By Hollie Harris
This year’s NOOSA alive! is undoubtedly the most stunning program of events presented in Noosa ever.
NOOSA alive! (formerly the Noosa Long Weekend Festival), Australia’s premier regional performing arts and culture festival, this year enters its 17th year and will takes place in and around Noosa from July 20-29, 2018. Tickets are now on sale..
Famed for consistently bringing the best of Australian and International talent to Noosa’s doorstep for 17 years, NOOSA alive! has earned the reputation of longest running and acclaimed regional performing arts and culture festival in the country and certainly the most enduring of Noosa’s own festivals.
This year is exceptional; the lineup of talent both local and visiting is stellar with 3 World Premiere performances, 6 Australian premieres/preview performances and 5 Queensland premieres performances.
The J Theatre Series boasts 9 incredible events over ten days including
Blake Bowden in the world premiere of Straight From The Hart, coinciding with the release of his album for two performances only.
Some of the other premium events taking place at The J during this festival include: 3 Queensland premiere performances of Marjorie Prime, starring theatre legend, Maggie Dence, IDA Girls, one exclusive Australian exclusive performance of the most glamorous and talented young opera sensations currently travelling the world, 2 Australian premiere performances of Ole! which performed in 37 countries entertaining audiences with a modern mix of flamenco, pop, swing, blues, rock and jazz as they combine music, comedy, and audience interaction.
Back to thrill is the Queensland Ballet presenting the world premiere of a new contemporary work. Acclaimed quartet to become quintet Idea of North present ‘Groove Sessions’ for one only Queensland premiere performance from Australia’s multi-ARIA award winning contemporary vocal group.
Piece de resistance, Multi-platinum selling and four-time Aria award-winning singer and songwriter Katie Noonan brings to NOOSA alive! Queensland’s Premiere Concert of her trio Elixir, with string quartet and Australia’s ‘poet laureate’ Michael Leunig.
‘This has been a deal 3 years in the making, and a great coup for Noosa and NOOSA alive! I’m thrilled and very proud! ’ exclaimed Ian Mackellar
For film / music buffs ‘Dangerous Song’ is an exquisite journey, that will transport you for an hour of your busy day, into a world where the voices of endangered animals speak directly to the heart in a way that words never can. This is a song for the planet and the animals are singing for their lives! If their calls don’t affect you, nothing will. Festival favourite for the 12th consecutive year, is Barrie Cassidy and Insiders followed by an optional forum lunch to continue discussion and debate at RACV Noosa Resort.
Following in the tradition of presenting world class Cabaret, NOOSA alive! this year presents a world class Cabaret trifecta with the return of Helpmann Award winner, Michael Griffiths who joins the Legendary Carlotta Queen of the Cross,
The other two shows are Livvy and Pete, also starring, Michael Griffiths and acclaimed cabaret darling, Amelia Ryan which tells the story through popular songs and dance of two of Australia’s greats, Olivia Newton John and Peter Allen, their wonderful friendship and professional associations.
The trifecta is complete with legendary Australian actor and star of stage and screen Stephen Curry in an evening of Food, Music and Wine at Noosa’s renowned ‘hatted’ restaurant – the Noosa Waterfront, menu directed by owner and Chef, Andrea Ravanezzi.
There are Music Theatre events, National One Act Playwriting Competition, 6 food and culture events for which the festival is renowned that will sell out pronto and a festival within festival of literature & forum.
Go to www.noosaalive.com.au to check out the full lineup and book early. Stay tuned to social media channels to hear more about fabulous free community events evolving for local families and visitors to enjoy and details about ‘The Garden Party.’
