An Alphabet of Musicals: A-J Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Annie Get Your Gun" (Broadway version)

Both musicals appeared on Broadway before being turned into films. "Annie Get Your Gun" was first performed on Broadway in 1946, well before its film version (1950), the Broadway musical "Annie" (1977) or "Annie" the film (1982). "Annie Get Your Gun" is a musical based on a fictionalised account of the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. Both lyrics and music were composed by Irving Berlin.

Answer: Babes on Broadway

"Babes on Broadway" was a hit 1941 musical film, famously pairing Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Several of the musical numbers were directed by Vincente Minelli, who later went on to marry Garland. "Babes in Arms" was originally released as a Broadway musical in 1937 and made into a film in 1939; "Babes in Toyland" and "Babette" were both operettas first performed in 1903.

Answer: True

Indeed: Nevill Coghill and Martin Starkie brought the medieval text to life with a musical version of the work. It ran for over 2,000 performances in West End its initial run in 1968, using a humorous approach to the various tales, including (among others) the Miller, Nun, Priest and Merchant.

Answer: Dr Seuss: the Musical

There have been a number of musicals based on Dr Seuss' work, but none are known by that name. One called "Seussical: the Musical" was first performed on Broadway in 2000, featuring the Cat in the Hat and Horton, among other well-known characters. "Dracula, the Musical" is based on the book by Bram Stoker and was first performed on Broadway in 2001.

Answer: Evita

"Evita" is based on the life of Eva Perón, first lady of Argentina from 1946-1952. It was an immediate success when playing at the West End, winning Best Musical in 1978 and also becoming the first British musical to receive the Tony Award for Best Musical. The success of the 1996 film adaption led to its revival as a musical in London in 2006, and it moved on to Broadway in 2012.

Answer: Funny Lady

"Funny Lady" was a 1975 film sequel to the film "Funny Girl". Like the original, it starred Barbra Streisand as the main character, Fanny Brice. The remaining options made their first ever appearances on Broadway: "Funny Face" in 1923; "Funny Girl" in 1964; and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in 1962.

Answer: True

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" opened on Broadway in 1949. The story is based on a novel by Anita Loos, following the life of Lorelai Lee, a young lady from Arkansas who has to continually fight off admirers while travelling on an ocean liner to France. It was Carol Channing's first major stage production.

The well-known film of the same name starring Marilyn Monroe wasn't released until four years later (1953).

Answer: Hair

"Hair" was subtitled "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical". It was a controversial production when it first played on Broadway in 1968, due to its nudity, drug and obvious sexual references, as well as its many anti-war and anti-establishment themes. "Hair" follows a group of hippies in New York City and their fight against conscription to the Vietnam War.

Answer: I Can't Sing!

"I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical" was written by Harry Hill and Steve Brown, and followed the fortunes of "X Factor" contestants and its well-known panel of judges. Its working title was in fact "It's Time to Face the Musical" but this was changed during production. The production ended just six weeks into its run due to poor ticket sales.

Answer: Jersey Boys

"Jersey Boys" is based on the career of the musical group The Four Seasons. Each of the four parts of the play ('seasons') is narrated by a different band member. The production is known as a 'juebox' musical as it features a number of their popular hits, including "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Rag Doll", and "Sherry".