The Amazing Quiz On Broadway
Interested in some trivia on Broadway? Let's get kicking
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which Bernstein musical could be described as "political satire"?
- A.
West Side Story
- B.
Cats
- C.
My Fair Lady
- D.
Candide
Correct Answer
D. CandideExplanation
Candide is a musical composed by Leonard Bernstein that can be described as "political satire." The story is a satirical critique of society and politics, following the journey of the optimistic Candide as he faces various absurd and corrupt situations. The musical uses humor and irony to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of the political systems and social norms of the time.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The life of which famous New York figure was the basis of 1959's "Fiorello"?
- A.
Fiorello Brooklyn
- B.
Fiorello Giuliani
- C.
Fiorello La Guardia
- D.
Fiorello Bloomberg
Correct Answer
C. Fiorello La GuardiaExplanation
The correct answer is Fiorello La Guardia. Fiorello La Guardia was a famous New York figure who served as the mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945. His life and accomplishments were the basis of the 1959 musical "Fiorello!" which portrayed his rise to power and his efforts to clean up corruption in the city government.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What was the first name of the famous Broadway director known as "Mr. Abbott"?
- A.
George
- B.
Maxwell
- C.
Gregory
- D.
Wesley
Correct Answer
A. GeorgeExplanation
The correct answer is George. This is because the question asks for the first name of the famous Broadway director known as "Mr. Abbott." Since the name "George" is the only first name option given, it can be inferred that George is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which Bob Fosse dance number was included in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"?
- A.
Resume Help
- B.
Coffee Break
- C.
Unemployment Line
- D.
Water Cooler
Correct Answer
B. Coffee BreakExplanation
In the musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," the Bob Fosse dance number included is "Coffee Break." This dance number is a comedic and energetic routine that takes place in the office setting, showcasing Fosse's signature style of precise and intricate choreography. The song and dance sequence humorously depict the office workers eagerly anticipating their coffee break as a highlight of their day, with Fosse's unique movements and formations adding to the entertainment value of the performance.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which comic played seven characters in the original run of 1962's "Little Me"?
- A.
Red Buttons
- B.
Buster Keaton
- C.
Charlie Chaplin
- D.
Sid Caesar
Correct Answer
D. Sid CaesarExplanation
Sid Caesar is the correct answer because he played seven different characters in the original run of 1962's "Little Me." This suggests that Sid Caesar had a versatile acting ability and was able to portray multiple roles within the same production.Rate this question:
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- 6.
"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" was the first musical to be completely scored by whom?
- A.
George Gershwin
- B.
Stephen Sondheim
- C.
Irving Berlin
- D.
Ira Gershwin
Correct Answer
B. Stephen SondheimExplanation
Stephen Sondheim was the first composer to completely score the musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". This means that he composed all the music for the show, including the songs and instrumental pieces. Sondheim is a renowned composer and lyricist, known for his contributions to musical theater. His score for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" helped establish him as a prominent figure in the industry.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the first four-time Tony winner?
- A.
Thelma Ritter
- B.
Fred Astaire
- C.
Roy Bolger
- D.
Gwen Verdon
Correct Answer
D. Gwen VerdonExplanation
Gwen Verdon was the first four-time Tony winner because she received the prestigious award for her outstanding performances in the Broadway musicals "Can-Can" (1954), "Damn Yankees" (1956), "New Girl in Town" (1958), and "Redhead" (1959). Verdon's exceptional talent and contributions to the theater industry made her a beloved and highly acclaimed performer, earning her multiple Tony Awards throughout her career.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which Broadway star retired after 1950's "Call Me Madam" only to return for 1956's "Happy Hunting"?
- A.
Ethel Merman
- B.
Robert Goulet
- C.
James Cagney
- D.
Gene Kelly
Correct Answer
A. Ethel MermanExplanation
Ethel Merman is the correct answer because she retired after her 1950 Broadway show "Call Me Madam" but then returned to the stage in 1956 for "Happy Hunting".Rate this question:
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- 9.
The sold-out original run of which Broadway show was cut short in 1954?
- A.
Peter Pan
- B.
Cabaret
- C.
Gypsy
- D.
My Fair Lady
Correct Answer
A. Peter PanExplanation
Peter Pan is the correct answer because it was the Broadway show that had a sold-out original run that was cut short in 1954. This implies that the show was highly popular and successful, but for some reason, it had to end prematurely. No information is provided about the other options, so we can only focus on the given answer.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In which musical would you hear "Let Me Entertain You"?
- A.
Grease
- B.
My Fair Lady
- C.
West Side Story
- D.
Gypsy
Correct Answer
D. GypsyExplanation
In the musical "Gypsy," the song "Let Me Entertain You" is featured. "Gypsy" is a Broadway musical that tells the story of Rose, a pushy stage mother, and her two daughters who become burlesque performers. The song "Let Me Entertain You" is a lively and catchy number performed by one of the daughters, Baby June, as she showcases her talent and charms the audience. It has become one of the most popular and recognizable songs from the musical.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The co-stars of which 1950's Broadway musical tied for a Best Actress Tony?
- A.
My Fair Lady
- B.
Gypsy
- C.
On The Town
- D.
New Girl On Town
Correct Answer
D. New Girl On TownExplanation
The co-stars of the 1950's Broadway musical "New Girl On Town" tied for a Best Actress Tony.Rate this question:
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- 12.
How long did "The Fantasticks" originally run at Manhattan's Sullivan Playhouse?
- A.
Two Days
- B.
Three Months
- C.
Over 40 Years
- D.
11 Years
Correct Answer
C. Over 40 YearsExplanation
"The Fantasticks" originally ran at Manhattan's Sullivan Playhouse for over 40 years. This is an impressive and unprecedented run for a theatrical production. The longevity of the show can be attributed to its universal themes, timeless music, and captivating storytelling. It became a beloved and iconic production, attracting audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Its enduring popularity and success made it one of the longest-running shows in the history of American theater.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which 1964 show was a musical version of Thornton Wilder's "The Matchmaker"?
- A.
Hello Dolly
- B.
Fiorello
- C.
Man Of La Mancha
- D.
Fiddler On The Roof
Correct Answer
A. Hello DollyExplanation
"Hello Dolly" is the correct answer because it is a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker," which was first performed in 1964. The show tells the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, a widowed matchmaker who meddles in the love lives of various characters in New York City. The musical became a huge success and is known for its catchy songs and memorable characters.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which then-controversial topic was at the heart of 1962's "No Strings"?
- A.
Arranged Marriages
- B.
Interracial Romance
- C.
Death Penalty
- D.
Adoption
Correct Answer
B. Interracial RomanceExplanation
"No Strings" is a musical that premiered in 1962 and tackled the then-controversial topic of interracial romance. The show follows the relationship between a white American man and a black French woman, exploring the challenges and prejudices they face in society. At the time, interracial relationships were still heavily stigmatized and often met with resistance and discrimination, making it a provocative and groundbreaking subject matter for a Broadway production.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which 1966 Broadway musical was based on the play "I Am a Camera"?
- A.
Hello Dolly
- B.
Kiss Me Kate
- C.
Gypsy
- D.
Cabaret
Correct Answer
D. CabaretExplanation
Cabaret is the correct answer because it is a 1966 Broadway musical that was based on the play "I Am a Camera." The musical, set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazis, follows the story of an English cabaret performer and her relationships with various characters. The play "I Am a Camera" by John Van Druten served as the basis for the musical's book, with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Cabaret became a critically acclaimed and popular production, known for its iconic songs and dark themes.Rate this question:
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