Doris: Doris Day- So much more than the girl next door

Co-written with musical theatre stalwart, David Mitchell (Dusty, Shout!) Melinda’s love affair with Doris began when, in childhood, Melinda laid eyes on Calamity Jane, Doris Day’s 1953 film tour de force and was smitten by all she saw. “She was such a huge talent” she enthuses now, “a triple threat as they say – she could sing, dance and act. I thought then she was the best of everything a woman can be and when I grew up I wanted to be just like her. This nostalgic celebration includes such timeless hits as “Sentimental Journey”, “Que Sera, Sera”, “Everybody Loves a Lover”, “Secret Love” and a whole slew of hits from “Calamity Jane”, “Love Me or Leave Me” and “Pillow Talk”. “There will only ever be one Doris. Sadly Doris hasn’t performed for over thirty years but so many great songs are associated with her and I get to sing them in this show.” And Doris’ real life story is equally rich and fascinating. Melinda and David have unearthed amazing little-known facts about Doris’ journey from small town Ohio, to the heights of Hollywood. Her four turbulent marriages, which saw her subjected to violent abuse and financial ruin to the tune of $30,000,000, are also revealed. But throughout, the strength and sunny disposition of everyone’s favourite film star shone through. In the show, Melinda shares some of her own stories as well as those of her idol. “It’s the universal story of women set to music of the forties, fifties and sixties.” Melinda’s most recent album, Melinda Does Doris: A Tribute to Doris Day had its genesis through the encouragement of David Campbell (who came to the studio and sang a duet on “Love Somebody” for the number one album, after telling her: “If you don’t do a Doris Day album I’m going to hit you over the head!”) The album spent nine weeks at number one on the ARIA charts and its success has spawned this brand new stage extravaganza, featuring the songs and story of Hollywood’s all-time greatest female box-office star, Doris Day. Melinda’s on-stage wardrobe is a nod to the high fashion trends, which Doris set in her thirty nine Hollywood movies. We watched Melinda dazzle with her dexterity on television’s Dancing With the Stars last year and she will once again be strutting her stuff with the aid of two top male singer dancers, and a hot seven piece band. After Dancing With The Stars, Australia’s own ★Melinda Schneider★ steps into the shoes of a great musical icon, Doris Day! Visit www.dorisday.com.au