phaneuf, join Bill Spera to sing your favorites in a performance of The Carpenters’ most famous hits, and suddenly “It’s Yesterday Once More!” Come enjoy the fantastic harmonies that made the Carpenters so beloved, in a perfect Sunday afternoon show to kick back and “Sing a Song” at our gorgeous Deertrees Theatre.
Sponsored by Carol and Bob Phaneuf
Katie is THRILLED to return to her favorite theatre to perform Carpenters songs with her two pals, Gail and Bill! Katie most recently played Samantha in the 2024 Deertrees production of “Monsters; A Midlife Musical Meltdown. Another of her favorite roles at Deertrees was playing Patsy Cline in “Always, Patsy Cline” in the summers of 2021 and 2022, opposite the fabulous Gail Phaneuf. Bill and Katie have been singing together for the past 15 years and were regular performers at Club Cafe in Boston together until Bill moved away to California, leaving her in tears! She still performs there monthly and a few times a year Bill comes to town to join her! Katie lives in MA with her wife Allyson and her daughter Lily, and loves to visit Deertrees and Harrison in the summer.
Gail Phaneuf is the Executive and Artistic Director for Deertrees Theatre. She is so happy to bring back The Carpenters tribute to Deertrees! Most recently Gail appeared at Deertrees as Beatrice in “Four Old Broads”, “Kippy” as the amazing Kip Tiernan, FEAR in Monsters – A Midlife Musical Meltdown, and was seen in 2021 and 2022 on stage with Katie Connor as Louise in “Always…Patsy Cline”. Gail is an award-winning playwright, composer, producer, actor and director. Her teen musical The Love Note has enjoyed an Off-Broadway run at Actors Temple Theatre in NYC, and continues to have numerous productions at schools, regional theaters and theater camps around the world. www.thelovenote.com The Love Note Musical is now offered by Heuer Publishing and Brooklyn Publishers for production. MONSTERS! A Midlife Musical Meltdown is a comic musical that had a production at Deertrees in 2024 and is also offered by Heuer Publishing, or you may visit www.monstersthemusical.com Gail’s latest musical creation is a song cycle entitled “Memorize You”. Gail could not be happier to share the stage with Katie and Bill to sing your favorite Carpenters songs. She’d like to thank her family and Ken and Grumpy Stan and her kitty Harrison (Harry) for supporting her through her creative journey at Deertrees and beyond! gailphaneuf.com
Bill Spera is excited to be returning to Deertrees after appearing as “Body” in last year’s production of “Monsters – A Mid-Life Musical Crisis.” Bill has been performing in the Boston and New England area for over 30 years, and recently relocated to the Palm Springs, California area where he continues to perform. Besides “Monsters,” recent credits include Grandfather in the Boston Pops’ production of “Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert,” Saint Aphrodisius in the Firebird Pops’ production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and Santa with the Boston Pops for their “Holiday Pops” shows. He’s thrilled to have the opportunity to perform again with friends Gail Phaneuf and long-time singing partner Katie Connor (Katie & Bill had a fantastic time performing their cabaret act together at Boston’s Club Cafe over the past 15 years). Other favorite past roles include Juan Peron in “Evita,” Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” Padre Perez in “Man of La Mancha,” Baron Despard in “Ruddigore,” and the Dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Bill, a lifelong Carpenters fan, is excited to join Gail & Katie in reprising last year’s successful “Yesterday Once More: A Carpenters Tribute.” He dedicates his performance to his husband and partner of 29 years, Joe.
Jim Lindsay is a seasoned drummer and indie rock mainstay, celebrated for his inventive rhythms and genre-blending versatility. A founding member of San Francisco’s Oranger, Lindsay helped shape the band’s psychedelic pop sound and contributed to its rise in both the American and international indie music scenes. He studied percussion at California State University, Northridge, grounding his expressive style in formal training before launching into a career that spans bands like Stick Figures, Spiral Stairs, The Preston School of Industry, The Flipsides, Paula Frazer, The High Water Marks, and The Greg Kihn Band. His musical journey has taken him across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Scandinavia, touring with various acts and performing as tour support for iconic artists such as R.E.M., Wilco, and Elliott Smith. Beyond the music scene, Lindsay has also appeared in Deertrees Theater productions including An Evening at Dave’s Sauna and Monsters, showcasing his creative range beyond the drum kit. His solo project, April Events, released three EPs that highlight his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer.
