Anthony Warlow stars in new production of Chicago

The hit musical will open at Perth's Crown Theatre on November 21, to be followed by seasons in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Set in the decadent 1920s, Chicago tells the story of housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart, who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her.

Desperate to avoid conviction, she hires Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer Billy Flynn to transform her crime into a barrage of sensational headlines which could easily be ripped from modern tabloids.

Based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, with a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the score features showstoppers such as All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and Razzle Dazzle.

Warlow, will step into the role of Billy Flynn. The beloved and prolific performer has starred on Broadway and across Australia, with notable credits including leading roles in The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, The Secret Garden, Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady.

Other principle cast members will include Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly, Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart and Peter Rowsthorn as Roxy's husband, Amos.

Producer John Frost said he was excited by the production's "extraordinary cast".

"Chicago has everything that people love about a Broadway musical - a story of fame, fortune and all that jazz, one show-stopping number after another and the most amazing dancing you've ever seen," he said.

"We are thrilled to bring the razzle dazzle of this New York institution back to Australia."

Tickets start at $69.90 (plus transaction fee).

Perth: Crown Theatre from November 21. Bookings: 136-100 or click here and search Chicago.

Brisbane: Lyric Theatre, QPAC from January 2. Bookings: 136-246 or click here and search Chicago.

Melbourne: Her Majesty's Theatre from March 23. Bookings: 132-849 or click here and search Chicago.

Sydney: Capitol Theatre from June 9. Bookings 136-100 or click here and search Chicago.