20 Broadway Quiz Questions and Answers

Broadway, the iconic theater district in New York City’s Manhattan, is a global hub for live performances, encompassing 41 professional theaters with at least 500 seats each. Originating in the 18th century as a simple entertainment venue, it evolved into a cultural powerhouse by the early 20th century, with legendary shows like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Hamilton” defining its legacy.

The district stretches along Broadway avenue from 41st to 54th Street, featuring a mix of musicals, plays, and revivals that attract millions of visitors annually. Governed by the Broadway League, it upholds high standards through the Tony Awards, which celebrate excellence in theater.

Broadway’s influence extends beyond entertainment, driving tourism, employment, and innovation in the arts. Iconic venues like the Lyric Theatre and the Shubert Theatre host world-premiere productions, blending timeless classics with cutting-edge works that reflect diverse stories and talents. In recent years, it has adapted to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing inclusivity and digital outreach to remain a vibrant force in global culture.

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Part 2: 20 broadway quiz questions & answers

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1. Question: Which Broadway show is known for being the longest-running musical of all time as of 2023?
A. The Phantom of the Opera
B. Cats
C. Les Misérables
D. Chicago
Answer: A
Explanation: The Phantom of the Opera has been running since 1988 and holds the record for the longest-running Broadway show, surpassing 13,000 performances.

2. Question: Who composed the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Hamilton?
A. Andrew Lloyd Webber
B. Lin-Manuel Miranda
C. Stephen Sondheim
D. Alan Menken
Answer: B
Explanation: Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music, lyrics, and book for Hamilton, which revolutionized Broadway with its hip-hop influences and historical narrative.

3. Question: In which year did the first official Broadway theater open in New York City?
A. 1750
B. 1850
C. 1870
D. 1900
Answer: A
Explanation: The first theater in what would become the Broadway district opened in 1750, marking the beginnings of theatrical performances in the area.

4. Question: What is the name of the famous award given annually for achievements in Broadway theater?
A. Grammy Awards
B. Tony Awards
C. Oscar Awards
D. Emmy Awards
Answer: B
Explanation: The Tony Awards, established in 1947, honor excellence in live Broadway theater productions.

5. Question: Which Broadway musical features the song “Defying Gravity”?
A. Wicked
B. The Lion King
C. Rent
D. Avenue Q
Answer: A
Explanation: “Defying Gravity” is a signature song from Wicked, symbolizing empowerment and is one of the show’s most iconic numbers.

6. Question: Who played the original lead role of Jean Valjean in the Broadway production of Les Misérables?
A. Colm Wilkinson
B. Hugh Jackman
C. Michael Ball
D. Alfie Boe
Answer: A
Explanation: Colm Wilkinson originated the role of Jean Valjean in the 1987 Broadway production, bringing the character to life from the London version.

7. Question: What is the minimum number of seats required for a theater to be considered a Broadway venue?
A. 99
B. 499
C. 500
D. 1,000
Answer: C
Explanation: A theater must have at least 500 seats to qualify as a Broadway house, as per the regulations set by the Broadway League.

8. Question: Which composer wrote the music for The Lion King Broadway adaptation?
A. Elton John
B. Hans Zimmer
C. Alan Menken
D. Howard Ashman
Answer: B
Explanation: Hans Zimmer composed the original film score for The Lion King, which was adapted for Broadway with additional music by Elton John.

9. Question: In what decade did Broadway’s “Golden Age” of musicals primarily occur?
A. 1920s
B. 1940s-1950s
C. 1960s
D. 1980s
Answer: B
Explanation: Broadway’s Golden Age, from the 1940s to the 1950s, produced classics like Oklahoma! and West Side Story, defining the era’s theatrical innovation.

10. Question: Which Broadway show is based on the life of Alexander Hamilton?
A. 1776
B. Hamilton
C. The Great Comet
D. In the Heights
Answer: B
Explanation: Hamilton is a biographical musical about Alexander Hamilton, combining history with modern musical styles to depict his life and contributions.

11. Question: Who is credited as the lyricist for the Broadway musical Cats?
A. Tim Rice
B. Andrew Lloyd Webber
C. T.S. Eliot
D. Stephen Schwartz
Answer: C
Explanation: T.S. Eliot’s poetry from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats served as the lyrics for Cats, adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

12. Question: What is the name of the theater district in New York City where Broadway shows are performed?
A. Off-Broadway
B. Times Square
C. Lincoln Center
D. Harlem
Answer: B
Explanation: Times Square is the heart of the Broadway theater district, hosting most of the major venues for professional productions.

13. Question: Which Broadway musical won the most Tony Awards in a single year?
A. The Producers (2001)
B. Hamilton (2016)
C. Rent (1996)
D. Wicked (2004)
Answer: A
Explanation: The Producers won 12 Tony Awards in 2001, setting a record for the most awards won by a single show.

14. Question: Who directed the original Broadway production of Rent?
A. Lin-Manuel Miranda
B. Michael Greif
C. Julie Taymor
D. Harold Prince
Answer: B
Explanation: Michael Greif directed the 1996 Broadway debut of Rent, bringing Jonathan Larson’s rock opera to the stage.

15. Question: Which Broadway show features a character named Sweeney Todd?
A. Into the Woods
B. Sweeney Todd
C. Oliver!
D. Assassins
Answer: B
Explanation: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a musical about the vengeful barber, composed by Stephen Sondheim.

16. Question: In what year was the first Broadway musical, The Black Crook, produced?
A. 1866
B. 1900
C. 1927
D. 1943
Answer: A
Explanation: The Black Crook, often considered the first Broadway musical, premiered in 1866 and ran for an unprecedented length at the time.

17. Question: Which actor originated the role of King George III in Hamilton on Broadway?
A. Leslie Odom Jr.
B. Daveed Diggs
C. Jonathan Groff
D. Anthony Ramos
Answer: C
Explanation: Jonathan Groff played King George III in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, delivering a memorable comedic performance.

18. Question: What is the primary language of most Broadway productions?
A. French
B. Spanish
C. English
D. German
Answer: C
Explanation: Broadway shows are predominantly performed in English, as they are centered in New York City’s theater scene.

19. Question: Which Broadway musical is adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel?
A. Oliver!
B. Les Misérables
C. The Hunchback of Notre Dame
D. Phantom of the Opera
Answer: B
Explanation: Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s novel, following the story of redemption and revolution in 19th-century France.

20. Question: Who wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway hit Wicked?
A. Gregory Maguire
B. Stephen Schwartz
C. Winnie Holzman
D. L. Frank Baum
Answer: C
Explanation: Winnie Holzman wrote the book for Wicked, while Stephen Schwartz composed the music and lyrics, adapting it from Maguire’s novel.

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