With book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and music by Richard Rogers, "The King and I" tells the story of Mongkut (the king) of Siam (now Thailand) and Anna Leonowens (the I), hired to be governess and tutor to the king's children. The original Broadway production starred Gertrude Lawrence as Anna and Yul Brynner as Mongkut.
The show includes several memorable numbers including "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance".
2. The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
Answer: France
"The Phantom of the Opera" features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, and a book by Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe. Set primarily in and under a Paris Opera House, it focuses on the story of the titular Phantom and the singer Christine. In the original London cast, Michael Crawford starred as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman starred as Christine.
3. Fiddler on the Roof (1964)
Answer: Russian Empire
"Fiddler on the Roof" has music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joseph Stein. The musical focuses on Tevye the Milkman and his family in the village of Anatevka, in what was then the Russian Empire. Zero Mostel starred as Tevye on Broadway and Topol played the role in the 1971 film adaptation.
4. Evita (1978)
Answer: Argentina
"Evita", set in Argentina, has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The musical is based on the life of Eva Duarte Peron and her rise to power. The best known song in the show is "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina". Elaine Paige starred as Eva on the London stage and Patti LuPone played the role on Broadway.
5. The Sound of Music (1959)
Answer: Austria
Set primarily in Austria, "The Sound of Music" tells the story of Captain Von Trapp (Theodore Bikel) and Maria, the woman who was governess to his children (Mary Martin). The music was by Richard Rogers, the lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein, and the book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Songs from the show include "So Long, Farewell" and "My Favorite Things".
6. Cabaret (1966)
Answer: Germany
Set in Berlin in the 1930s, "Cabaret" features music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Joe Masteroff. The story focuses on singer Sally Bowles (Jill Haworth), writet Cliff Bradshaw (Bert Convy), and the Emcee (Joel Grey). Songs from the show include "Wilkommen" and "Perfectly Marvelous".
7. Man of La Mancha (1965)
Answer: Spain
"Man of La Mancha" is adapted from Cervantes's novel "Don Quixote" and has music by Mitch Lee, lyrics by Joe Darion, and a book by Dale Wasserman. The main characters are the would-be knight Don Quixote (Richard Kiley) and the tavern worker Aldonza (Joan Diener). The best known song from the show is Don Quixote's anthem, "The Impossible Dream".
8. My Fair Lady (1956)
Answer: Britain
Alan Jay Lerner wrote the book and lyrics for "My Fair Lady" and Frederick Loewe wrote the music. The story, set in London, focuses on Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) and flower seller Eliza Doolittle (Julie Andrews). Songs from the show include "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "The Rain in Spain".
9. Rent (1996)
Answer: United States
The book, music, and lyrics for "Rent" were all written by Jonathan Larson. The cast included Anthony Rapp as Mark, Adam Pascal as Roger, and Daphne Rubin-Vega as Mimi. Set in New York City, the musical is based on "La Boheme". Songs from the show include "Light My Candle" and "Santa Fe".
10. Jesus Christ Superstar (1971)
Answer: Israel/Palestine
One of the first rock operas, "Jesus Christ Superstar" was briefly the longest-running musical in Broadway history. The music was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the libretto by Tim Rice. Songs from the show, loosely based on the Passion story of the Gospels, include "Everything's Alright", "What's the Buzz", and "I Don't Know How to Love Him".
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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