Call Me Madam
78

Call Me Madam NYC Reviews and Tickets

78%
(85 Ratings)
Positive
85%
Mixed
15%
Negative
0%
Members say
Entertaining, Great singing, Dated, Delightful, Fluffy

About the Show

A highlight of the second season of Encores! (1995) and featuring a memorable score by Irving Berlin, "Call Me Madam" centers around a brassy ambassador to the fictional European nation of Lichtenberg.


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Show-Score Member Reviews (85)

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50 Reviews | 20 Followers
89
Delightful, Entertaining, Fluffy, Clever, Great singing

See it if Pure fun and fluff, but clever and great classic Berlin score. Carmen Cusack is charming and funny, and her voice is among broadway’s best.

Don't see it if It’s pure 1950’s, musical comedy entertainment. No depth but lots of fun.

137 Reviews | 32 Followers
88
Dated, Delightful, Great staging, Fluffy

See it if you enjoy Encores and are willing to just be entertained, you like Carmen Cusack even if it takes a while for her to come into her own.

Don't see it if you expect anything that feels relevant, you are put off by old-fashion stereotypes, you can't get into great classic tunes just for fun.

1178 Reviews | 466 Followers
88
Delightful, Entertaining, Great singing, Old fashioned, Funny

See it if You like old style Broadway Musicals...with lots of fluff under furl, forbidden love and happy endings.

Don't see it if You want more than a fluffy good time. This is a fun old musical filled with fun moments done with a lot of fun actors seemingly having fun. Read more

100 Reviews | 20 Followers
87
Delightful, Enchanting, Entertaining, Great staging, Funny

See it if you like classic musicals.

Don't see it if you don't like classic musicals. Read more

762 Reviews | 147 Followers
86
Great singing, Delightful, Great music, Entertaining

See it if Want to see a classic with refreshing update to a point.

Don't see it if If you hate musical and no interest in classic theater. Read more

228 Reviews | 36 Followers
86
Great orchestra, A bit of relevance to today, Some wonderful classics

See it if See it for Ben Davis, who plays the gorgeous government official from Lichtenburg. His manner and voice are as handsome as his face.

Don't see it if old-fashioned musicals with happy endings are not your thing. Read more

92 Reviews | 15 Followers
86
Delightful, Refreshing, Great staging, Enchanting

See it if If you'd like to see a fun, joyous, effervescent show with some terrific music.

Don't see it if If you want something profound and political statements given by today's standards.

524 Reviews | 134 Followers
86
Berlin score beautifully sung by great cast

See it if Golden Age musical brought to life. Carmen Cusack is wonderful. Jason Gotay is charming and in great voice. Denis Jones choreography lovely

Don't see it if Old fashioned sparkle shines through book that creaks - though resonant to current themes of cronyism and democracy. Many songs we cherish .

Critic Reviews (13)

Front Row Center
February 8th, 2019

“I found the first act annoying, the songs overlong to the point of tedium. That said, the second act delivers...The Encores! orchestra moves stylishly through the rich and memorable magic of Berlin’s score. They’re wonderful, everything an orchestra ought to be...The orchestra remains the leading character throughout...The leads are reliable...Despite my first act issues, I’d buy a ticket — it was fun to be there.”
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Front Mezz Junkies
February 8th, 2019

“Particularly agreeable, although not exactly politically correct musical that spoofs with a wink and smile...Charming and sweet...It’s an undeniable old-fashioned Lichtenburg treat that shouldn’t be missed. ‘Call Me Madam’ is joyful and fun and as directed with a skilled hand...even with the slowness of Act One and repetitive nature of its numerous reprises, this old classic can’t be ignored...As joyfully a night as you can hope for, honoring all that Encores! represents."
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Wolf Entertainment Guide
February 10th, 2019

"With its typically smart concert style staging, almost at full production level, Encores! demonstrates how cleverly satirical the show was for its time, and it has some absolutely delightful Berlin songs to enjoy...Carmen Cusack makes the character come to life believably as she integrates the comedy with the romance that blossoms so that there is real feeling projected within the corny plot and her deft satirical interpretation...The cast and chorus work brighten the revival."
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Stage Left
February 7th, 2019

"Ms. Cusack is glamorous and goofy, channeling the musical comedy stylings of Donna Murphy, and has never sounded better in song after song...The supporting cast of principals is strong, too, most notably Mr. Gotay and Ms. Worsham...'Call Me Madam,' given a simple but well-performed production under the direction of Casey Hushion, is Encores! at its truest: a concert revival of a classic musical that would not otherwise be seen on stage again."
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Stage Buzz
February 10th, 2019

"This particular production unfortunately, suffers from numerous missteps...That's not to say there isn't a lot to like in the show. The entire cast projects an infectious enthusiasm in their performances and the Berlin score is a joy to hear...However all too often, this Encores! offering chugs along when it should soar and meanders when it should be tightly focused. It's not so much a bad production as a missed opportunity."
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