Photo Source: Catherine Ashmore
Soon after Flora has learned to love the creature she's been forced to wed, he's spirited off by an old woman, who up till then has seemingly wanted to help the couple. To reunite with him, Flora must wear through three pairs of iron shoes on a journey that takes her to the end of the world, off to the moon and the sun, and finally to the Milky Way. Her trek unfolds with remarkable fluidity in director John Fulljames' often ingenious production, thanks to the contributions of designer Dick Bird, who provides not only the central tinfoil-like castle behind the action but also the show's smile-inducing costumes, and lighting designer Bruno Poet.
Dove's delightful score, as far-flung as Flora's journey, contains music that's operatic, almost Wagnerian at times; sections that sound like old music-hall routines; and songs reminiscent of those from classic and contemporary musicals. Middleton's cleverly constructed lyrics are filled with rhymes that amuse.
As Flora traverses the universe, the ensemble members, often multiply cast, play a host of characters, from the comically acerbic Mr. and Mrs. Northwind (Jo Servi and Beverley Klein) to the beatific Moon (Tom Solomon) to the spoiled diva Adelaide (Kate Nelson). All sing the score with precision and power. At the show's center are Simon Wilding's charismatic turn as the title character and the winning, gorgeously sung performance that Karina Lucas (who alternates with Susan Boyd) delivers as the plucky heroine, a character audiences willingly follow in this merrily diverting and educational show.
Presented by the New 42nd Street at the New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., NYC. Feb. 5–21. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 7 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (Additional performance Wed., Feb. 17, 1 p.m.) (646) 223-3010 or www.newvictory.org.