31 min

Chicago the Musical! How did it become the longest running American Musical? Amy Copeland & So Popera Productions The Theatre Thoughts Podcast

    • Performing Arts

What is the longest running American Musical? Easy, Chicago! This is one for your trivia nights folks. 
I sit down with my friend Amy Copeland to discuss the history of Chicago the Musical, from its inception right up to the restaging of So Popera Productions 2017 sold out performance. 
We'll discuss where Chicago the Musical came from, journey through its reiterations including the smash hit restaging on Broadway which one it a multitude of Tonys, and of course we'll share our thoughts on the famous movie version. Amy shares her insight into the foundations of the show and how it has become the longest running American Musical. Amy also shares the history of So Popera Productions and how it has established itself as a formidable company within the Illawarra's entertainment industry - bridging the gap between community and professional theatre.
Established in 2008, the company was founded and continued to be managed by University of Wollongong graduates, all of whom have professional training in the Entertainment Industry. So Popera has staged four very successful Musical productions as well as a variety of cabaret and curated showcases - all while developing the proud tradition of providing quality, worthwhile opportunities for emerging artists in the Illawarra Region.
So Popera has been awarded multiple times in 2014-2019 including Best Production of a Musical, Best Director, Best Musical Director, Best Choreographer, Best Set Design, Best Costume among other categories at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards, which encompasses regional NSW. In 2017, Brother & sister team Peter and Amy Copeland were also award the prestigious Gold Cat Award for outstanding contribution to Theatre and The Arts in multiple disciplines.
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL - PRESENTED BY SO POPERA PRODUCTIONS
March 29 - April 3, 2022
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Tickets can be found HERE
CHEAP THRILLS
Our editor Charlotte’s top picks for those of us who can’t afford to, or couldn’t stand to, see another commercial musical! 
March of 2022 is almost here and with restrictions easing, theatre and live performance in Sydney are back with a vengeance. If your New Year’s resolution this year is to see more theatre, you’ve got no idea where to start with what seems like millions of theatres in Sydney, or you’re flat broke and you think you can’t afford to see shows, this list is for you.
In our new monthly feature on Theatre Thoughts, I’m featuring up and coming artists in Sydney in comedy, dance, cabaret and independent theatre in a list of shows you can see for about the same price as going to the movies and getting a bucket of popcorn and a drink (roughly 40 bucks). Plus, you’ll be able to brag to your friends that you’re so cultured because you’ve been to the t h e a t r e.
Read the full article here
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR PODCAST!
Head to our website (theatrethoughtsaus.online/podcasts) to fill out our survey and help shape the future of the Theatre Thoughts Podcast.
In the meantime, search all things Theatre Thoughts by searching the hashtag #ttpodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the longest running American Musical? Easy, Chicago! This is one for your trivia nights folks. 
I sit down with my friend Amy Copeland to discuss the history of Chicago the Musical, from its inception right up to the restaging of So Popera Productions 2017 sold out performance. 
We'll discuss where Chicago the Musical came from, journey through its reiterations including the smash hit restaging on Broadway which one it a multitude of Tonys, and of course we'll share our thoughts on the famous movie version. Amy shares her insight into the foundations of the show and how it has become the longest running American Musical. Amy also shares the history of So Popera Productions and how it has established itself as a formidable company within the Illawarra's entertainment industry - bridging the gap between community and professional theatre.
Established in 2008, the company was founded and continued to be managed by University of Wollongong graduates, all of whom have professional training in the Entertainment Industry. So Popera has staged four very successful Musical productions as well as a variety of cabaret and curated showcases - all while developing the proud tradition of providing quality, worthwhile opportunities for emerging artists in the Illawarra Region.
So Popera has been awarded multiple times in 2014-2019 including Best Production of a Musical, Best Director, Best Musical Director, Best Choreographer, Best Set Design, Best Costume among other categories at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards, which encompasses regional NSW. In 2017, Brother & sister team Peter and Amy Copeland were also award the prestigious Gold Cat Award for outstanding contribution to Theatre and The Arts in multiple disciplines.
CHICAGO THE MUSICAL - PRESENTED BY SO POPERA PRODUCTIONS
March 29 - April 3, 2022
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Tickets can be found HERE
CHEAP THRILLS
Our editor Charlotte’s top picks for those of us who can’t afford to, or couldn’t stand to, see another commercial musical! 
March of 2022 is almost here and with restrictions easing, theatre and live performance in Sydney are back with a vengeance. If your New Year’s resolution this year is to see more theatre, you’ve got no idea where to start with what seems like millions of theatres in Sydney, or you’re flat broke and you think you can’t afford to see shows, this list is for you.
In our new monthly feature on Theatre Thoughts, I’m featuring up and coming artists in Sydney in comedy, dance, cabaret and independent theatre in a list of shows you can see for about the same price as going to the movies and getting a bucket of popcorn and a drink (roughly 40 bucks). Plus, you’ll be able to brag to your friends that you’re so cultured because you’ve been to the t h e a t r e.
Read the full article here
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR PODCAST!
Head to our website (theatrethoughtsaus.online/podcasts) to fill out our survey and help shape the future of the Theatre Thoughts Podcast.
In the meantime, search all things Theatre Thoughts by searching the hashtag #ttpodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 min