Railroad Hour 50 10 09 Roberta

# The Railroad Hour: "Roberta"

Picture yourself settling into your favorite chair on a crisp October evening in 1950, the living room bathed in the warm glow of your radio's dial. As the familiar brass flourish of The Railroad Hour theme swells through the speakers, you're transported to the glittering world of high fashion and romantic intrigue. Tonight's presentation brings Jerome Kern's beloved operetta *Roberta* to life with full orchestral accompaniment and a stellar cast of Broadway voices. You'll follow the enchanting story of a young American football player who inherits a Parisian gown shop, only to discover that the mysterious designer behind its success is a exiled Russian countess. What unfolds is a tapestry of mistaken identities, elegant waltzes, and the timeless question of whether love can bridge the gap between two worlds. The lush melodies—including the unforgettable "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"—provide the perfect soundtrack to this tale of transformation and unexpected romance.

The Railroad Hour represented something remarkable in the golden age of radio: sophisticated musical theater accessible to millions of Americans in their own homes. From 1948 to 1954, the show brought Broadway's most celebrated operettas and light operas to audiences who might never afford a ticket to the theater. This particular adaptation of *Roberta*, with its stellar production values and Kern's timeless score performed by the show's accomplished orchestra, exemplifies why The Railroad Hour became must-listen entertainment for families across the nation.

Don't miss this enchanting evening of music and drama—join us for *Roberta*, where elegance, humor, and romance await around every commercial break.