17 – 21 July 2007
FLORA THE RED MENACE, one of the most original and captivating musicals to come out of Broadway, first premiered in 1965 starring a young Liza Minnelli in the title role. This landmark musical was the first collaboration between the legendary song-writing duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb, who went on to write a highly successful catalogue of works that include Chicago, Cabaret, and the iconic theme to New York, New York.
Set in America during the Great Depression, FLORA THE RED MENACE tells of a young woman determined to succeed in New York as a fashion illustrator. To make ends meet Flora Meszaros runs an artists co-operative in a disused hotel ballroom, but gets her big break when she is hired by the head of a large department store (at the generous salary of 30-dollars a week!).
While surviving the notorious bread lines that plagued the streets of New York through the early 1920s, Flora falls head over heels in love with Harry Toukarian, a radical young artist and member of the Communist party. Harry shares Flora’s passion for a better future, and encourages her to convert to Communism - much to the concern of Flora’s friends and the radical party secretary Charlotte, who has her own designs on Harry.
As the demands of the “red menace” start to compromise her job, Flora finds herself torn between the vastly different ideals of her lover and her employer. In the end, in order to truly make a difference, she is faced with the decision to sacrifice one or the other.
TICKETS
Full $25
Concession & Preview $22
DURATION
150 minutes plus interval
Directed by
AARON JOYNER
Choreographer
TAMARA FINCH
Performed by
ELENOR JANE ADAMS, DON BRIDGES, JESSICA ENES, SEAN GUNN, DAN HUMPHRIES, ANGELA LUMICISI, NICOLETTE MINSTER, ALISTER SMITH, PAUL WATSON
Musical Director
ANDREW LEACH
Lyricist
FRED EBB
Composer
JOHN KANDER
