Luxradiotheatre1944 06 12 443rnaughtymarietta

# Naughty Marietta – June 12, 1944

When the orchestra's opening fanfare fades into the misty streets of New Orleans, listeners are transported to a world of romantic intrigue and dangerous secrets. In this June evening broadcast of *Lux Radio Theatre*, Victor Herbert's beloved operetta *Naughty Marietta* comes alive through voices and sound effects—the rustle of silk gowns, the clash of swords, the haunting strains of "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life." A French countess flees her native land with a hidden identity and a heart full of longing, only to find herself caught between duty and desire in colonial America. As the plot spirals toward its climax, listeners will experience the full emotional sweep of operatic drama condensed into a thrilling sixty-minute presentation, complete with the vocal talents of Broadway's finest and the lush orchestration that made *Lux Radio Theatre* the golden standard of dramatic radio.

For over a decade, *Lux Radio Theatre* had cultivated an almost religious following among American radio audiences, offering Hollywood's biggest stars performing on a stage that existed only in the listener's imagination. During the second World War, when servicemen overseas tuned in to broadcasts relayed through Armed Forces Radio, these weekly presentations became a cherished escape from the anxieties of wartime. The program's commitment to adapting classic theatrical properties with big-name talent meant that listeners never quite knew what to expect—would it be a comedic romp or a serious drama?—but they knew they'd receive a polished, professional production that rivaled any Broadway theater.

Settle into your favorite chair, adjust your radio dial, and prepare yourself for an evening of transported memories and timeless romance. This is *Lux Radio Theatre*—where stars shine on the air.