Name That Musical in Six Notes Quiz

Answer: "Damn Yankees"

In "Damn Yankees" 1958 musical, the song "Those Were The Good Old Days" is sung by Mr. Applegate, aka, The Devil, played by Ray Walston (who we know from the TV series, "My Favorite Martian"). Music for this song is by Richard Adler and lyrics are by Jerry Ross.

The choreographer is Bob Fosse, who married "Lola" Gwen Verdon in 1960. Bob Fosse convinced Gwen Verdon to take the role of "Lola" after she initially turned it down.

Answer: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

The Musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is generally listed under "Ballad, Contemporary Musical Theater, and Pop Rock". It is based on the book of Genesis in the Christian Bible. Music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics are by Tim Rice.

The song, "Close Every Door" connects Joseph being wrongly imprisoned with the nation of Israel being persecuted.

Donny Osmond starred as "Joseph" in 2,000 performances beginning in July 1992, at the Elgin Theatre's Toronto production. Our family had the privilege of seeing one of these, and it was the only time we saw Mr. Osmond perform live. To find the words to describe his performance seems an impossible task to me. The final song he sings rising over the audience brought old ladies in the audience to their feet screaming. Now, as an "elderly" lady myself, I know I'd so the same!

Answer: "Lion King"

"Simba", the lion cub of parents Mufasa and Sarabi, excitedly sings with his friend, Nala, the song, "I'm Gonna Be a Mighty King" as they try to evade Zazu, who tries to keep an eye on the young cubs. The song was composed by Elton John with lyrics written by Tim Rice.

The visual presentation of the musical, along with African inspiration of the costumes and puppetry offer a delightful show that has maintained audience interest over the years.

Answer: "Titanic"

"I'll be coming back to you, Darlene. Back to your dark eyes and hair. Marry me when I return, Darlene." Maybe I'm a weird romantic, but I love this duet between the characters Barrett, the British stoker who proposes to Darlene by telegraph, and Bride, the telegraph operator who loves his connection to the world - distantly. "Titanic: A New Musical" music and lyrics were written by Maury Yeston, and the book was written by Peter Stone. My never-ending gratitude goes to both.

Answer: "Chess"

The musical "Chess" doesn't have the popularity of many hit Broadway shows, but the music is stirring and profound with some exceptional vocal ranges. The music is by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of the group ABBA. The lyrics are by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, who also wrote the book. All I can add is if you haven't heard Josh Groban sing the song "Anthem", which is where this question's "notes" come from, check it out and you may become one of the show's fans.

His powerful rendition pours out his character's love of his country, that he carries in his heart regardless of where the chess tournaments are held around the world.

Answer: "Assassins"

"Assassins" is a musical that seems to draw lines between theater-goers who either love it or hate the idea of its existence. After I saw it, that was all I talked about, and recommended it to anyone who would listen. I learned more about not just those who attempted or completed their assassination plans but more importantly about the presidents, politics, and the reasons why certain people became assassins. Charles Guiteau was considered insane by his family, who tried to institutionalize him. Because of an imagined political debt owed to him and his not winning a post to be Ambassador to France, he determined to kill President James A. Garfield. President Garfield was less than four months into his term when on July 2, 1881, he was shot and subsequently died. Guiteau was hung almost a year later in June of 1882.

The musical lyrics and music were written by Stephen Sondheim and the book was written by John Weidman.

Answer: "Ragtime"

"Ragtime: The Musical" has a moving song, "Make Them Hear You", sung by the character Coalhouse, imploring his men to use their words, rather than violence, to respond to injustice with lyrics, "Your sword can be a sermon or the power of the pen". "Ragtime: The Musical" won two Tony Awards, "Best Original Score" and "Best Book of a Musical".

The book was written by Terrence McNally, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. Lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens with Stephen Flaherty as the composer. The musical follows three groups of folks and their situations in life in the United States: African Americans, represented by Coalhouse Walker, upper class suburbanites, represented by Mother and her family, and Eastern European immigrants praying for a new better life, represented by Tateh and his daughter.

Answer: "Hamilton"

Lin-Manuel Miranda created and starred in "Hamilton: An American Musical" which was nominated for sixteen awards at the 70th Tony Awards, and won eleven, including Best Musical. Miranda was inspired to create this musical by reading the 2004 Biography "Alexander Hamilton", written by Ron Chernow, while on a beach vacation.

The song, "My Shot" is sung by Alexander Hamilton who is a political rival of Vice President Aaron Burr. Hamilton makes unfavorable remarks toward Burr that leads to a duel between the men. Hamilton's not throwing away his shot can mean he purposely missed his shot at Burr, though Burr did not, and/or Hamilton's hunger for better politics, a better life and more for his country.

The lyrics in "My Shot", "This is not a moment, It's the movement..." are mad with a fervor Hamilton and the other founding fathers had to break away from King George III's overbearing rules, oppressive taxes and frivolous lifestyle. I love that doctors and medical staff made use of the lyrics, "I'm Not Throwin' Away My Shot" by creating a video promoting the Covid-19 vaccine during the Covid pandemic.

Answer: "Dogfight"

"Close the window, draw the curtain" are the words in the song "Pretty Funny" from the musical, "Dogfight". Marines, soon to be deployed to Vietnam, throw a contest party to see who can bring the ugliest girl, hence the name dogfight. The character "Rose" finds out why she was asked to the party, storms out and sings this song, hoping to talk herself into the normal routine of getting ready for bed and sleep, to rise the next day not even caring about the humiliation, naivety and self-doubt she feels.

The musical premiered Off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theater in 2012, and the European premier in 2014 was at the Southwark Playhouse in London. Music and lyrics are by Pasek and Paul, and the book is by Peter Duchan. Check out Lindsay Mendez's video singing "Pretty Funny"! Ms. Lindsay Mendez plays the role of "Rose Fenny" in the 2012 Off-Broadway production.

Answer: "Frozen"

In the song, "Let it Go", Elsa no longer has to hide her powers and is standing in the truth of who she is, accepting how she has come to be standing in her ice palace watching the snow. Disney's film, "Frozen", became a musical that opened on Broadway on March 22, 2018. Sold out performances and high praise rang high until the Covid-19 pandemic caused the show's run to end in 2020.

However, the show re-opened September 28, 2021, on Broadway. It is directed by Michael Grandage, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

The book is by Jennifer Lee, and choreography is done by Rob Ashford.