About the work
„Call Me Madam" is a musical with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, premiered on Broadway in 1950. The title role, a resolute Washington hostess and newly minted ambassador, was tailored to Ethel Merman. The character is inspired by the real diplomat Perle Mesta.
Plot
The fabulously wealthy, fun-loving Sally Adams, famous in Washington as a glittering party hostess, is appointed American ambassador to the tiny (fictional) European grand duchy of Lichtenburg — without any diplomatic experience, but with all the more heart and ready wit. In Lichtenburg she falls in love with the distinguished, upright statesman Cosmo Constantine, who out of pride declines her generous offer of American financial aid. A second love story links Sally's young aide Kenneth with the Princess Maria. Amid diplomatic entanglements, cultural misunderstandings and Sally's unconventional manner, both couples make their way to happiness; the famous duet „You're Just in Love" crowns the action.
Cultural significance
„Call Me Madam" was a great Broadway success and cemented Ethel Merman's reputation as the queen of the American musical. Irving Berlin's score produced evergreens such as „You're Just in Love" and „It's a Lovely Day Today". In 1953 the work was successfully filmed with Merman and belongs to the classic repertoire of the Golden Age musical.