Episode Details

Maureen Elkner has been singing since the sixties. Carving out a career as a rock/pop vocalist, she began her professional career in a trio called The Chiffons. After singing back-up for John Farnham and providing vocals on Russell Morris's classic 'The Real Thing', Maureen found her great success with the chart climber 'Rak Off Normie' - the follow up single to Bob Hudson's novelty hit 'The Newcastle Song'. Maureen released 7 singles and two albums through the 70s and also found success as an actress and comedienne in the original Australian productions of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. A short-lived season (2 performances) of the musical OH CALCUTTA!, saw her arrested along with the entire company. Maureen also entertained the troops during the Vietnam war; venturing into enemy territory to relieve the soldiers of the horrors they were navigating. It's a fascinating story and STAGES was delighted to sit down with the inspiring Maureen Elkner.