Back from left: Chris Dupe, Bree Monk, Michael Connell, Marian Spires and Caragh Robinson, front, James Martin, Millie Minogue, Dame Edna (Paul Jennings) and Dame Nellie Melba (Kerry McManus).By Claire Roberts
IT IS official – Nellie Melba is Australia’s greatest.
The great debate – Minogue versus Melba – played to a full house at the Athenaeum Theatre on Thursday in a spectacular finale to the Town and Gown lecture series.
First on stage was the wonderful Dame Edna Everage in the shape of Paul Jennings, who relied on a mix of matriarchial and superstar authority to almost keep the debate on course.
In what was always going to be a contentious argument the Minogue panel – Shire of Yarra Ranges culture and arts manager Chris Dupe and communications manager James Martin and Pembroke Senior College student Bree Monk – took on the Minogue panel of Gladysdale comedian Michael Connell, Belgrave literary personality Marian Spires and Mt Lilydale Mercy College student Caragh Robinson.
With many viable arguments raised by both sides, the debate was of high quality and extremely convincing from both points corners.
Bree and Caragh focused on the fashion aspect of the debate … a tough one with Kylie’s penchant for underwear and feathers in stark contrast to the classy, classic style of Melba. Both girls presented strong and convincing arguments, representing the youth in the shire extremely well.
James Martin and Chris Dupe put on an entertaining performance, looking smart and presentable, initially coming out in tuxedos and pink feather boas.
But stricken with Kylie-fever as the night progressed, the audience was treated to a show spectacular that saw them return to the stage looking particularly fetching in gold and pink hot pants and fish nets, strutting their stuff.
Michael Connell wasn’t going to let the truth get in the way of a convincing argument. He presented a hilarious case for the Melba side, even if the veracity of his arguments could be questioned.
Final debater for the night was Marian Spires who enlightened us on the history of Dame Nellie Melba; and her achievements throughout her life.
The debate was finished, but not the show.
The closing entertainment seesawed between high opera (with a twist of cheek) and high-energy pop.
Coloratura soprano Kerry McManus as Melba, accompanied by Melville Waters on piano, did an outstanding rendition of some of the diva’s famous operatic performances while Kylie impersonator Millie Minogue captivated her audience with replicas of Kylie’s spectacular outfits, and lip-synched and danced her way through some of the popstar’s chart-stoppers.
At the end of the night, Dame Nellie Melba won the hearts of the Athenaeum audience as she did decades before. Quite fitting for our local girl.
