One of the sweetest relationships in "Rent" is the new romance between Mimi and Roger, both damaged souls who connect one cold night over a candle. Mimi, a fellow tenant in a condemned building, knocks on Roger's door to borrow a light, and together they sing "Light My Candle". Daphne Rubin-Vega and Tony Hoylen originated the roles of Mimi and Roger.
The original Broadway production earned several Tony awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
2. "I Feel Pretty"
Answer: West Side Story
With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, it's no wonder "West Side Story" is one of the most successful musicals in American theater. The story is loosely based on "Romeo and Juliet", with Tony and Maria falling in love even though they are from rival neighborhoods. Maria sings "I Feel Pretty" one day when she is eagerly anticipating seeing Tony later.
3. "Masquerade"
Answer: The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber had already seen great success in musicals when he wrote "The Phantom of the Opera", a story of a mysterious, phantom-like man living beneath an opera house and his obsession with a young soprano. "Masquerade" is a company number that takes place during a masquerade ball in which the Phantom appears dressed as the Red Death.
4. "Popular"
Answer: Wicked
"Wicked" tells the story of characters we already know from the story "The Wizard of Oz", witches who would become the Good Witch and the Bad Witch. The song "Popular" is sung by Glinda and is about how a popular girl tries to help her less popular friend. The composer, Stephen Schwartz, has indicated that he had the catchy sound of the Beatles in mind as he wrote the song.
5. "Master of the House"
Answer: Les Misérables
When young Cosette's mother can't care for her, Cosette is sent to stay with the Thénardiers, a family of innkeepers. The innkeepers are cruel and mistreat Cosette. They sing "Master of the House" describing how their charm thinly covers their thieving, cheating ways. The musical is based on a French novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.
6. "What's the Buzz?"
Answer: Jesus Christ Superstar
"Jesus Christ Superstar" was an album before it was a musical. Another collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this musical portrays the final week of Jesus's life, with Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Judas all playing large roles. "What's the Buzz?" is a number in which the Apostles are pestering Jesus to tell them what is happening, whereas he responds that God determines everything. Jeff Fenholt, Ben Vereen, and Yvonne Elliman originated the roles of Jesus, Judas, and Mary on Broadway in 1971.
7. "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"
Answer: Evita
"Evita", written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, opened in London in 1978 with Elaine Page as Eva Perón. It follows the story of Eva from her modest roots as a girl to a checkered young adulthood to a glamorous first lady of Argentina. Patti Lupone took the role when it premiered on Broadway in 1979. Eva's delivery of the song "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" demonstrates her devotion to the people of her country.
The real Eva died of cancer at only 33. Millions of people attended her funeral.
8. "When You're Good to Mama"
Answer: Chicago
"Chicago" premiered in 1975 not in its namesake city but on Broadway. The show follows two women who, separately, killed men they had loved and were sentenced to jail. "When You're Good to Mama" is sung by the matron, known as Mama, who runs the jail based on favors. John Kander, who wrote the music for "Chicago", also wrote the music for "Caberet", another very successful production.
9. "Winner Takes it All"
Answer: Mamma Mia
The hit songs by the Swedish group ABBA were so catchy that British playwright Catherine Johnson wrote a musical just to highlight them. "Mamma Mia" is a show with many fun elements as well as the ABBA hits: a Greek island setting, secrets, and lots of romance. The character of Donna sings "The Winner Takes It All" as she reminisces about a lost love, one she will soon find again.
10. "Time Warp"
Answer: The Rocky Horror Show
"The Rocky Horror Show" premiered in 1973 in London's West End and has had productions all over the world ever since. "Time Warp" is the signature dance song. The character of Riff Raff, a hunchbacked butler, opens the song, joined soon by his sister, a maid named Magenta. The "Time Warp" is actually a dance, which the characters demonstrate as they sing.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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