Railroad Hour 49 01 17 (016) Naughty Marietta

# Railroad Hour 49-01-17: Naughty Marietta

Step aboard for an evening of Romance and Danger as The Railroad Hour presents Victor Herbert's beloved operetta *Naughty Marietta*, a glittering tale of passion set against the backdrop of Colonial New Orleans. Picture yourself in a grand theater—the orchestra swells, and suddenly you're transported to the steamy bayous and moonlit ballrooms of 1750s Louisiana, where a French noblewoman fleeing her past finds unexpected love aboard a merchant vessel bound for America. This January 17th broadcast captures the full splendor of Herbert's most enchanting score, complete with the soaring melodies that made this operetta a sensation in 1910, performed by The Railroad Hour's impeccable cast and full orchestra. You'll hear the exotic rhythms of the French colonial setting, the tender vulnerability of a woman starting anew, and the swelling crescendos of orchestral grandeur that defined the golden age of American musical theater.

The Railroad Hour represented a remarkable achievement in 1949: bringing the world's great operettas and musical dramas directly into American homes with Broadway-quality production values. At a time when fewer Americans could afford theater tickets, this ABC program democratized high culture, offering working families an accessible gateway to the classics. Victor Herbert's *Naughty Marietta*, one of America's earliest and most successful operettas, was a perfect vehicle for this mission—a genuinely thrilling story wrapped in unforgettable music that appealed to listeners regardless of their musical sophistication.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the golden age of radio drama as it was meant to be heard. Tune in to *The Railroad Hour* on January 17th, 1949, and let the magic of *Naughty Marietta* transport you to a world of elegance, danger, and timeless romance.