YELLOWKNIFE - For an upcoming production of Chicago, Ptarmigan Ptheatrics director Roy Williams said everyone had to step things up a notch.

Kira Hall, left, and Ada Timmins play Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in Ptarmigan Ptheatrics' production of Chicago, which starts tonight at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre. - Adam Johnson/NNSL photo

"Usually, it's Rodgers and Hammerstein, people singing with big hats," Williams said with a laugh of the group's recent productions, such as Hello Dolly and South Pacific.

"This is going to be different," he said of the production, which opens tonight at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre.

The musical, which was brought into the public consciousness with its Oscar-winning film adaptation, is a sordid tale of sex, murder and celebrity, set in prohibition-era Chicago.

It's a change of pace for Yellowknife theatre, and a huge challenge for any director, never mind one on their first time out. Williams is taking the helm for the first time, after years of acting and producing for Ptarmigan.

"I found it very exciting; I almost wanted to do more, but these choreographers and such took over," he said with a laugh as stage managers and set designers bustled to and fro.

Much of the cast has been practising four to six days a week, said choreographer Andrea MacInnis, with show tunes running all hours of day from their shared rehearsal space at the former Yk Dairies site.

"It's a big commitment," she said. "When you do it, you have to dedicate your life to it."

Ptarmigan veteran Robin Williams, who plays fast-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, said he is adjusting to his first leading role for the theatre troupe, and doesn't mind putting in the necessary hours.

"It's a hobby," he said. "Some people Ski-doo. I act in the winter."

As actors got into costume for a photo shoot, anticipation was running high for what could be done with such a well-known, and well-regarded piece of theatre.

"I'm feeling pretty good," said Kira Hall, who plays murderer and wanna-be celebrity Roxie Hart, fresh from her stint as Rizzo from Sir John Franklin high school's production of Grease.

"I think this is going to be a fantastic show," she said.

"It's going to be a hot show," added Ada Timmins, decked out in full 1920s finery.

"Everyone is excited to do it for opening night," she said. "We worked hard for this show."

Williams said a lot of Yellowknife actors and singers came out of the woodwork for this show.

"There's a lot of talent that's very new to the stage," Williams said. "It's the work that has brought the skills out."

Chicago runs 8 p.m. tonight, tomorrow and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, and continues May 3-5.