Musical Theatre Trivia: MCQ Quiz!

1. Who invented opérette?

Harvard

Charles

Hervé

Antonio

Hervé is credited with inventing opérette.

Explanation

Hervé is credited with inventing opérette.

2. Where was The Black Crook premiered?

Washington

California

New York

Texas

The Black Crook was premiered in New York.

Explanation

The Black Crook was premiered in New York.

3. Which of the following terms of musical theatre was popular in Britain in the 18th century?

Ballad operas

Operas

Blues

Rock

Ballad operas were popular in Britain in the 18th century. These were a type of musical theatre that combined spoken dialogue with popular songs. They often satirized social and political issues of the time and were performed in English, making them accessible to a wider audience. Ballad operas were known for their catchy tunes and humorous lyrics, and they played a significant role in shaping the development of musical theatre in Britain during this period.

Explanation

Ballad operas were popular in Britain in the 18th century. These were a type of musical theatre that combined spoken dialogue with popular songs. They often satirized social and political issues of the time and were performed in English, making them accessible to a wider audience. Ballad operas were known for their catchy tunes and humorous lyrics, and they played a significant role in shaping the development of musical theatre in Britain during this period.

4. Which is not one of the three main components of a book musical?

Music

Acting

Lyrics

Book

The three main components of a book musical are music, lyrics, and book. The music refers to the songs and musical score, the lyrics are the words to the songs, and the book is the script or storyline of the musical. Acting, on the other hand, is not considered one of the main components because it is a performance element that is present in all forms of theater, not just book musicals. While acting is crucial to the success of a musical, it is not specifically categorized as one of the main components of a book musical.

Explanation

The three main components of a book musical are music, lyrics, and book. The music refers to the songs and musical score, the lyrics are the words to the songs, and the book is the script or storyline of the musical. Acting, on the other hand, is not considered one of the main components because it is a performance element that is present in all forms of theater, not just book musicals. While acting is crucial to the success of a musical, it is not specifically categorized as one of the main components of a book musical.

5. When was the significant musical piece "The Black Crook" premiered?

1852

1866

1873

1896

"The Black Crook" was premiered in 1866.

Explanation

"The Black Crook" was premiered in 1866.

6. When did modern Western musical theatre emerge?

17th century

18th century

19th century

20th century

Modern Western musical theatre emerged in the 19th century. This period saw the development and popularization of musicals as a distinct form of entertainment, combining elements of drama, music, and dance. The 19th century saw the rise of influential composers and performers who helped shape the genre, such as Gilbert and Sullivan in England and Offenbach in France. The development of new technologies, such as gas lighting and the invention of the phonograph, also contributed to the growth of musical theatre during this time.

Explanation

Modern Western musical theatre emerged in the 19th century. This period saw the development and popularization of musicals as a distinct form of entertainment, combining elements of drama, music, and dance. The 19th century saw the rise of influential composers and performers who helped shape the genre, such as Gilbert and Sullivan in England and Offenbach in France. The development of new technologies, such as gas lighting and the invention of the phonograph, also contributed to the growth of musical theatre during this time.

7. Where did musical theatre originate in Europe?

Theater of ancient Greece

Theater of Great Britain

Theater of ancient Roma

Théâtre de France

Musical theatre originated in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks were known for their dramatic performances, which often included music and dance. They developed the concept of combining music, dialogue, and action in a theatrical production, laying the foundation for musical theatre as we know it today. The Theater of ancient Greece became a cultural phenomenon and influenced the development of theatre in Europe and beyond.

Explanation

Musical theatre originated in ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks were known for their dramatic performances, which often included music and dance. They developed the concept of combining music, dialogue, and action in a theatrical production, laying the foundation for musical theatre as we know it today. The Theater of ancient Greece became a cultural phenomenon and influenced the development of theatre in Europe and beyond.