MELINDA Schneider will bring the music of Doris Day to life in her upcoming show Melinda Does Doris.
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The country singer’s love affair with Doris Day began in childhood when she first saw Day’s 1953 film Calamity Jane.
“She was such a huge talent,” Schneider said.
“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.”
Schneider’s admiration for Day has grown, and she has channelled this into a theatre stage show called DORIS.
Following on from several successful seasons in the capital cities, Melinda is bringing the show to regional audiences in a concert format.
It leaves them walking on air. They’re so happy and uplifted.
- Melinda Schneider
Schneider will perform Doris Day classics including Sentimental Journey, Que Sera, Sera, Everybody Loves a Lover, Secret Love and hits from Calamity Jane including Love Me or Leave Me and The Pajama Game.
“Her story is a great one to tell,” she said.
“She’s had a lot of ups and downs in her life.”
Schneider said the concert gave older audience members a sense of nostalgia.
“I often get more mature ladies coming up to me in their 80s and 90s,” she said.
“I absolutely love taking them back to more innocent times, they know all the songs and words.
“It leaves them walking on air. They’re so happy and uplifted.”
Schneider said she preferred to pay homage to Doris Day, as opposed to offering an impersonation.
“I sing the songs in my own way,” she said.
“I say very early on that it’s not an impersonation, I’m not a huge fan of people who do that.
“There’s only one of those amazing people in the world, you can’t be as amazing as they were.”
Schneider said she was excited to bring the show to the smaller centres.
“I am constantly being asked when are you bringing the Doris music here Melinda, and by putting together this concert version of the show, it all becomes possible,” she said.
Melinda Schneider will perform at Orange Ex-Services’ Club on Saturday, July 29 and at Parkes Services’ Club on Friday, August 18.
Tickets are available through club reception or the clubs’ websites.