Theatre Trivia

Les Miserables ended its 16-year run in May 2003 on Broadway. This musical, based on Victor Hugo's novel, is set in 19th-century France and follows the story of Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who seeks redemption. With its powerful music and emotional storyline, Les Miserables became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Its closure after such a successful run marked the end of an era for theater enthusiasts.

Ricky Martin appeared in the play Les Miserables on Broadway.

Eric Idle is the correct answer because he is an ex-Monty Python member who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musical "Spamalot."

Liev Schreiber received a Tony Award in 2005 for Best Featured Actor for his performance in the play "Glengarry Glen Ross" by David Mamet.

"Frozen" is not the correct answer to the question. The play about a serial killer that won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2004 is "Frozen" is a musical that premiered in 2018 and is based on the Disney animated film of the same name. It is not related to a serial killer and did not win the Tony Award for Best Play in 2004.

In 2005, the Virginia Theatre was renamed after the playwright August Wilson. This suggests that August Wilson had a significant impact on the theater industry or had a close association with the Virginia Theatre. The renaming could be a way to honor and recognize his contributions to the world of theater.

Edward Albee received the Lifetime Achievement Tony in 2004. He is a two-time Tony Award-winning playwright known for his influential works such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "The Zoo Story." Albee's contributions to the theatre world and his impact on American drama made him a deserving recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Tony.

In 2005, the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" was revived at Studio 54. Tennessee Williams' iconic play tells the story of Blanche DuBois, a fading Southern belle who moves in with her sister Stella and her brutish husband Stanley. The play explores themes of desire, sexuality, and the destructive power of illusion. The revival at Studio 54 brought Williams' timeless masterpiece back to the stage, allowing audiences to once again experience the raw and intense drama of "A Streetcar Named Desire."

In 2003, Sam Mendes revived the classic musical "Gypsy."

August Wilson passed away on October 2, 2005. Wilson was a legendary playwright known for his famous plays such as "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson." He was a prominent figure in African-American theater and his works explored the African-American experience in the United States. His passing was a great loss to the theater community, as he left behind a rich legacy of powerful and thought-provoking plays.

In 2000, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and John C. Reilly performed in the Broadway show "True West" where they switched roles each night. This means that sometimes Hoffman played one character while Reilly played the other, and vice versa. "True West" is known for its exploration of sibling rivalry and the unpredictable nature of the two brothers' relationship. The decision to switch roles nightly added an additional layer of complexity and unpredictability to their performances, making it a unique and memorable experience for the audience.

"The Capeman" was a musical written by Paul Simon, not David Bowie, Elton John, or Paul McCartney. Paul Simon is a renowned rock legend known for his contributions to the music industry as a singer-songwriter. He wrote and composed "The Capeman," which premiered on Broadway in 1998. It tells the true story of Salvador Agron, a Puerto Rican gang member turned poet and activist. Simon's unique musical style and storytelling abilities are showcased in this production, making him the correct answer to the question.

"I Am My Own Wife" is the correct answer because it was the first one-man show to win the Pulitzer Prize in 2004. This play, written by Doug Wright, tells the true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transgender woman who survived both Nazi and Communist regimes in Germany. The play explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling, making it a groundbreaking and deserving recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.

"Spamalot" is the correct answer because it is a Broadway musical that features the song "You Won't Succeed on Broadway if You Don't Have Any Jews." This song is a satirical number that highlights the significant contributions made by Jewish individuals in the history of Broadway. The other options, "The Producers," "The Wedding Singer," and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," do not feature this specific song in their respective productions.

"The Producers" won a total of 12 Tony Awards in 2001. This indicates that the musical was highly acclaimed and recognized by the Tony Awards committee. The number of awards received reflects the exceptional quality and success of the production, as it is not common for a single show to win such a large number of awards in a single year.

"Wicked" is the correct answer because it is a popular Broadway musical that tells the story of the witches of Oz, including the character Elphaba who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The song "Defying Gravity" is one of the most well-known songs from the musical and is sung by Elphaba, making her a central character in the show.

"The Sound of Music" tells the story of a group of nuns who run a school for orphans. The musical follows the journey of Maria, a young woman studying to become a nun, as she becomes the governess for the Von Trapp family and brings music back into their lives. Through her influence, the family learns to appreciate music and love each other more deeply, ultimately escaping from the Nazis and finding refuge in Switzerland.

Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music for the original production of "The Phantom of the Opera." He is a renowned composer known for his work in musical theater, with "The Phantom of the Opera" being one of his most famous and successful compositions. His music for the show has become iconic and is a key element in the success of the production.

Elphaba is the name of the character who sings "Defying Gravity" in Wicked. She is the main protagonist of the musical and is known for her powerful voice and strong-willed personality. Elphaba's performance of this iconic song marks a turning point in the story, as she embraces her true identity and stands up against the forces working against her.

"Memory" is a famous song from the musical "Cats" composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song is sung by the character Grizabella, a former glamour cat who reminisces about her past and longs for acceptance and redemption. The emotional and haunting melody of "Memory" has become one of the most iconic songs in musical theater history, making "Cats" a beloved and enduring production.

In the Broadway musical "My Fair Lady," the character Eliza Doolittle undergoes a transformation from a humble flower girl with a strong Cockney accent into a refined lady with proper speech and manners. Through the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins, Eliza learns to speak eloquently and carry herself with grace, ultimately achieving a higher social status. This transformation serves as a central theme in the musical, highlighting the power of education and self-improvement.

Mary Poppins sings the song "A Spoonful of Sugar" to the children as a way to teach them the importance of finding joy in everyday tasks. The lyrics emphasize the idea that a positive attitude and a little bit of sweetness can make even the most mundane chores more enjoyable. This song is a memorable and catchy way to convey the message of finding happiness in the simple things in life.

In West Side Story, the character Anita sings the song "America" where she expresses her conflicting feelings about life in America compared to her home country of Puerto Rico. The song is a lively and spirited number that showcases the character's desire for a better life in America while also acknowledging the challenges and discrimination faced by immigrants in the country.

"On the Town" is a Broadway musical that is famous for its iconic song "New York, New York". The song captures the essence and energy of the city, making it a memorable and well-loved part of the musical. The upbeat and catchy tune has become synonymous with the hustle and bustle of New York City, further solidifying its place in musical history.

In the musical "Into the Woods," the character named Jack embarks on a journey to search for a lost princess. The storyline of the musical intertwines various fairy tale characters, including Jack from "Jack and the Beanstalk," as they navigate through the woods to fulfill their wishes and desires. Jack's quest to find the lost princess adds an element of adventure and mystery to the overall plot of the musical.