Flora the Red Menace

Flora the Red Menace is a 1965 musical by Kander and Ebb (their first collaboration). The story is told as though in a presentation by the Federal Theatre Project, part of the WPA established by President Roosevelt. A company of actors play all the roles, with obvious props and scenery, not trying to hide the ‘amateur’ look and feel of the show. The plot follows headstrong wannabe fashion designer Flora Mezaros, one member of an artists’ co-operative of bohemian types — dancers, musicians, designers — struggling to find work during the Depression. Hoping to find a job which pays at least $15 a week, she is hired by the head of a large department store at $30.