Overview
Synopsis
Sally Adams is the “hostess with the mostest”! Her parties in Washington are legendary and her money is desired by everyone. When President Harry Truman appoints her as ambassador to the small, fictitious European nation of Lichtenburg, she takes everyone by surprise. What Sally lacks in policy knowledge, she makes up for in charm. Everyone is taken with Sally's practical, down-home manner--especially the nation's handsome Prime Minister, Cosmo Constantine. Meanwhile, Sally's secretary, Kenneth Gibson, breaks protocol and falls in love with the beautiful Princess Maria. When Sally becomes involved in the nation’s politics, she starts to ruffle some feathers. The country is plunged into its first general election in twenty years and Sally’s involvement in campaigning for Cosmo causes her to be recalled to America. However, the spirit of democracy takes over in Lichtenburg. Princess Maria is granted permission to propose to Kenneth and the newly elected Prime Minister, Cosmo visits Sally in Washington to grant her the royal order of Dame and declare his love.
Irving Berlin's sparkling political satire, Call Me Madam, is based on the real-life Washington DC hostess and Democratic Party fundraiser Perle Mesta, who was appointed the Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1949.
Show Information
- Book
- Howard Lindsay , Russel Crouse
- Music
- Irving Berlin
- Lyrics
- Irving Berlin
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1950
- Genres
- Satire, Romance
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Washington, Lichtenburg, 1950
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
Songs
Act One
- "Mrs. Sally Adams" - Ensemble
- "The Hostess With the Mostest on the Ball" - Sally
- "Washington Square Dance" - Sally, Ensemble
- "Lichtenburg" - Cosmo, Ensemble
- "Can You Use Any Money Today?" - Sally
- "Marrying For Love" - Cosmo, Sally
- "The Ocarina" - Princess Maria, Ensemble
- "It's a Lovely Day Today" - Kenneth, Ensemble
- "The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me)" - Sally
Act Two
- "Lichtenburg" (Reprise) - Chorus, Ensemble
- "Something To Dance About" - Sally, Ensemble
- "Once Upon a Time Today" - Kenneth
- "They Like Ike" - Wilkins, Brockbank, Gallagher
- "You're Just in Love" - Kenneth, Sally
- "The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me)" (Reprise) - Sally
- "It's a Lovely Day Today" (Reprise) - Kenneth, Princess Maria
- "Mrs. Sally Adams" (Reprise) - Ensemble
- Finale - Sally, Ensemble
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher