Fate has thrust two star-crossed actors together again, four decades after they first shared the stage in a Sydney production of “The Real Inspector Hound”.
Maria Karambelas and Robert Boesch trod the boards in a 1986 Darlinghurst Theatre version of the Tom Stoppard whodunnit spoof and again this year in the Noosa Arts Theatre’s laugh-a-minute comedy, “A Turkey’s Tail”.
Both were delighted to be reunited and among the many new faces gracing the local stage, thanks to the theatre’s open auditions during its 50th Anniversary year in 2020.
Robert, a former graphic designer who now volunteers on the theatre’s committee and painting sets with the theatre’s men’s group, remembers Maria as “the life of the party.”
“Funny, generous and talented. She hasn’t changed. I loved her English accent,” he said.
Maria, who also volunteers as a committee member, continues to run her own freelance film and TV crew agency and plays ukulele on Wednesdays at the marina, recalled Robert as an expressive, comedic performer.
“Robert was always so funny and good to see he hasn’t lost his comedic timing and facial expressions,” Maria said.
“I had to really work my comedic timing as I had to come in and out of different doors.”
Theatre remains a driving passion for both.
“I love the immediacy of theatre, the reaction of the audience, bringing a character to life and the many interesting people you meet along the way,” Robert said.
“I have always felt Noosa Arts was very well-run, produced fabulous, professional shows and they’re only three minutes from home.”
Maria sees the community theatre as one of Noosa’s main assets.
“When I relocated from Sydney, one of the most important factors of my move was there had to be a good theatre company,” she said.
“I’ve performed with several Sydney theatre companies and Noosa Arts is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
The pair feel blessed to be in Noosa.
“Noosa is heaven on earth, so clean and tidy, plenty of wonderful cafes and restaurants and the people are friendly and happy,” Maria said.
“Let’s face it why wouldn’t you be? “
Robert said Noosa was always the place he aspired to be.
“The cafes and restaurants are arguably as good, and some better, than anything in Sydney or Melbourne. Great weather, great National park, great beach and river, great theatre scene. What’s not to love?”
Tickets for the “feel good” production of Mamma Mia -March 25 to April 17- are now on sale at www.noosaartstheatre.org.au or via 5449 9343.
