FLORA, THE RED MENACE was not a hit on Broadway -- but one would never guess that from listening to the original cast recording. The young composer and lyricist team of John Kander and Fred Ebb created a score that is catchy, melodious, clever, and witty, with wonderful songs like "All I Need Is One Good Break," "Not Every Day of the Week," "Dear Love," "Sing Happy," and (my favorite) "A Quiet Thing." Even the opening sequence ("Waiting all day, waiting in line") is distinguished. The title role gives Liza Minnelli (who was only nineteen years old when FLORA opened) ample opportunity to display her exceptional talent. Although her vibrant voice, which can be both brassy and tender, is often hauntingly reminiscent of Garland's, Liza has a personality all her own: loveably and adorably vulnerable. The supporting cast members are fine, if not up to Liza's level vocally; Bob Dishy as Flora's Communist suitor, Harry, is hilarious in "Sign Here," in which he tries to convince Flora to join the Party.
1. Overture
2. Proplogue / Unafraid
3. All I Need (Is One Good Break)
4. Not Everyday Of The Week
5. Sign Here
6. Flame, The
7. Palomino Pal
8. Quiet Thing, A
9. Hello, Waves
10. Dear Love
11. Express Yourself
12. Knock Knock
13. Sing Happy
14. You Are You
Flora, the Red Menace
