Easy Broadway Trivia Trivia Quiz

Answer: There's No Business Like Show Business

"Annie Get Your Gun" is a celebrated musical that dramatizes the life of legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Premiering in 1946, the show features a number of memorable songs, with one of the most iconic being "There's No Business Like Show Business."

Although widely associated with "Annie Get Your Gun," this song was originally composed by Irving Berlin for another production. After being removed from its initial context, Berlin repurposed it for "Annie Get Your Gun," where it found enduring success. Over the decades, the song has been interpreted by numerous artists and has solidified its place as a timeless anthem within the world of musical theater.

Answer: All Dolled Up

"Annie Warbucks" is a 1993 musical sequel to the beloved original, "Annie" (1977). Set immediately after Annie's adoption by Daddy Warbucks, the story continues to follow her adventures in her new life.

Among the musical numbers featured in "Annie Warbucks" is "All Dolled Up," performed by the character Mrs. Tottendale. This lighthearted song showcases her whimsical affection for dolls, blending humor with a lively, memorable tune. Its playful lyrics and catchy rhythm contribute to the musical's charm, often leaving audiences entertained and humming along.

Answer: Money

"Money" is a satirical musical number from "Cabaret" that critiques society's fixation on wealth and material gain. Composed by John Kander with lyrics by Fred Ebb, the song humorously explores the characters' relentless pursuit of financial success.

Notably, "Money" was not part of the original 1966 Broadway production of "Cabaret," but was introduced in the 1972 film adaptation, where it quickly gained popularity. Since then, it has become one of the most recognizable and frequently performed songs from the show, celebrated for its catchy tune and sharp social commentary.

Answer: The Cell Block Tango

"The Cell Block Tango" is a standout musical number from "Chicago" (1975), a show that delves into the lives of six women incarcerated for the murders of their partners.

Presented as a sequence of monologues, in the song each woman recounts the events that led to her crime, blending dark humour with compelling storytelling. The song's rhythmic intensity and memorable structure have made it one of the most iconic pieces in musical theater. Over the years, "The Cell Block Tango" has been widely referenced and parodied across various media platforms, including television, film, and even political satire, underscoring its lasting cultural impact.

Answer: Broadway Baby

"Broadway Baby" is a well-known song from the musical "Follies," which debuted on Broadway in 1971. The show pays homage to the grandeur of the early 20th-century "Ziegfeld Follies," a series of lavish theatrical revues.

In this number, the character Hattie, an aging performer, reflects on her dreams and experiences in show business. Over time, "Broadway Baby" has become a musical theater standard, frequently performed and recorded by a variety of artists. Although the original production of "Follies" struggled commercially, it has since earned critical acclaim and is now regarded as a classic within the American musical theater repertoire.

Answer: Agony

"Agony" is a memorable duet from the 1986 musical "Into the Woods," which reimagines classic fairy tales through a modern and often satirical lens. Sung by two princes, the song humorously captures their exaggerated despair over romantic pursuits, as each laments the unattainability of the woman he desires.

Although originally intended as a comedic piece, the actors in the 1987 Broadway premiere delivered it with unexpected seriousness, adding a layer of dramatic tension to the performance. Over time, "Agony" has become one of the musical's standout numbers, frequently performed and covered by artists drawn to its blend of wit and theatrical flair.

Answer: A Puzzlement

"A Puzzlement" is a reflective solo from the 1951 Broadway musical "The King and I," which is based on Margaret Landon's novel "Anna and the King of Siam" (1944). The story draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Anna Leonowens, a British governess who served in the court of the king of Siam during the 1860s.

In this song, the king expresses his inner conflict as he grapples with the tension between his traditional values and the rapidly changing world around him. Known for its thoughtful lyrics and nuanced melody, "A Puzzlement" stands out as one of the musical's most compelling and intellectually rich numbers.

Answer: So In Love

"So In Love" is a romantic ballad from the classic Broadway musical "Kiss Me, Kate," which premiered in 1948. Inspired by William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," the show blends witty dialogue with a vibrant score to create a modern theatrical retelling of the original 1594 play.

Sung by one of the lead characters, "So In Love" conveys the deep emotional intensity of romantic longing and vulnerability. Over the years, the song has become a beloved standard in musical theater, frequently covered by a wide range of performers. Despite its age, it remains a shining example of the enduring appeal of mid-20th-century Broadway compositions.

Answer: Gary, Indiana

Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" is a beloved American musical that premiered on Broadway in 1957. Set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa, the story follows Harold Hill, a charismatic con artist who poses as a boys' band organizer, selling instruments and uniforms to unsuspecting townsfolk while planning to skip town before delivering on his promises.

One of the charming songs from the show is "Gary, Indiana," sung by Harold as he muses about settling down in the titular city. Interestingly, the tune was initially composed as a vocal warm-up for Robert Preston, the original Broadway Harold Hill. Willson was so taken with the melody that he decided to include it in the final production, where it became a memorable part of the musical's score.

Answer: Think of Me

"Think of Me" is a well-known aria from the musical "The Phantom of the Opera," which premiered in London's West End in 1986. Based on Gaston Leroux's 1909 French novel "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra," the musical centers around the mysterious Phantom and his obsession with Christine Daaé, a young soprano at the Paris Opera House.

In "Think of Me," Christine showcases her vocal talent during a performance that marks a turning point in her career. The song's lyrical beauty and soaring melody have made it a favourite in concerts and vocal recitals. Notably, "The Phantom of the Opera" holds the distinction of being the longest-running show in Broadway history, surpassing 13,000 performances by 2019.

Answer: Seasons of Love

"Seasons of Love" is a poignant ballad from the musical "Rent," which explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Premiering on Broadway in 1996, "Rent" is inspired by Puccini's 1895 opera "La Bohème" and centers on a group of young artists navigating life in New York City during the AIDS crisis.

Sung by the ensemble, "Seasons of Love" reflects on how to measure a year in life, ultimately suggesting that love is the most meaningful metric. Originally written as a tribute to a friend of composer Jonathan Larson who had passed away from AIDS, the song has become an anthem of compassion and unity. Its emotional resonance and universal message have made it a favourite at memorials, celebrations, and performances around the world.

Answer: Old Man River

"Ol' Man River" is a landmark song from the groundbreaking musical "Show Boat," which premiered on Broadway in 1927. Set along the Mississippi River, the show explores themes of racial injustice, love, and life in the American South.

Sung by the character Joe, a Black dockworker, "Ol' Man River" expresses his weariness and resilience in the face of hardship, using the river as a symbol of endurance and indifference to human struggle. Though the song was nearly removed from the original production, it was ultimately retained thanks to the powerful performance of Paul Robeson, who originated the role of Joe in later productions and helped immortalize the song. Over the decades, "Ol' Man River" has become one of the most enduring and frequently covered pieces in American musical theater history.

Answer: Bloody Mary

"Bloody Mary" is a lively and character-driven song from the 1949 Broadway musical "South Pacific," which explores themes of love, war, and cultural conflict during World War II. Sung by American sailors, the song introduces the character Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese woman who interacts with the troops by selling souvenirs and speaking in broken English.

The number is both humorous and revealing, offering insight into how the sailors perceive her and the cultural dynamics at play. With its catchy rhythm and playful lyrics, "Bloody Mary" adds a layer of comic relief to the musical while also contributing to its broader commentary on race and colonialism. "South Pacific" was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950 and remains a cornerstone of American musical theater.

Answer: Lady's Maid

"Lady's Maid" is a spirited ensemble number from the 1997 Broadway musical "Titanic," composed by Maury Yeston with book by Peter Stone. The musical dramatizes the real-life events surrounding the RMS Titanic's ill-fated maiden voyage, focusing on the dreams and social divisions among its passengers.

In "Lady's Maid," several third-class female passengers, including the character Kate McGowan, express their hopes for a better life in America. The song captures the optimism and determination of immigrants seeking new opportunities, contrasting sharply with the looming tragedy. "Titanic" premiered at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, solidifying its place in the canon of American musical theater.

Answer: Tonight

"Tonight" is a romantic duet from the landmark musical "West Side Story," which premiered on Broadway in 1957. A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" (1597), the musical is set in 1950s New York City and centers on the rivalry between two teenage street gangs - the Jets and the Sharks - representing different ethnic backgrounds.

In "Tonight," the characters Tony and Maria, who come from opposing sides of the conflict, express their love and hope for a future together despite the tensions surrounding them. The song's sweeping melody and emotional depth have made it one of the most enduring pieces in musical theater, frequently performed and recorded by artists across generations.