Kestral Productions Presents

FLORA The Red Menace

A Musical by David Thompson, George Abbott, and Robert W. Russell

Directed by David Huss

Shows: April 8, 9, 10, 11 (matinee) and April 15, 16, 17, 18 (matinee), 2027

Auditions: Early December 2027
At New Prospect Theatre

SAVE THE DATE: Tickets go on sale February 2027

The original Broadway production of Flora, the Red Menace opened May 11, 1965 at the Alvin Theatre and ran for 87 performance, starring Liza Minelli in her first Broadway role. This is her performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Poster from the 2018-2019 Carthage Theatre Department Production.

A little Musical Theatre history

From MasterworksBroadway.com "The young composing team of John Kander and Fred Ebb made its Broadway debut with this vehicle for Liza Minnelli, which was produced by Harold Prince, and which opened at the Alvin on May 11, 1965. A musical version of Lester Atwell’s Love Is Just Around The Corner, retooled for the stage by George Abbott, who also directed it, and Robert Russell, it dealt with a young clothes designer who joins the Communist Party for the love of her boyfriend, already a member….much excitement was generated around its budding young star, seen off-Broadway shortly before in a revival of Best Foot Forward, and that it was Mr. Abbott’s 105th production, the musical lasted… 87 performances."

After Flora, Kander and Ebb went on to compose many musicals including:

  • Cabaret (1966),

  • Funny Lady (1975), starring Barbara Streisand, and

  • Chicago (1975—923 performances) whose score includes "All That Jazz," "Mr. Cellophane," "My Own Best Friend," "Cell Block Tango," and "When You're Good to Mama."

Listen to the First LP of Flora released June 1, 1965.