H Musicals Trivia

1. "Half A Sixpence" was based on the classic 1905 book "Kipps", by an author who is usually known for writing stories in an entirely different genre. Which author wrote the original story?

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: H.G. Wells

H.G. Wells was usually known for his science fiction books, including "The Invisible Man" (1897), "The War of the Worlds" (1898), and "The Time Machine" (1895). When "Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul" was published, however, it became an instant success. "Half a Sixpence" is fairly faithful to Wells' original story, and shares all the same major plot points. It tells the story of Artie Kipps, a lower-class young man who suddenly inherits a large fortune. Although at first attached to Ann, a serving girl, he then becomes engaged to Miss Walsingham, a higher-class woman. However, he does marry Ann, although she is unhappy with a higher-class life. Keep reading to see what happens in the end!

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: 7

This song is the opening of the show.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: Tommy Steele

Tommy Steele, also known as Sir Thomas Hicks, became a rock star in England in the late 1950s, recording such hits as "Singing the Blues" (1957) and "Little White Bull" (1959). He began starring in films as early as 1957, but soon began adapting himself into an all-around entertainer. He also featured famously in Disney's "The Happiest Millionaire" (1967), "Finian's Rainbow" (1968), and "The Yeoman of the Guard" (1978). Following his entertainment career, he became a successful sculptor.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: A love token

The half of a sixpence that Artie has acts as his and Ann's love token throughout the musical. They vow to think of each other whenever they touch their own half of the sixpence. Now for a little bit of the musical's theme: "Half a sixpence is better than half a penny, Is better than half a farthing, is better than none. It's a token of our eternal love. When you're far away, touch it everyday. "And though that half a sixpence can only mean half a romance Remember that half a romance is better than none. But when I'm with you, One and one make two, And likewise two half sixpence joined together make one."

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Rinso

This line is heard on many other recordings of the soundtrack, however it is not on the Original.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: A banjo

"I'd buy me a banjo," he answers, and thus begins one of the musical's greatest songs, "Money to Burn". Partway through the song, Artie gets hold of a banjo, and plays it to the group's delight. Drinks are being bought all round, and it turns into an energetic dance routine. Here's a bit of the lyric: "If I had money to burn A hole in my pocket If I had money to burn I'd go like a rocket! Down to the town without a stop Blow right into the music shop And buy me a banjo, Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a, Buy me a banjo Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a, Buy me a banjo Clatter, jang-a, ring-a, jang-a, That's what I would do!" The song was an opportunity for star Tommy Steele to show off his dancing and banjo-playing talents!

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Blind Man

"Steep cliff, beware, Mad Dog, Blind Man".

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: A Young Person's Association woodworking class

Mr. Shalford signs Artie up to go to a Young Person's Association workshop, where young people are kept off the street by giving them useful skills--in this case, woodworking. Artie sees Miss Walsingham and falls instantly in love. Unfortunately, however, he is still drunk from his recent celebrations, and only succeeds in cutting his hand--which Miss Walsingham wraps up for him. Ann waits for Artie and he never arrives, which leads to their later estrangement.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: Ann throws Artie back the half a sixpence

The rumors of Artie's wealth have since proved true, and although he is still not fine company, he has been visiting Miss Walsingham. Artie's team wins the regatta, but as they are being presented the trophy, Miss Walsingham announces that he and she are engaged! Ann, who has been watching the regatta, yells at Artie and throws back the half a sixpence he gave her. The rain, which Artie had earlier wished wouldn't fall, begins to descend as Miss Walsingham leads him off and the curtain falls.

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: German

The principals provide the context for Berger being thrown out of school.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: Taking wedding photos

After Ann and Artie's quarrel, Artie is at a dinner party with Miss Walsingham when he realizes that this social class is not where he belongs. He leaves the group and goes down to the servants' quarters where Ann is serving, and soon they are engaged. After the wedding, while everyone poses for the wedding picture, Artie begins the song. There are different verses for famous weddings throughout history, including Adam and Eve, and Napoleon and Josephine. Here's an excerpt: "All lined up in a wedding group--'Ere we are for a photograph! We're all dressed up in a morning suit, all trying hard not to laugh! Since the early caveman in his fur took a trip to Gretna Green There's always been a photographer to record the 'appy scene... "'Old it, flash, bang, wallop, what a picture What a picture, what a photograph Poor old soul, blimey, what a joke Hat blown off in a cloud of smoke Clap 'ands, stamp yer feet Bangin' on the big bass drum What a picture, what a picture Um-tiddly-um-pum-um-pum-pum Stick it in your fam'ly album!"

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Berger

She sings this after Berger hits her, and tears the shirt which she bought for him.

From Quiz Half a Score of Questions on "Half a Sixpence"

Answer: Artie has lost almost all his money

Artie had allowed Miss Walsingham's brother to manage his money, and the brother then lost it all. The Walsinghams are ruined, and Artie has lost most of his money. He does manage to buy a small bookshop, however, and lead a comfortable life with Ann in the society that they are used to. There is a last scene, however. Early on in his days of wealth, Artie had invested in a play of Mr. Chitterlow's, which has suddenly become a smash hit. Artie is offered money for it but he declines--he's had enough of money!

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Vietnam

"Ship these peaceniks off to the Vietnam meat grinder!".

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Mick Jagger

He is over the moon when Claude brings him a poster of Mick Jagger, but is then distraught when the rest of the tribe destroy it by dancing on it.

From Quiz "Hair" the Musical Characters and Music

Answer: Some speed freak

"I wired my parents for money. I told them I was pregnant. They said, "Stay pregnant!""

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Last Updated Nov 16 2024 5:47 AM

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