Melinda Schneider performs Doris Day tribute for Morning Melodies

Published on 02 August 2024

Melinda Schneider returns to the Pilbeam Theatre stage to pay tribute to the legendary Doris Day in the September’s Morning Melodies.

The world lost one of its biggest stars with the passing of Doris Day in 2019. A legend of stage, screen and song, Doris died aged 97, leaving behind an incredible body of work, including iconic movies and unforgettable songs.

Doris Day, “the girl next door”, had millions of fans around the world, none bigger than chart-topping Australian singer songwriter Melinda Schneider. Melinda has recorded two albums of Doris’ songs, co-written and starred in a theatre show based on Doris’ life, and done sell-out tours celebrating Doris’ work.

Melinda Schneider’s Morning Melodies concert, A Farewell to Doris, is a heartfelt tribute to Doris Day. This nostalgic concert celebration will include such timeless hits as Que Sera, Sera, Sentimental Journey, Everybody Loves a Lover and Secret Love plus classic songs from the movies Calamity Jane, Love Me or Leave Me and The Pajama Game. It will also include a number of Doris’ big band standards.

The Morning Melodies show had its beginnings back in in 2010 when Melinda released her acclaimed tribute album Melinda Does Doris – A Tribute To Doris Day, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Jazz and Blues chart and remained there for nine weeks. The following year, Melinda starred in her own hugely successful original theatre show, DORIS, Doris Day – So Much More Than The Girl Next Door, which played to packed houses across the country.

Before the show was staged, Melinda sent Doris Day the script.

“I wanted to make sure she was happy with the way we had portrayed her, and she came back giving me the thumbs up, which made me very happy,” Melinda said.

Following the successful capital city seasons, Melinda created a concert production of the show, Melinda Does Doris: A Tribute to Doris Day, which has toured to appreciative audiences in cities and towns all around Australia.

Melinda is saddened by Doris’ passing, but proud to perform A Farewell to Doris, knowing that Doris’ work will continue to bring joy to audiences of all ages.

“Doris was multi-talented, a true triple threat: a world-class singer, dancer and actor. But it is her beautiful spirit that will stay with me. Doris was so likeable and exuded such sincerity and joy and all that is good. There will never be another like her,” Melinda said.

Morning Melodies: A Farewell to Doris will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre on Monday 2 September at 11am. A free morning tea is available before the show, from 10am. Tickets are on sale now from the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office, phone 4927 4111 and www.seeitlive.com.au

Morning Melodies is presented by Rockhampton Regional Council.