Question 1

Which American orchestral conductor and composer left a considerable mark on the musical's golden age with his On the Town,about World War II sailors on leave in Manhattan?

Accepted Answer

Leonard Bernstein is renowned for his contributions to the American musical theater, most notably for "On the Town," which tells the story of three sailors on leave in Manhattan during World War II.

Question 2

All of the following genres contributed to the growth of musical theatre EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Street theatre, while a form of performance art, has not significantly contributed to the development of musical theatre in the same way that light opera, ballet, and American minstrel shows have. These latter genres have directly influenced the musical storytelling techniques, song styles, and theatrical structures used in musical theatre.

Question 3

Is musical theatre a form of antirealist theatre similar to expressionism and theatre of the absurd?

Accepted Answer

Musical theatre, while it may incorporate elements that are not strictly realistic (such as characters breaking into song), does not primarily stem from an antirealist or anti-verisimilitude movement. Instead, it has developed its own unique set of aesthetic principles and conventions that distinguish it from purely antirealist movements like expressionism or the theatre of the absurd.

Question 4

Which of the following musicals retells the story of Romeo and Juliet with a contemporary Polish American as Romeo and a contemporary Puerto Rican American as Juliet?

Accepted Answer

West Side Story is the musical that reimagines the story of Romeo and Juliet, setting it in mid-20th century New York City with the lovers coming from rival gangs: the Polish American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.

Question 5

Which of the following musicals does NOT explore race and/or ethnic relations?

Accepted Answer

"Annie Get Your Gun," with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, focuses on the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley and her romance with Frank Butler. Unlike the other options, it does not delve into themes of race or ethnic relations.

Question 6

What percent of Broadway box office revenue comes from musicals?

Accepted Answer

Musicals are a major draw for Broadway, accounting for approximately 80% of the total box office revenue. This high percentage reflects the popularity and commercial success of musical productions on Broadway.

Question 7

Which full-length black musical comedy challenged the old custom of white actors' "blacking up," was written and performed by African Americans (some in white face),and employed the emerging ragtime musical syncopations of early black revues?

Accepted Answer

A Trip to Coontown (1898) by Bob Cole is notable for being the first full-length black musical comedy that challenged the tradition of white actors performing in blackface. It was written and performed by African Americans, some of whom used white face makeup, and it incorporated the then-emerging ragtime music, distinguishing it from previous theatrical offerings.

Question 8

Which city remains the international capital of the world's musical theatre?

Accepted Answer

New York City is widely regarded as the international capital of the world's musical theatre, primarily because of Broadway, which is home to many of the most significant and popular musical theatre productions in the world.

Question 9

When did musical theatre begin to evolve as a specific genre of its own?

Accepted Answer

Musical theatre as a specific genre began to evolve over the past 150 years of Western dramatic history, incorporating elements from both traditional drama and music to create a unique form of storytelling that integrates songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance.

Question 10

Which of the following statements correctly characterizes the major development of the musical form in roughly the first third (1900-1920)of the twentieth century?

Accepted Answer

The early 20th century, particularly in the 1900s to 1920s, saw the rise of the musical comedy as a dominant form of musical theatre, characterized by light, entertaining plots and catchy music that appealed to a broad audience. This period is often considered the golden age of musical comedy, with significant developments in the structure and style of musical theatre.

Question 11

Who raised dance to a new level of prominence when he developed a new choreographic style-quick,brisk motion that suddenly gives way to slow,sinuous gestures-in a series of musicals that he directed and choreographed,among them Dancin' and Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Bob Fosse is renowned for his distinctive choreographic style, which brought a new level of prominence to dance in musical theater. His work on productions like "Dancin'" and "Chicago" showcased his innovative approach, characterized by a mix of quick, brisk motions and slow, sinuous gestures.

Question 12

Which works exemplify a genre characterized by a simple plot,a cast composed strictly of romantic and comedic characters,a wholly unchallenging theme,the presentation of scantily clad women,and abundant singing and dancing,all with little connection to the plot?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which works exemplify a genre characterized by...

Question 13

Which of the following musicals was conceived and directed by George C.Wolfe,choreographed by Savion Glover,and offers a capsule history of racial injustice in America?

Accepted Answer

"Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk" was conceived and directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Savion Glover. It uses tap dance as a form of storytelling to explore and portray the history of African Americans, addressing themes of racial injustice throughout America's history.

Question 14

The name of the American corporation that has infiltrated theatres and has bottomless financial resources is

Accepted Answer

Disney is the correct answer because it is a large American corporation known for its significant influence in the entertainment industry, including theatres, through its production of Broadway shows and musicals.

Question 15

Which artist ,credited with changing the face of the American musical,developed a new style featuring disturbing plots,an ironic tone,and sophisticated,intricately rhymed lyrics?

Accepted Answer

Stephen Sondheim is renowned for revolutionizing the American musical theater with his complex compositions, dark and intricate storylines, and sophisticated lyrics. His works, such as "Sweeney Todd" and "Into the Woods," showcase his unique style and have had a profound impact on the genre.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an example of the tradition of music in the theatre?

Accepted Answer

The medieval Portuguese drama subgenre known as "musical tragedy" does not exist as a recognized form of traditional music in theatre. Classic Greek tragedies, Shakespeare's plays, and the musical masques of Ben Jonson all incorporated music and are well-documented examples of the tradition of music in theatre.

Question 17

Which musical (book by Jerome Kern,lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II),adapted from a gritty novel by Edna Ferber,uses music and dancing to carry its complex plot,touches significantly on race relations in America,and contains the famous aria "Ol' Man River"?

Accepted Answer

"Show Boat" is the correct answer because it is a musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, adapted from Edna Ferber's novel. It addresses race relations in America and features the famous song "Ol' Man River."

Question 18

Which genre,introduced in the golden age of the musical,is characterized by increasingly serious plots and sophisticated musical treatments?

Accepted Answer

Musical drama is characterized by its serious plots and sophisticated musical treatments, distinguishing it from the lighter, more comedic styles of earlier musical theatre. This genre emerged during the golden age of musicals, offering more depth in storytelling and music.

Question 19

Which production shocked pre-war audiences with its suggestive lyrics about sexual infidelity and shady business ethics?

Accepted Answer

"Pal Joey," a musical by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, first premiered in 1940. It was notable for its departure from the more wholesome, optimistic themes typical of musicals at the time, instead presenting a darker, more realistic narrative that included themes of sexual infidelity and unethical business practices. This was a significant shift that shocked pre-war audiences, making "Pal Joey" a groundbreaking production for its era.

Question 20

The American Broadway musical dates back to

Accepted Answer

The American Broadway musical is often traced back to 1866 with the staging of "The Black Crook" at Niblo's Garden in New York City, marking a significant moment in its history.

Quiz 9: Musical Theatre