Gunnedah Conservatorium is tackling the famous American musical production, with six shows at the Civic from May 18-26, featuring local residents.

Director Larni Christie said the tickets have been selling like hot cakes, with great community interest in the production. The production comes on the back of Ms Christie’s successful production, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, in mid-2017.

Auditions for Chicago were held in late 2017, with rehearsals in full swing from January 2018.

“We cast in December before Christmas so people could know what 2018 looked like to them - so they could get used to a big commitment,” Ms Christie said.

“We’ve been practising since January and some people have been rehearsing up to three times a week… There are quite a few aspects to the show because it’s live music and there are choreographed dances.

“We’ve put together a show band for the production and they rehearse on Wednesday night with the singers.”

The director said there are about 20 in the cast, a dozen in the band and about 15 people backstage. Ages range from 16 to 60s.

“There is diversity with a range of talent. Some people are up there for the first time,” she said.

“We have two people from Bridesmaids involved in the show – Kerrie Wirth is assistant director and Ben Hennessy plays the role of Billy Flynn.”

A number of Gunnedah Conservatorium staff are also involved, including Rebecca Ryan, Tammy Clark, Jamie Brown, Julia Rennick and Joel Pickett.

“We’ve pooled some real talent from the group,” Ms Christie said.

The director said she is excited to take on Chicago.

“We spent all Easter making the set,” Ms Christie said.

“It has a very simplified set – there are not a lot of costume changes and the Civic really lends itself to a cabaret show - that intimate environment.”

Ms Christie said despite the many years that have passed since the town last ran a musical, she believes everything will come together for a successful production.

“I’m feeling confident because they’ve done the work,” she said.

“They’re having fun, that’s the main thing.”

Lead Alison Stuart said she had strong memories of Gunnedah’s past musicals and was glad to be a part of Chicago.

“It’s exciting that musical theatre is coming back to Gunnedah,” she said.

At 16, Paige Murray is the youngest cast member.

"The experience is amazing,” she said.

“People are great to work with.”

Fellow cast members Renee Neale and Jodi Dolbel echoed Paige’s sentiments.

“It’s really good fun,” Mrs Dolbel said.

“It’s something different from your every day and it’s good to be able to express yourself.”

Set in the 1920s in America, Chicago is a satirical narrative based on the concept of the “celebrity criminal” in a corrupt criminal justice system. With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and book by EBB and Bob Fosse, Chicago has produced some of the most recognised and iconic musical pieces of the 20th Century.

Tickets for the Gunnedah production are $40 per person or $35 per person with a group of eight or more. Visit www.gunnedahconservatorium.com.au​