Master showman Ian Mackellar is setting the stage for a highly creative variety of theatre and street events to entertain Noosa between now and the end of the year.
First up is Noosa alive! the arts and culture festival which is celebrating 20 years of bringing world class performers here. It starts on 21 July for 10 days and, immediately following, Ian will start rehearsals for The Boy from Oz, which he has already cast, and then start curating the entertainment for the third annual 12 Days of Christmas festivities on Hastings Street.
It’s hard to pick what is exciting him most. Noosa alive! performances at the J by star artists including James Morrison and Paul Kelly or gala events like the Long Lunch on Hastings Street (formerly with the Food and Wine Festival) with 400 people dining al fresco and enjoying fine food, wine and entertainment – Noosa style.
And then there’s the Beach Jazz ‘n Blues concert on Main Beach on the last day of the festival with what Ian describes as some of the “best jazz musicians and vocalists in Australia”.
When we met, it was clear his thoughts were on the festival and, among the array of talented acts it has this year, a stand-out event for him was Noosa STARS alive! showcasing Noosa talent of young locals from 8 to 18.
“I wanted to present an event featuring local young stars of the future, giving them the opportunity to perform within a professional environment and professional production.
“It’s all been done by audition. We had some 50 applications from within the shire and 12 finalists have been selected. On 26 July we are presenting a variety program at the J Theatre, with two bands and four quite different dance performances from solo ballerinas to 13 under-10 dancers.
“There’s also a violinist, a contortionist and a couple of super talented solo singer songwriters and duo singers.
STARS will be adjudicated by Noosa alive! president Andrew Stafford, Noosa Arts Theatre president Frank Wilkie and Hastings Street special projects manager Alesha Gooderham.
“It’s such a marvellous opportunity to present young talent before a live audience. Noosa STARS alive! will also feature a couple of numbers from The Boy from Oz which is a forthcoming production I am directing for Noosa Arts Theatre.
“One of the things I was looking for when casting the iconic role of Peter Allen was likeability. You have to like Peter Allen within the first 30 seconds of meeting, I’m delighted to say I have found a remarkable young man, Sam Henderson to play this iconic role. Sam had me in the palm of his hand in 10 seconds.
“Then you have wonderful roles like Judy Garland and Liza Minelli. I think Noosa is in for an absolute treat. It’s very fast-paced show and I can’t wait to present this great musical.”
Ian’s involvement with Noosa alive! (formerly Noosa Longweekend), started in 2008 when he took on the role of festival director. He stayed there for 10 years then had what he calls a sabbatical, for two years, and returned to NA! last year.
He said the 20-year anniversary of the founding of the festival by David and Kristin Williamson would be “a wonderful way to observe and celebrate a milestone. Many not for profit arts and culture festivals come and go but we are still here”.
He says there was an up close and personal uniqueness about Noosa alive! which relied heavily on volunteers.
“You can go along and enjoy world class performers and enjoy a drink with them at the bar after the show. Not many festivals are able to do that.”
Ian has done some research on the festival’s history.
“In the 20 years we have presented more than 3300 performances/events and more than 5800 artists, authors, celebrities and special guests.
“We have attracted people from all over Australia and the world. Contributions to our local economy generate on average $2.2 million dollars annually. Add that up over 20 years and it is considerable.”
For full event details and tickets, visit noosaalive.com.au
