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Theatre Mysteries Trivia Quiz

This quiz is about some shows that deal with mysteries (as opposed to musicals, comedies or dramas). It may be tough if you're not into the genre.

A multiple-choice quiz by robert362. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
robert362

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
63,230

Updated
Oct 12 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
785

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In my opinion, the best play of the genre is 'Sleuth'. Who wrote it? Hint

Marsha Norman

David Rabe

Wendy Wasserstein

Anthony Shaffer

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Question 2 of 10

2. 'Equus' is a bit of a stretch here. The play doesn't deal with identifying who committed the crime. It focuses on a different issue. Hint

Why the crime was committed

When the crime was committed

Where the crime was committed

If a crime was committed

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Question 3 of 10

3. 'Mousetrap' was a huge hit with a long, long run. Who wrote it? Hint

Peter Shaffer

Tony Kushner

Agatha Christie

David Mamet

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Question 4 of 10

4. This play is the longest running off-Broadway non-musical. Hint

'Getting Away With Murder'

'Murderer'

'Perfect Crime'

'Whodunit'

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Question 5 of 10

5. The author of 'Deathtrap' also wrote this popular novel. Hint

'The Exorcist'

'Rosemary's Baby'

'The Prize'

'Strangers When We Meet'

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Question 6 of 10

6. 'The Letter' was turned into a good Bette Davis movie. Who was the author of the play? Hint

Ayn Rand

Somerset Maugham

Ambrose Bierce

Thornton Wilder

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Question 7 of 10

7. 'Witness for the Prosecution' was a big hit. To whom does the title refer? Hint

The victim's husband

The suspect

The suspect's wife

The victim

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Question 8 of 10

8. 'Murder in the Cathedral' may not fit comfortably with the other entries here, but it does concern murder. Who wrote it? Hint

Ezra Pound

Brendan Behan

T.S. Eliot

Terence Rattigan

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Question 9 of 10

9. Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' was described as 'The Macbeth Murder Mystery' in a famous essay by this writer. Hint

Ogden Nash

Al Capp

Will Rogers

James Thurber

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Question 10 of 10

10. 'Ten Little Indians' was a classic whodunit. By which of these other titles is it also known? Hint

And Then There Were None

In The Zone

Night of January 16

Foxfire

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In my opinion, the best play of the genre is 'Sleuth'. Who wrote it?

Answer: Anthony Shaffer

Brilliant writing by Anthony Shaffer - who never quite found the formula again. 'Murderer' and 'Whodunit' were his - but they were pale imitations which enjoyed (deservedly) only modest success. (Don't judge this fine play by the mediocre movie version that followed).

2. 'Equus' is a bit of a stretch here. The play doesn't deal with identifying who committed the crime. It focuses on a different issue.

Answer: Why the crime was committed

We know from the start who did the deed, but the question is: why did he do it? A psychological piece from the talented writer who gave us 'Black Comedy' and 'Amadeus', among other fine works.

3. 'Mousetrap' was a huge hit with a long, long run. Who wrote it?

Answer: Agatha Christie

One of the earliest mystery plays to have a big success.

4. This play is the longest running off-Broadway non-musical.

Answer: 'Perfect Crime'

'Murderer' and 'Whodunit' are by Anthony Shaffer - (see comments to question 1). 'Getting Away' is co-authored by (of all people) Stephen Sondheim. Why 'Perfect Crime' has done so well is a mystery to me: it's not very good.

5. The author of 'Deathtrap' also wrote this popular novel.

Answer: 'Rosemary's Baby'

Ira Levin wrote both. 'Deathtrap' has been very successful, but it has a weak second act and a weaker ending. Go figure.

6. 'The Letter' was turned into a good Bette Davis movie. Who was the author of the play?

Answer: Somerset Maugham

It was Maugham ('Of Human Bondage'). Again, we know who committed the crime - the question is: why did she do it?

7. 'Witness for the Prosecution' was a big hit. To whom does the title refer?

Answer: The suspect's wife

Marlene Dietrich in the fine movie version with Charles Laughton.

8. 'Murder in the Cathedral' may not fit comfortably with the other entries here, but it does concern murder. Who wrote it?

Answer: T.S. Eliot

Yes, he did plays, too.

9. Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' was described as 'The Macbeth Murder Mystery' in a famous essay by this writer.

Answer: James Thurber

Cute idea, I guess.

10. 'Ten Little Indians' was a classic whodunit. By which of these other titles is it also known?

Answer: And Then There Were None

There are too many movie versions of this to count. Some work well, some are less fortunate.

Source: Author robert362

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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