It will be the first time the one-woman show will be performed in its creator’s hometown since 2016.

Dedicated to the famous band, the show is written and performed by Angela Lumicisi, a self-proclaimed Carpenterian fan.

It’s a tribute to musical siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter, who Angela fell in love with when she was 13 years old and heard them playing on the loudspeaker in a Target store.

The story has continually evolved since its inception, and the version that will be performed from June 20 to 24 at Prahran’s Chapel Off Chapel as part of the Melbourne Cabaret Festival has “more heart and emotion than ever”, according to Angela.

The singer explained that ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’ is above all a personal story which touches all generations, telling of the struggle of finding one’s identity and growing up in the confines of a traditional Italian family in Melbourne.

The themes are relatable to many, especially girls and women, and remain as relevant as ever today.

On the stage, the story of Karen Carpenter interweaves with that of Angela, from when she was 16 in 1970 to when she was 29 in 1983, the same year in which the American singer died from anorexia.

Though inspired by Angela’s personal experiences, the show is not intended to be an autobiography.

Angela grew up in Brunswick East, in a typical Italian migrant family.

“In the 1970s, a good Italian girl goes to school, gets married and has kids,” she says in her show.

“But what if she wants more?”

In this context, the tunes of The Carpenters become a beacon of hope in Angela’s life.

Karen’s voice speaks to Angela as no one ever has before, and it seems as though she sings just for her, creating a soundtrack to her life.

Though the two women in the show share experiences with eating disorders and love stories, Angela is not Karen, and while the famous singer’s life comes to a tragic end, the young Italo-Australian’s is just beginning.

Not only a great night out, the show also supports a wonderful cause: proceeds from the opening night will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Victoria.

For more information and tickets, visit Chapel Off Chapel’s website.