Her career path changed after she received a role in Neptune Theatre's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1986.

[1] Although the album wasn't a hit on commercial radio, it was noticed by record producer Rick Neigher in Los Angeles.

She toured in support of the album for two years with Jann Arden, Great Big Sea, The Philosopher Kings, and Lilith Fair.

Through a partnership with Ted Dykstra and actor Gary Sinise, she began working on another album with Neigher in Los Angeles.

Initially dubbed a lullaby album, the resulting independent release A Thousand Nights had much wider appeal, mixing covers by Fleetwood Mac, The Everly Brothers, and Leonard Cohen with originals by Doane and including guests Jim Cuddy, Ron Sexsmith, Kathryn Rose, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Ted Dykstra.

Shortly after the release of The Emerald City in 2011, Doane was asked to audition for the role of "Song Woman" in Mirvish's Toronto production of the acclaimed play War Horse.

The play opened at the Princess of Wales Theatre in February 2012 to rave reviews, and eventually closed after a successful run on January 6, 2013.

[2]Pat Donnelly of Postmedia News wrote: The manner in which traditional songs (performed principally, in this production by the multi-talented Melanie Doane, who does wonders with voice and violin) are deftly woven into the narrative, uplifting it into anthem, is masterful.

[3]In 2009-2010, Melanie volunteered to teach a small group of students at her children's school in Toronto using the method of ukulele instruction established by her father, J. Chalmers Doane in the 1960s.