More Than Wyrds Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lovely

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" pokes fun at the writings of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus. The farce centers on a slave scheming for freedom through romantic mischief. "Lovely" humorously undercuts the idea of a perfect love duet, with interruptions and awkwardness driving the joke.

It opened on Broadway in 1962 and ran for nearly 1,000 performances, winning several major awards. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart.

Answer: Electricity

Set during the 1980s miners' strike in northern England, "Billy Elliot" follows a boy discovering a passion for ballet against social expectations. "Electricity" takes place during Billy's audition, where he tries to explain what dancing feels like, turning confusion into a moment of emotional clarity and self‑expression.

The musical premiered in London's West End in 2005 and opened on Broadway in 2008, running for over 1,300 performances in New York. "Billy Elliot" features music by Elton John, lyrics by Lee Hall, and a book by Lee Hall.

Answer: Memory

Adapted from T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" (1939), "Cats" presents a series of character sketches within a stylized feline gathering. "Memory" is sung by Grizabella, a faded figure longing to be accepted again. Reflecting on lost youth and past glory, the song serves as the emotional centerpiece, contrasting regret with hope for renewal.

The musical opened in London's West End in 1981 and on Broadway in 1982, where it became one of the longest‑running shows of its era. "Cats" has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics drawn from T.S. Eliot with additional material by Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe, and a book by Trevor Nunn.

Answer: Funny

A musical blending film noir with Hollywood storytelling, "City of Angels" shifts between a writer's reality and his fictional detective world. "Funny" reveals Carla's frustration at being underestimated, combining wit with emotional tension.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1989 and ran for over 800 performances, earning multiple Tony Awards. "City of Angels" features music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel, and a book by Larry Gelbart.

Answer: Agony

"Into the Woods" intertwines familiar fairy‑tale characters as their wishes unravel into consequences. "Agony" features two princes dramatically lamenting their romantic difficulties, humorously exaggerating their struggles while undercutting traditional heroic ideals.

The show premiered on Broadway in 1987 and enjoyed a successful original run of over 700 performances. "Into the Woods" has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine.

Answer: Naughty

Following a brilliant child resisting oppressive adults, "Matilda the Musical" emphasizes courage and imagination. In "Naughty", Matilda outlines her belief in taking action when things are unfair, establishing her independence and moral resolve.

Based on the 1988 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, the musical debuted in London's West End in 2011 and opened on Broadway in 2013, earning critical acclaim and a multi‑year run. "Matilda the Musical" features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly.

Answer: Sexy

Set in the competitive and image‑obsessed world of an American high school, "Mean Girls" (based on the 2004 film written by Tina Fey) follows newcomer Cady Heron as she navigates cliques, popularity, and identity. "Sexy" is a comedic ensemble number in Act One, performed at a Halloween party, where several characters enthusiastically celebrate their ideas of attractiveness - highlighting both the pressures and absurdities of teenage social dynamics.

The stage musical premiered in Washington, D.C. in 2017 before opening on Broadway in 2018, bringing a contemporary pop score and sharp, satirical humour to the story. "Mean Girls" has music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and a book by Tina Fey, adapting her original screenplay for the stage.

Answer: Glory

"Pippin" charts a young prince's search for purpose and fulfillment. The song "Glory" reflects his desire for heroic achievement, presenting an idealized vision of fame that hints at deeper dissatisfaction.

Loosely based on the historical figure Pepin the Hunchback (son of Charlemagne), the musical premiered on Broadway in 1972 and ran for nearly 2,000 performances in its original production. "Pippin" has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson.

Answer: Ordinary

"School of Rock" - based on the 2003 film of the same name - is the story of a struggling musician inspiring students through rock music. In the musical, the early numbers emphasize conformity and restraint. "Ordinary" highlights the rigidity imposed on the children before they discover confidence through music.

The show opened on Broadway in 2015 following an earlier London debut the same year, running for over 1,300 performances in New York. "School of Rock" features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes.

Answer: Epiphany

Set in Victorian London and based on the 19th‑century penny dreadful story "The String of Pearls" (1846-47), "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" follows a barber consumed by revenge. "Epiphany" marks his psychological breaking point, transforming personal anger into a broader, darker worldview.

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1979 and ran for over 500 performances, later becoming a staple of revivals. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler.