An evening with Caroline O'Connor

Australia's very own international star of stage and screen Caroline O'Connor is delighted to return to berardo's for The Noosa Longweekend Festival with her stunning show "A Musical Life".

Following sold out performances at New York City's famous Birdland jazz club earlier this year, Caroline will bring her intoxicating blend of rich vocals and bewitching tales to berardo's in this rare and intimate night of unforgettable cabaret.

This special evening will feature musical theatre classics by Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman, Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, and pays homage to some of Caroline's inspirational ladies of song -- Judy Garland, Edith Piaf, Ethel Merman and more.

As Nini in Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-winning film Moulin Rouge, and Ethel Merman in the Cole Porter bio-pic De-Lovely, Caroline came to the attention of audiences all over the world.

Having won accolades across three continents for her dramatic and comedic stage performances, Caroline is one of the most sought after musical theatre performers treading the boards of Broadway, the West End, the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Her signature stage roles include Edith Piaf in Piaf, Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Anita in West Side Story and Mabel in Mack & Mabel.

Caroline has released four solo CDs and appeared on numerous cast recordings. She will be accompanied by her Musical Director Daniel Edmonds and a quartet of musicians.

AUSTRALIA'S VERY OWN STAR...
Caroline O'Connor
A MUSICAL LIFE
Sunday 20th June, 6.15pm for 6.30pm start
4 course dinner with performance: $185 per person
berardo's restaurant & bar -- Hastings Street.
Tables are shared seating with seats allocated in order of booking date.

Duration: 4.5 hours
Premier sponsors:
berado's restaurant & bar
Macquarie

Some other 2010 Noosa Longweekend festival highlights include --
* the world-premiere-preview of David Williamson's latest play Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica starring Georgie Parker and the world premiere of the new children's play, Hurry Up and Wait as presented by the Queensland Theatre Company in association with deBASE productions; a showcase of 'award winning'-one-act plays; Acrobatica's gravity-defying physical theatre; and, Agatha Christie Radio Mysteries performed on stage.
* two, exclusive, Australian performances entitled International Stars of Ballet as performed by seven members of the San Francisco Ballet.
* musical performances including Australia's own Tom Burlinson in Frank a Life in Song; cabaret and supper club performances with Caroline O'Connor, Caroline Nin, Carita Farrer, Blossom Goodchild, Elizabeth Cousemaker, Tom Sharah and Australian musical theatre legend Toni Lamond; the Dame Joan Sutherland (opera) awards; a return festival appearance by guitar maestros Slava and Leonard Grigoryan accompanied by James and Joseph Tawadros as Band of Brothers; the So-la Voce Chamber Choir; a Japanese piano recital; Virginia Gay, and local bands, The Vitals and Dva.
* a celebration of short films and a Slow Food with Film event with food prepared by leading local chefs; the now famous progressive food events hosted by top restaurants in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast hinterland including a Seafood Saunter, Hinterland Gourmet Safari, Beachside Promenade and the traditional festival favourite, the Duck Waddle.
* literary events featuring everyone's favourite gardener Don Burke, Ita Buttrose, politician and pharmacist Terry White, social commentator Karen Brooks, high profile journalists and authors such as Paul Kelly, Margaret Simons and Anne Summers and sportswriter Mike Colman; the writers who inspired Underbelly, John Silvester and Andrew Rule; animal behavioural specialist Dr Paul McGreevy; author and former journalist Iola Mathews; former pop star and author Michael White; University lecturer and sci-fi buff, Gregory Nash; and, Dr Karen Hitchcock -- medic and super mum.
* celebrity lunches featuring comedian and author Tim Ferguson, celebrity chef Kylie Kwong, Ita Buttrose, Australian cabaret sensation Toni Lamond and a celebrity breakfast with Andrew Ettingshausen (ET).
* a full day children's festival.
* engaging and insightful forums exploring topics such as: China, Should we be worried?; America, in decline?; The changing media game and internet journalism; Barrie Cassidy and the Insider's take on politics, Griffith REVIEW's Food chain sustainability and 30 years of State of Origin. Forum participants include Julianne Schultz, Mark Scott, Eric Beecher, Margaret Simons, Dr Don Russell, Dr Michael Fullilove, Paul Kelly, Peter Hartcher, Peter Thompson, Warwick Smith, Geremie Barme, Saul Eslake, Fran Kelly, Steve Renouf, Kerrod Walters, Mick Hancock and Martin Lang.
* workshops featuring Bollywood dancing, African drumming and singing, Japanese puppet making, drama improvisation, Commedia dell Arte and a full day, comedy writing master course with Tim Ferguson

The full festival program can be viewed on line at www.noosalongweekend.com. Printed versions are available by phoning the festival office on (07) 5474 9941.
Downloadable: "2010 Noosa Longweekend Festival" pdf

TICKET SALES AND FESTIVAL PROGRAMS
* Tickets for all festival events will go on sale from 10am, May 4. Visit www.noosalongweekend.com for details.
* Tickets for Noosa events will be on sale at The J Box office phone (07) 5455 4455 or online at www.thej.com.au
* Tickets for Caloundra events will be on sale at The Events Centre, Caloundra phone (07) 5491 4240 or online www.etixdirect.com.au
* Ticket prices range from FREE admission to $185 (for a 'Blue Ribbon dinner and cabaret event')
* Interested parties are encouraged to register to receive festival news, updates and special offers on The Noosa Longweekend Festival website - www.noosalongweekend.com
* Special festival accommodation packages are available. Visit www.noosalongweekend.com for details.