entertainment beginner 10 sample questions

Theater History MCQ Practice Test

Dramatic traditions and theatrical evolution

Q1. Which 1920s Broadway musical, written by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, introduced the first all-black cast to Broadway?

Explanation: Shuffle Along, a 1921 musical, was a groundbreaking production that featured an all-black cast. It was written by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake and was a significant milestone in the history of American musical theater, paving the way for future productions to feature diverse casts and stories.

Q2. Which musical, written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, originally premiered in 1960 and became the longest-running musical in the world?

Explanation: The Fantasticks, with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones, premiered off-Broadway in 1960 and ran for over 40 years, becoming the longest-running musical in the world. It was not revised or renamed after the success of 'Hair'.

Q3. Which 1920s musical comedy, written by George and Ira Gershwin, is known for its use of jazz and its portrayal of high society?

Explanation: Lady, Be Good! is a musical comedy that premiered on Broadway in 1924 and was written by George and Ira Gershwin. It is notable for its use of jazz and its portrayal of high society, and it features several memorable songs, including the title tune and "The Man I Love".

Q4. Which 1960s musical, written by Jerry Herman, features the song "I Am Love"?

Explanation: Mame is a musical with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman. It premiered on Broadway in 1966 and features the song "I Am Love".

Q5. Which musical, with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, was originally intended for the Marx Brothers?

Explanation: The musical 'Strike Up the Band' was originally conceived as a vehicle for the Marx Brothers, but they declined the project. The show premiered in 1927, with a revised version in 1930.

Q6. Which 1960s musical, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, is known for its dark and cynical portrayal of the American Dream and features the song "Big Spender"?

Explanation: Sweet Charity, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, is a musical that critiques the American Dream. The show's dark and cynical tone was a departure from the typical musicals of the time, and it features the song "Big Spender."

Q7. Which 1960s musical, written by Jerry Herman, is set in a small town and features a character named Dolly Levi?

Explanation: The musical 'Hello, Dolly!', written by Jerry Herman, is set in a small town and features the character Dolly Levi. 'Mame' is another musical by Jerry Herman, but it does not fit the criteria. 'Irene' and 'She Loves Me' are incorrect.

Q8. Which 20th-century playwright, known for his absurdist works, wrote the play “The Chairs”, which premiered in 1952 at the École des Survivants, a mock theater company created by Jean Anouilh?

Explanation: Eugène Ionesco's play “The Chairs” is a classic example of absurdist theater, where a couple waits for their final moment, surrounded by an empty auditorium. The play's premiere in 1952 marked a significant moment in Ionesco's career, showcasing his unique style and themes.

Q9. Which 1920s Broadway musical, written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern, was the first to introduce a new type of musical theater that combined music, drama, and dance, and is considered a precursor to the modern American musical?

Explanation: Show Boat, written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern, was a groundbreaking musical that premiered in 1927 and is considered a precursor to the modern American musical. It was the first musical to tackle serious social issues, such as racism and classism, and its innovative blend of music, drama, and dance influenced the development of the American musical for decades to come.

Q10. Which 1927 Broadway musical, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein II, is considered a landmark in musical theatre for its integration of story, music, and dance?

Explanation: Show Boat, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics and book by Oscar Hammerstein II, was a groundbreaking musical that integrated story, music, and dance in a way that would become a standard for future musicals. It's considered a landmark in musical theatre.

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Theater History MCQ Practice Test | Mind Hustle