Naughty Marietta

A Musical Play

Book and Lyrics by Rida Johnson Young

The classic Victor Herbert Operetta

Naughty Marietta, a beloved operetta by Victor Herbert, premiered on Broadway in 1910. This lively piece is among Herbert’s most celebrated works, blending romance, adventure, and comedy set against the backdrop of 18th-century New Orleans. It captures audiences with its lively characters, enchanting melodies, and vibrant setting, establishing it as a defining piece in American operetta and musical theatre history.

The story centers on the title character, Marietta d’Altena, a French aristocrat who rebels against her arranged marriage and escapes to the French colony of New Orleans. Disguised as a “casquette girl”—a group of young women sent to New Orleans to marry colonists—she soon finds herself entangled in local intrigue. Captain Dick Warrington, a gallant soldier, becomes her protector and, ultimately, her romantic interest. Their growing affection is complicated by Marietta's mysterious past and by a pirate threat that stirs up the city’s already colorful life.

Marietta is a compelling character whose desire for freedom and self-determination is evident in her interactions and in her resistance to societal expectations—a trait that sets her apart from many operatic heroines of the time. Her defiance and adventurous spirit make her a modern heroine within a classic genre, and Young’s lyrics capture her dynamic personality and Herbert’s exuberant score reflects her joie de vivre.

Naughty Marietta also reflects the early 20th-century fascination with New Orleans as a setting of multicultural influences, mystery, and allure. Through Rida Johnson Young’s book, the city becomes a character in its own right, filled with intrigue, romance, and a sense of possibility, enhancing the operetta’s charm and timelessness.

ISBN  ‎978-1515321835 

$12.95

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