About Melanie Parry
MELANIE PARRY is one of Australia’s leading ladies of song and a celebrated cabaret theatre artiste, performing her first class one woman musical theatre shows over the last 25 years for the performing arts and entertainment sectors spanning major venues across the United Kingdom, Europe, Las Vegas, Nevada USA, New Zealand, Tasmania, and extensively throughout Australia.
Known as the “Australian girl with the golden voice” whilst performing in the UK, Parry’s early singing career was drawn from the music of light Opera, West End and Broadway musical theatre productions, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserable, Sunset Boulevard, Fiddler’ On The Roof, Mack & Mable, Jekyll & Hyde, Carousel to name a few.
Melanie was honoured to be selected and cast for the prestigious singing role as The VOICE of JUDY GARLAND in one of Australia’s most exciting TV show releases, the multi award winning Peter Allen – Not The Boy Next Door – TV Mini Series, produced by Endomel Shine Australia, for Channel Seven TV.
Receiving rave reviews and accolades for her performance:
“A round of applause for Melanie Parry for the impeccable singing voice of Garland.”
Graeme Blundell l TV Writer l Sydney l The Australian
Then came a special appearance in the immersive musical Hidden Sydney-The Glittering Mile – playing the part of Judy Garland in the Silver Spade scene depicted during the run of the hit show.
Starting in show business at the age of 11, performing with a children’s song and dance troupe touring the country and appearing on National TV, later making her debut TV appearance as a professional Ventriloquist on Australia’s famed Johnny Young’s Young Talent Time Show.
Film and television appearances followed before pursuing a career overseas, including the iconic film “Undercover” for FilmCo Pictures, “Waterloo Station” for the Reg Grundy Organisation.
Vocally trained as a coloratura soprano, Melanie studied under the expert tutelage of a renowned teacher from the Welsh National Opera whilst in the UK and appeared in many Welsh TV productions – Pobol Y Cwm – Sitcom I BBC TV, “Dinas” – Drama I HTV Network I “Halen -Yn-Y-Gwaud” – Drama I “Tell Tale” – HTV.
An early career review by the London’s iconic ‘Stage & Television’ newspaper describes her performances as, “possessing a powerful voice of great versatility, with a unique style and range”.
As a veteran entertainer Melanie Parry is a consummate professional, descending from a prominent Australian showbiz family and has appeared twice in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas Nevada, USA with her acclaimed one-woman theatre show.
Melanie Parry has continued to tour with her various theatre shows extensively in Australia and overseas to the delight of all her many fans and theatre audiences when after just launching her new show and double album Follow Your Dreams, her dreams like so many others, were all put on indefinite hold due to the worldwide Covid pandemic.
Now at last, Melanie is ready for relaunch of this uplifting show which is a celebration and journey of the many wonderful genres of music that has spanned her international career, bringing smiles, laughter, and uplifting moments back to all her many fans and theatre audiences waiting to hear her sing once more!
Credits
THEATRES
Parramatta Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, NSW
The Laycock St Theatre, Gosford, NSW
The Glen Street Theatre, Belrose, NSW
The Hayden Orpheum Palace Theatre, Cremorne, NSW
The Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree, NSW
Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith, NSW
Casula Powerhouse Theatre, Liverpool, NSW
The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Shoalhaven, NSW
The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith, NSW
Jupiters Casino, Qld
The Cairns Civic Theatre, Cairns, Qld
The World Theatre – Charters Towers, Qld
Gladstone Entertainment Centre-Gladstone, Qld
Caloundra Cultural Centre, Caloundra, Qld
The Brogla Theatre, Maryborough, Qld
Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay, Qld
Townsville Civic Centre, Townsville, Qld
Boonah Cultural Centre, Boonah, Qld
Proserpine Cultural Centre, Proserpine, Qld
The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton, Qld
The Arts Centre, Gold Coast Qld
Logan Entertainment Centre, Qld
Marion Cultural Centre, Adelaide, SA
Bendigo Regional Arts Centre, Victoria
The Drum Theatre, Dandenong, Victoria
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat Victoria
Ararat Performing Arts Centre, Victoria
Riverlinks, Shepparton, Victoria
Karaylaka Arts Centre, Victoria
Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Victoria
BPACC, Benalla, Victoria
NEW ZEALAND THEATRES
Royal Wanganui Opera House
Rotarura Civic Theatre
Waipukurau Civic Theatre
New Zealand Tours
North and South Islands
CORPORATE EVENTS
Variety the Children’s Charity – The Grand Ballroom, Star City Casino – Melanie Parry sings Judy Garland I Special Appearance
AMP Insurance Convention – Fairmont Resort, Leura – Performing The Judy Garland Show
The Paralympic Games Project – Melanie Parry sings Judy Garland
The Heart Awards – Variety Children’s Charity – Melanie Parry featured artiste with Michael Caton, Toni Lamond, Stuart Wagstaff, Jackie Love & Peter Cousens
Sydney Motor Show – Celebrating 100 years of the Motor Car, Darling Harbour Convention Centre – Melanie Parry sings Judy Garland
Hobart Casino, Tasmania – Corporate Event – Performing The Judy Garland Show with Mick Meredith
Variety the Children’s Charity Convention, Darling Harbour – Melanie Parry sings Judy Garland appearing with John Paul Young
Skycity Casino, Adelaide – Performing The Judy Garland Show
Rosehill Racecourse – 2KY Radio Corporate Event – Melanie Parry sings Judy Garland appearing with Elliot Goblet
VP60 and VP70 Celebrations, Living Heroes Concert, Townsville, Qld – Performing The Magic of Dame Vera Lynn, with Simon Gallagher, John Williamson, IRAR Band, United States Air Force Band
Lions Convention, Queensland – Performing The Judy Garland Show
Official Function Sydney – Governor of NSW – Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO – Performing the Australian National Anthem
Official Function Sydney – Event for Prime Minister and Mike Baird Premier of NSW – Performing the Australian National Anthem
EARLY AUSTRALIAN FILM & TV
Young Talent Time – Guest Artist
Undercover – (Australian Movie)
Waterloo Station – Reg Grundy (Nine Network)
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – LAS VEGAS
The Monte Carlo Casino – Judy Garland Story in Song Show
Houdini’s Lounge – Monte Carlo Casino, Las Vegas
UK THEATRE & CABARET SHOWS
Bob Monkhouse Show – Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Barron Knights Show – Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, Wales, U.K
Llanelli Entertainment Centre – Llanelli, Wales (Headline Artiste)
Eric Delaney Show – Newcastle, England
Beaufort Theatre, Variety Shows, Wales (Headline Artiste)
Burstin Hotel Summer Season – Folkestone, England (Headline Artiste)
Summer Seasons – Carmarthen Bay, Wales (Headline Artiste)-Leisure Services
Summer Seasons, Bourne Leisure – one nighters – Wales (Headline Artiste)
United Kingdom Tours – Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester
Scotland, France, Spain & Malta tours
UK WALES FILM & TELEVISION
“Pobly-Com” – BBC, “Dinas” – HTV Network, “Halen -Yn-Y-Gwaud” – Welsh Movie, “Tell Tale” – HTV Network, plus many more Welsh productions.
Testimonials and Media Releases
The Stage & Television Today, London, UK
“Melanie Parry is pure entertainment. Her skilful creation of her shows, the delivery, the concepts, always delivering a performance that adds another dimension to her already considerable talent”.
She possesses a rare quality of masterfully transforming a song to make it a unique gift to her audience”…
Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre
A fabulous show and a sensational performance by Melanie Parry, accompanied by her wonderful musicians. She masterfully recreated the golden era of Hollywood transporting our patrons back to when Judy Garland was their #1 Star and box office attraction. The show incorporated all of Judy’s songbook of famous songs, with narration and AV film clips which were expertly interwoven throughout the production. Our patrons have not stopped talking about this show celebrating the life of the extraordinary performer, Judy Garland. We hope to have a return to the DRTCC by Melanie Parry as soon as possible.
Thank you from all here at the DRTCC and our many patrons who came to your show, for such a wonderful performance Melanie…
Linda Christof, Manager DRTCC
The Glen Street Theatre, Belrose – Sydney
It is with great pleasure to welcome back this wonderful artiste Melanie Parry yet again to the Theatre later this year when she presents her acclaimed musical show production, JUDY – The Judy Garland Story – A Life In Song in our October program.
This popular artiste has proved yet again that her shows are unique and well received with her JUDY show having SOLD OUT well before its scheduled show date yet again.
Melanie Parry is certainly a gifted artiste and an exceptional creative professional in her field ……
Margot Woodward, The Manager at The Glen
Posted by Queensland Lions Convention – Proserpine Entertainment Centre
The Cabaret Show comments I received from all delegates yesterday was overwhelming and excitingly positive, they could not find enough words of praise and joy. One man said he had attended 41 conferences during his time in Lions and that was the best one ever, and could never better that performance!! The praise just kept on coming and coming even from real blokey men who you would never expect to comment on Showbiz. Some got quite emotional with words handshakes and hugs trying to express their words of emotions. At the closing of Convention Awards yesterday the Convention Chair could hardly finish his words of praise for the Banquet as he was so moved with the success. The District Governor Gordon Bailey from Townsville was so overwhelmed with the Show and said nothing could top that at any future Lions Convention. Melanie thank you for ‘JUDY, A Life in Song’ accompanied by your amazing Musical Director on piano for entertaining us with your professional talents. The memories and songs of Judy Garland will live on for Lions for many years to come.
I personally thank and admire your professional skills as an artist and as an Australian Icon. Best wishes to you in appreciation…
Gloria Demartini, Convention Banquet Event Co-Ordinator, Queensland Lions Convention, Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Posted by The Brolga Theatre
Melanie Parry’s rendition of the late, great Judy Garland’s favourite songs can only be described as sensational and uncanny!! This talented performer bears an amazing resemblance to the show business legend and patrons won’t be disappointed when she adds her own touch of magic to her ‘Judy’, The Judy Garland Story In Song.
The show is the next in the theatre’s hugely popular Morning Melodies series and follows hot on the heels of Julie Anthony’s sell-out performance at the Brolga.
Media Release: The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
While Judy Garland is gone, her music lives on in a glamorous stage show performed by Melanie Parry called ‘Judy’, The Judy Garland Story In Song. Audiences will believe they’re really listening to Judy Garland as Melanie sings many of the songs that made the Wizard of Oz star famous including Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Zing went the Strings, Meet Me In St Louis, The Trolley Song, Me and My Gal, Get Happy, Swannee, Almost Like Being In Love, and many more. Melanie Parry is an Australian performer with extensive credits both here and overseas. One British critic described her as “the glamorous Australian songstress” and it’s not hard to see why.
Audiences in Las Vegas were captivated by her performance as Judy Garland in 2001 so much so that she returned the following year for an encore season.
Media Release: Caloundra Cultural Centre
Melanie Parry brings Judy Garland back into the spotlight with a show that delights and entrances audiences. She weaves true magic as she re-creates the stage legend right before your eyes. Parry’s voice is rich with the nuance of Garland and, as we learn the real story behind the legend, we are pulled ever deeper into the story through all the great Garland songs. The audience was totally enthralled from the opening bars to the stirring final note and after the show the foyer was abuzz with nostalgia and the excitement of those who’ve just had a thoroughly good time.
Melanie Parry’s musical tribute delighted the audience as they really experienced the essence of Judy Garland on stage.
Testimonial: The Brolga Theatre
Melanie Parry has appeared at the Brolga Theatre, Maryborough, Queensland, on a number of occasions. Melanie’s Concert , ‘Judy’, The Judy Garland Story In Song, was her most memorable to date. The audience was enthralled by her vivacious soprano voice, as they were led down the Yellow Brick Road to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, Melanie’s renditions of the repertoire of Judy Garland, brought tears of joy to many members of the audience as they were taken back to the Wizard of Oz era. The comments from the audience were invariably complimentary, exempli gratia, “She not only looks like Judy Garland but she sounds like her, and even LIZA MINNELLI as well!”, to “That was the most memorable and enjoyable Concert this year!”
I consider Melanie Parry to be a sophisticated, polished and true performer of Diva Status…
John Flanagan – General Manager
Testimonial: The Pilbeam Theatre
Rockhampton Venues and Events presented Melanie Parry’s, ‘Judy’, the Judy Garland Story In Song, as part of our concert series in October. Attendances were above average for an entertainer who had not preciously performed at the venue. The audience loved the show, warming to Ms Parry’s portrayal of Judy Garland from the outset. The show itself was very professionally conceived and executed and seemed to strike a good balance between interesting anecdotes and musical numbers.
We would certainly welcome her return with open arms to our venue in the future…
Peter Owens, Manager
Testimonial: Caloundra Cultural Centre
Melanie Parry brings Judy Garland back into the spotlight with a show that delights and entrances audiences. She weaves true magic as she recreates the stage legend right before your eyes. Parry’s voice is rich with the nuance of Garland and, as we learn the real story behind the legend, we are pulled ever deeper into the story through all the great Garland songs. The audience was totally enthralled from the opening bars to the stirring final note and after the show the foyer was abuzz with nostalgia and the excitement of those who’d just had a thoroughly good time.
Melanie Parry’s musical tribute delighted the audience as they really experienced the essence of Judy Garland on stage…
Lyndall Osborne, A/General Manager
Testimonials Summary
.…“Melanie Parry as Garland is sophisticated, polished and a true performer of diva status”.
….Melanie Parry’s rendition of the late, great Judy Garland’s favourite songs can only be described as sensational and uncanny!!
….She weaves true magic as she re-creates the stage legend right before your eyes.
.…Parry’s voice is rich with the nuance of Garland and, as we learn the real story behind the legend, we are pulled ever deeper into the story through all the great Garland songs…