The life of the legendary socialite Perle Mesta, the “hostess with the mostest”, who became the first ambassador of the United States to Luxembourg in 1949, was the basis for Irving Berlin’s hit musical “Call me Madam”.

The show, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, enjoyed a run of 644 performances at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway staring in October 1950. It later ran for 486 performances at the Coliseum in London. It was also made into a film starring Ethel Merman and Donald O’Connor among others.

Surprisingly, the musical has never been performed in Luxembourg even though the fictional setting of the show in “Lichtenburg” clearly indicates that “Call me Madam” is a fictional take on Mesta’s life as ambassador to the Grand Duchy.

But that is changing with a production by the Mierscher Kulturhaus, in cooperation with the CUBE 521. The show, directed by Claude Mangen, features an international (and local) cast and music by the renowned Orchestre de chambre du Luxembourg.

It will be performed at the Mierscher Kulturhaus on 11, 12 and 13 December and then at CUBE 521 in Marnach on 16 and 17 January. Tickets can be reserved online or on tel. 47 08 95 1.

In the spirit of Mesta’s recipe for a good party--good food, good music and good company--the Mierscher Kulturhaus will organise a special 1950s swing party, after the performance on Saturday 12 December. Costumes are encouraged.