On June 6th, 1981, audiences were given access to the Australian premiere of Kander & Ebb's masterpiece CHICAGO - A Musical Vaudeville. The production debuted at The Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House and made history. The production was conceived entirely by a local team who were not obliged to follow any blueprint from productions gone before.

J.C. Willamson and Paul Dainty produced the show on tour, but CHICAGO in Australia was originally presented by The Sydney Theatre Company where the Artistic Director was Richard Wherrett. The show was directed by Wherrett and he assembled a team of master creatives, some who were at the beginning of their theatrical careers. They included Ross Coleman, Brian Thomson, Roger Kirk, Peter Casey, Michael Tyack, John Scandrett and Sue Nattrass in various roles.

Wherrett's vision to bring a musical fare to a subsidised company was revelatory. In his program notes he wrote " ..... the job of such companies is to present, amongst other fare, the best of existing dramatic literature; and the musical, while a latter development of theatrical expression, is as legitimately deserving of our attention as any other theatrical form."

The STC production of CHICAGO was a big, fat hit and showcased the extraordinary talents of a host of our established and emerging musical theatre best - Nancye Hayes, Geraldine Turner, Judi Connelli, Jack Webster, George Spartels, Terrence Donovan, Robina Beard, Kevan Johnston, Joy Miller, Peter Cousens, Garry Ginivan, DJ Foster, and Rod and Dolores Dunbar have all contributed to product in the decades since.

This CHICAGO was certainly a milestone production of the show, and of the form in Australia. For our 200th episode, STAGES is joined by "Chicago's own killer dillers - those two scintillating sinners", Australia's original Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly; Nancye Hayes and Geraldine Turner. A nostalgic episode celebrating the ruby anniversary of this seminal production.

The STAGES podcast is available from Apple podcasts, Whooshkaa and Spotify. Also from where you find your favourite podcasts. www.stagespodcast.com.au