Created by Herman and Larry Alford in 1981, the show originated as a modest presentation at Onstage, a nightclub located in the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

"[1] After La Cage aux Folles opened to rave reviews two years later, producer Zev Buffman approached the pair and suggested they mount a full-scale, all-star version.

On February 28, 1984, the expanded Jerry's Girls premiered at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse in Palm Beach, Florida, with Carol Channing, Andrea McArdle, and Leslie Uggams, backed by an all-female chorus, recreating scenes and songs from Herman's hits, including Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and Mack and Mabel.

The revue premiered on Broadway, directed by Alford and choreographed by Wayne Cilento, on December 18, 1985 at the St. James Theatre, where it ran for 141 performances and 14 previews.

An Australian production featuring Debbie Byrne, Judi Connelli, Marcia Hines and Jeanne Little played in Sydney and Melbourne in 1987.

[8] The revue transferred to the Off-West End Jermyn Street Theatre for a 3-week run in May 2015, with Emma Barton, Ria Jones and Sarah-Louise Young.