The Play's the Thing Trivia Quiz

"Our Town" was written by Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) and had its premiere performance in New Jersey on January 22nd, 1938 before opening on Broadway on February 4th.

Set in the fictional small town of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, "Our Town" presents a portrait of everyday life through the experiences of two families: the Gibbses and the Webbs. The play is structured in three acts: daily routines, love and marriage, and death. A central figure known as the Stage Manager guides the audience through time and space, offering commentary and insight. The story emphasizes the beauty and transience of ordinary moments, encouraging reflection on life's fleeting nature.

The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938 and is widely regarded as a classic of American theater. Its minimalist staging and direct address to the audience were innovative for the time. "Our Town" has been performed in countless schools and theaters and remains a staple for its universal themes and emotional resonance.

"The Crucible" was written by Arthur Miller (1915-2005) and premiered on Broadway on January 22nd, 1953.

Set during the infamous Salem (Massachusetts) witch trials of 1692, "The Crucible" explores how fear and suspicion can spiral into mass hysteria. The story follows John Proctor, a farmer who becomes entangled in a web of accusations after his former lover, Abigail Williams, manipulates the town's paranoia for personal revenge. As neighbors turn on each other and the court system fails to uphold justice, the play examines themes of integrity, reputation, and the consequences of collective panic.

Written during the height of McCarthyism, the play serves as an allegory for the anti-communist sentiment and political persecution of the 1950s. Though its initial reception was mixed, "The Crucible" has since become one of Miller's most celebrated works and a staple in American theater and education. It continues to resonate for its powerful critique of ideological extremism and moral compromise.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" was written by Neil Simon (1927-2018) and premiered in Los Angeles on December 10th, 1982. Its Broadway debut came on March 27th, 1983.

This coming-of-age comedy follows Eugene Jerome, a teenage boy growing up in a crowded Jewish household in Brooklyn (New York) during the Great Depression. Eugene dreams of becoming a writer and serves as the narrator, offering humorous and heartfelt observations about his family's struggles, aspirations, and relationships. The play captures the dynamics of adolescence, sibling rivalry, and generational tension with warmth and wit.

The play is the first in Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical trilogy, followed by "Biloxi Blues" (1984) and "Broadway Bound" (1987). It was a commercial and critical success, with Matthew Broderick originating the role of Eugene on Broadway. The play is celebrated for its blend of humour and emotional depth, reflecting Simon's signature style.

"Fences" was written by August Wilson (1945-2005) and had its first performance on April 30th, 1985 in Connecticut. Its Broadway debut came two years and a month later on March 26th, 1987.

Set in a working-class neighborhood of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) in the 1950s, "Fences" centers on Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. The play explores Troy's complex relationships with his wife, Rose, and his sons, especially as he grapples with missed opportunities and the changing racial landscape of postwar America. Troy's bitterness and pride create tension within the family, particularly when his son Cory dreams of a future in football. The story unfolds around themes of generational conflict, racial injustice, and personal redemption.

"Fences" is part of August Wilson's ten-play "Pittsburgh Cycle", each set in a different decade of the 20th century. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1987. The original Broadway production starred James Earl Jones, and a 2016 film adaptation directed by and starring Denzel Washington received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

"Clybourne Park" was written by Bruce Norris (b. 1960), premiering Off-Broadway on February 1st, 2010. Its Broadway debut came on April 19th, 2012.

This two-act play explores racial and social tensions through the lens of a single house in a Chicago (Illinois) neighbourhood. The first act takes place in 1959, as a white couple prepares to sell their home to a Black family, sparking concern among neighbors. The second act jumps to 2009, when the now predominantly Black neighbourhood faces gentrification as a white couple plans to move in. The play examines how issues of race, property, and community evolve (or persist) over time, using sharp dialogue and satire to challenge assumptions.

"Clybourne Park" is a response to Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" (1959), focusing on the same house mentioned in that play. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2011 and the Tony Award for Best Play in 2012. The play is praised for its bold treatment of uncomfortable topics and its clever structure that mirrors historical shifts in American urban life.

"The Speed of Darkness" was written by Steve Tesich (1942-1996) and had its first performance in Chicago on April 24th, 1989. Its Broadway debut came on February 28th, 1991.

Set in South Dakota, this intense drama centers on Joe, a successful businessman and respected community figure who is also a Vietnam War veteran. His life begins to unravel when Lou, a fellow veteran and old friend, reappears after years of separation. Lou is homeless and emotionally scarred, and his arrival brings buried secrets to light - most notably, a crime the two committed years earlier involving the illegal dumping of toxic waste. As the truth emerges, Joe is forced to confront the moral compromises that shaped his success, while Lou's despair leads to a tragic end.

The play explores the psychological aftermath of war and the ethical consequences of ambition. Its Broadway run featured Stephen Lang and Len Cariou, with Lang earning a Tony nomination for his performance. Though not widely produced since its initial Broadway run, the play remains a powerful examination of guilt, responsibility, and the long shadows cast by past decisions.

"Zoot Suit" was written by Luis Valdez (b. 1940), premiering in Los Angeles on April 20th 1978 before opening on Broadway nearly a year later on March 25th, 1979.

Set against the backdrop of World War II-era Los Angeles, "Zoot Suit" dramatizes the real-life events surrounding the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial and the Zoot Suit Riots. The story follows Henry Reyna, a young Chicano wrongly accused of murder along with members of his gang, the 38th Street boys. As the trial unfolds, the play explores themes of racial discrimination, identity, and injustice. A symbolic figure named El Pachuco serves as narrator and conscience, guiding Henry through the chaos and offering commentary on Chicano culture and resistance.

"Zoot Suit" was the first Chicano play to appear on Broadway and marked a major milestone in Latino theater. The Broadway production starred Edward James Olmos as El Pachuco, earning him a Tony nomination. The play blends drama, music, and stylized movement, and was later adapted into a film (in 1981). Its innovative structure and political themes helped establish Luis Valdez as a pioneering voice in American theater.

"Epic Proportions" was written by Larry Coen (1958-2018) and David Crane (b. 1957). Its first performance was Off-Broadway on December 1st, 1986 and it eventually opened on Broadway on October 1st, 1999.

Set in the sweeping sands of Arizona during the 1930s, "Epic Proportions" is a fast-paced comedy about two brothers, Benny and Phil, who become extras in a massive Biblical film titled 'Exeunt Omnes'. As the chaotic production unfolds, Phil unexpectedly rises to the role of director, while Benny becomes the film's reluctant star. Both brothers fall for Louise, the assistant director managing thousands of extras, sparking a humorous rivalry. The play parodies the grandeur and absurdity of Hollywood epics, complete with gladiator battles, plagues, and romantic entanglements.

When the play opened on Broadway in 1999, it featured Kristin Chenoweth as Louise and Alan Tudyk as Benny. Known for its playful tone and theatrical inventiveness, the production uses a small cast to portray a sprawling cast of thousands, adding to its comic charm and satirical edge.

"Green Grow the Lilacs" was written by Lynn Riggs (1899-1954) and premiered in Boston on December 8th, 1930 before opening on Broadway on January 26th, 1931.

Set in the year 1900 in Oklahoma (before it became a state), "Green Grow the Lilacs" tells the story of a romantic triangle involving Curly (a cowboy), Laurey (a spirited farm girl), and Jeeter (a brooding farmhand). The play unfolds in a rural community where tensions rise over love, jealousy, and justice. The narrative explores themes of frontier life, cultural identity, and emotional restraint, with folk songs woven into the storytelling to reflect the region's traditions.

This play served as the foundation for the landmark 1943 musical "Oklahoma!" by Rodgers and Hammerstein. While the musical retained much of Riggs' dialogue and plot, it introduced new songs and altered the ending. The original Broadway production of "Green Grow the Lilacs" ran for 64 performances and featured notable actors such as Franchot Tone and Helen Westley. Though rarely performed today, the play remains significant for its role in shaping American musical theater and its portrayal of early 20th century life in the Southwest.

"A Streetcar Named Desire" was written by Tennessee Williams (1911-1983), opening on Broadway on December 3rd, 1947.

Set in the vibrant and gritty French Quarter of New Orleans (Louisiana), this play centers on Blanche DuBois, a woman from a once-wealthy Southern family who seeks refuge with her sister Stella after falling on hard times. Blanche's refined demeanor and fragile mental state clash with Stella's husband, Stanley Kowalski, whose aggressive and confrontational nature drives the household into turmoil. As tensions rise, Blanche's past is slowly revealed, leading to a dramatic and tragic unraveling of her psyche.

The play was a major success and earned Tennessee Williams the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948. It helped launch Marlon Brando's career and has been adapted into film, opera, and numerous stage revivals. Its exploration of desire, mental health, and class conflict has made it a cornerstone of American theater.