Broadway Star Melissa Errico Brings a Night of Dark Romance to the Carpenter Center

The Carpenter Center is set to transform into a charming old-style Hollywood lounge as Tony Award-nominated singer Melissa Errico presents music inspired by noir films in a series of shows titled "A Noir Romance." This event will take place on November 13 and 14 as part of the venue's Cabaret Series, which offers an intimate experience as the audience sits at tables on the stage, just a few feet away from the performer.

Errico promises a night filled with sultry songs that explore themes of doomed love, mystery, obsession, and shattered dreams—common motifs in classic noir films. "It’s a dark and sexy night," Errico expressed, highlighting the fantasy of falling for the wrong person and the allure of wandering city streets to the sound of a lonely trumpet or saxophone.

She plans to enhance the evening's ambiance by donning classic Hollywood attire inspired by iconic actress Rita Hayworth, known for her roles in several noir films. Errico aims to evoke the feeling of being in a smoke-filled jazz club right in New York City.

"As an entertainer, I see this performance as my sexy lingerie that I don’t get to showcase often," Errico said, suggesting a personal and intimate approach to her music.

Errico’s impressive resume includes performances on Broadway in beloved shows such as "My Fair Lady," "High Society," "Dracula," and "Les Misérables." Her love of American noir films from the 1940s, which blossomed during the pandemic, inspired her recent album "Out Of The Dark: The Film Noir Project." The album features songs from classic noir films, including the 1944 murder mystery "Laura" and the 1952 drama "The Bad and The Beautiful," along with original pieces. Attendees can expect to hear selections from this album during her Long Beach performance.

To capture the essence of the genre, Errico will incorporate the persona of a femme fatale into her performance, a character she began to embody while immersed in noir films during the pandemic evenings. "When my kids were in bed, I'd dive into these noir movies at night, becoming a noir heroine of sorts in my mind," she said, explaining the unique foundation behind her concert.

A Noir Romance Details

When: 7 p.m. November 13-14

Where: The Carpenter Center, 6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach

Tickets: $58.75-$68.75

Information: carpenterarts.org

music, performance, Broadway, romance