Howson, Mitchell and Morrow had collaborated on SHOUT!, a successful Australian jukebox musical based on the life of Johnny O'Keefe.

The workshop cast included Tamsin Carroll, Trisha Noble, Mitchell Butel and Todd Goddard, who all went on to appear in the world premiere production co-produced by Dennis Smith and John and Barbara Gilbert.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC-TV) made a documentary series of 8 x 26-minute episodes titled "Dusty – Little By Little" which followed the creation of the musical from its genesis in 2004 to opening night in 2006.

Written by Terry O'Connell, it incorporated 35 songs performed by Wendy Stapleton with three female back-up singers referred to as "The Stayawhiles".

In the 1960s, Dusty Springfield takes the entertainment world by storm with a score of hits, a top television show and a legion of fans.

The original production and Australian tour premiered on 12 January 2006 at the State Theatre of the Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

[6] In 2016 a tweaked version of the musical was produced by The Production Company, and staged at the Playhouse of Arts Centre Melbourne from 12 to 4 November 4 December.

A compilation CD of 24 Dusty Springfield songs was also issued bearing the logo of the musical in 2006, reaching number 71 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart.