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Reviews
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Flora the Red MenaceBy John Kander and Fred Ebb An outstanding ensemble performance by Dundee Rep of Flora The Red Menace, the original musical collaboration by Fred Ebb and John Kander which has, unfortunately, been overshadowed by their subsequent hits, Cabaret and Chicago. Set in New York at the depth of the 1930s depression the delightful heroine, Flora Meszaros (Emily Winter) is a newly graduated fashion designer who sublets space in her studio to a number of other struggling artists but, reminiscent of the Barter Theatres of that era, when actors moved from the city to the countryside and performed in exchange for foodstuffs, she accepts rent 'in kind'. When she meets and falls in love with, the stammering Communist Harry Toukarian (Richard Conlon), she rents him space in exchange for apples. Already in situ are Willy (David Stothard) a musician, Kenny and Maggie (Stuart Dawes and Alison Connel), a dance duo whose amazing tap routine is just waiting to be discovered, Elsa (Irene MacDougall) a dress designer, and Mr Weiss (John Buick) who repairs watches. All of them are desperate to find work. Harry persuades the love smitten Flora to join the Communist Party where she meets a contender for his affections, Comrade Charlotte, superbly played by Annie Louise Ross. Charlotte's unrequited lust for Harry provokes a hilarious bedroom farce.
As the drama unfolds, Flora's loyalty to friends and colleagues is at odds with Party policy and endangers her relationship with Harry, resulting in a subdued ending to the production but en route there is lots of laughter and plenty of songs, poignant and witty, well sung by the nine cast members and accompanied by Jon Beales on piano. Costumes and set design have an authentic thirties flair accentuated by the splendid art deco footlights and wall lighting. As I left the theatre I could hear snatches of songs from the audience as they poured into the street, a sure sign of a successful show. Dundee Rep, the only full time ensemble company in Scotland, is touring this sparkling production until 3rd July 2004. Catch it if you can for a great night out. 15 - 19 June at Dundee Rep Theatre
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