For its spring play, Ashford University will present the musical “Flora the Red Menace,” the first collaboration between John Kander and Fred Ebb, who later wrote “Cabaret” and “Chicago.”

The play, originally starring Liza Minnelli, opened on Broadway in 1965; she won a Tony for her performance.

Emily Eisenman, Clinton, will direct Ashford’s version of the musical comedy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10 in its Mullany Theater. Eisenman directed Ashford’s production of “The Mousetrap” last fall.

Forming the cast for the musical are: Elyce Bark, DeWitt, IA; Jamie Carr, Bryant, IA; Adam Cunningham, Clinton, IA; Matt Jacobsen, Goose Lake, IA; Drew Minnick, Clinton, IA; Ben Owen, Clinton, IA; Anne Schneck, Clinton and Erin Turner, Clinton.

Set in the Great Depression, “Flora the Red Menace” is the story of a wannabe fashion designer struggling to find work who falls in love with a Communist. Her job and relationship are complicated by a host of other characters and situations.

The public is invited to the musical. Ashford University students are admitted free. Adult admission is $5.00 and student admission is $3.00.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.