MELBA
MELBA is a dramatic operetta which is set against the backdrop of the world’s greatest opera houses. It follows a headstrong, young, woman as she pursues a life of independence for herself and for her child far away from the hands of an abusive husband. That young woman just happens to be Nellie Melba.
Charting her meteoric rise from humble colonial origins to reigning supreme as the world’s first female rock star MELBA takes audiences on a journey of love and sacrifice through the glittering stages and palaces of Europe.
We watch a single mother’s rebellion and heartbreaking responsibility as she desperately tries to free herself from the clutches of a controlling spouse in Australia.
The ‘trial of the century’ that then ensues irrevocably rocks high society all the way up to and including the French Royal Family with shattering repercussions for all.
Based on the award winning biography by Ann Blainey, MELBA is a fusing of human drama and high opera directed by Stuart Maunder (DUSTY, MY FAIR LADY) with new music by composer Johannes Luebbers and with book and lyrics by Nicholas Christo.
Great to see a production in the making. I hope it will, have a life beyond this showing. Very interesting subject.