By Abbey Cannan
It’s been a labour of love spending the past 30 years designing and creating Noosa Arts Theatre costumes for Margaret Courtney.
She joined the theatre after moving to Noosa from Sydney in 1991, and went on to create as many friendships as she had costumes during that time.
“I’ve been in many productions on stage, and in 1992 I said ‘You don’t have to make a costume for me, I can make my own’, and so I’ve been doing them all ever since,” Margaret said.
“I enjoy doing it. It’s very creative and I’m very passionate about the theatre. I’ve made a big family of friends over those years.
“I sort of work non-stop. Much to my husband’s horror. It’s a labour of love, as these things always are. We’re all volunteers, we don’t get paid to do it. We just finish one show and then go into the next one. So I’m a busy lady.”
Margaret has spent the past four months designing and sewing in preparation for Noosa Arts Theatre’s latest fast-paced production, The Boy from Oz.
The production tells the dazzling, funny and moving story of the life of legendary Australian entertainer and songwriter, Peter Allen.
“We had a costume run on Sunday and I was pleased with the way it went,” Margaret said.
“It was the first time we saw the cast in costumes, and that’s when you find out what’s not working quite right and what needs adjusting.”
She said this production has been a massive job.
“Peter Allen in the show has 22 costume changes. For a leading man, it’s a lot of costume changes. There are 19 in the cast, and they all have at least five costume changes, so you can do the maths on that,” Margaret said.
“I do get some help. I have two or three friends, members of theatre, who give me a hand with some of the sewing. But I do the majority myself because I can design as I go along.
“One of these days somebody’s going to have to step up and take over. It’s rewarding when you see the final product at the show. The majority of what people remember is what they see, so if the show looks good, then that’s a real plus for everybody’s enjoyment.”
The Boy from Oz will take the audience on an emotional, humorous and entertaining journey celebrating the life of Peter Allen and paying tribute to stars like Liza Minnelli and the late great, Judy Garland.
Director Ian Mackellar has assembled a vibrant and talented cast and can’t wait to present the show in October- November at Noosa Arts Theatre.
“I’m old enough to actually remember Peter Allen, which helps to know what are the right designs for the right eras,” Margaret said.
“This show does cross over a lot of eras, it is set back in the 70s and 80s, and then comes forward to the end of his life as well.”
Ian’s vision is to pay homage to the singer-songwriter and entertainer that was Peter Allen. His lyrics are emotional and poignant and his music stirring and memorable, says Ian.
Get ready for a toe-tapping, vibrant musical that includes many of Peter Allen’s best loved hits: ‘Quiet Please, There’s a Lady On Stage’, ‘Not the Boy Next Door’, ‘Everything Old is New Again’, ‘I Honestly Love You’, ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ and the ‘show-stopping ‘I Go to Rio’.
The production features multiple highlighted moments and showcases the wonderful array of talent we have here on the Sunshine Coast, headed by Sam Henderson performing the role of Peter Allen.
Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss the opportunity to come along and enjoy this fabulous show.
The Boy from Oz is supported by Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Noosa Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
DATES
Cut-price Preview October 27 at 7.30pm. All tickets $30
Gala Opening Night October 28 at 7.30pm, includes complimentary drink and nibbles. All tickets $60
Evenings: NOVEMBER 3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30pm
Matinees: OCTOBER 29, 30 NOVEMBER 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 at 2pm
TICKETS
Adults $40 | Concession $33 Member/Group $30 | U18 $28
Book tickets – Online: noosaartstheatre.org.au or Telephone (07) 5449 9343
