Theatrical Songs of the 1970s Trivia Quiz

Answer: Walk Him Up the Stairs

Based on the 1961 play "Purlie Victorious" by Ossie Davis, the 1970 musical "Purlie" ran for 688 performances on Broadway. The hymn-like "Walk Him Up the Stairs" is sung by the full company to open and end the show (set during a funeral). The titular Purlie is hoping to secure a promised piece of land to benefit his church.

The lyrics were written by Peter Udell and the music by Gary Geld.

Answer: I'm Still Here

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for "Follies". The 1971 musical ran for 522 performances on Broadway but, due to high costs, lost money for the investors. The musical is set at an old theater shortly before its demolition and the cast are the former performers.

The song "I'm Still Here" is sung by one such performer, Carlotta, who was portrayed by Yvonne de Carlo. It is said that the role of Carlotta and the song were written with de Carlo in mind.

Answer: Magic to Do

The 1972 musical "Pippin" ran for 1,944 performances on Broadway in its initial run. The music and lyrics for the songs was written by Stephen Schwartz. The musical was loosely based on Pippin, the son of Emperor Charlemagne, though it can hardly be considered historical.

The Leading Player (portrayed by Ben Vereen in the original production) leads the Chorus in "Magic to Do" to open the show. He would win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role.

Answer: Send in the Clowns

In "A Little Night Music", the song "Send in the Clowns" was originally performed by the character of Desiree (portrayed by Glynis Johns). Music fans may be more familiar with the 1975 cover of the song by Judy Collins, which was a Top 10 hit on the UK Singles chart.

The plot of the musical focuses on the romantic life of several couples. The musical is based on the 1955 film "Smiles of a Summer Night". Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for the songs for the show which ran for 601 performances.

Answer: Two's Company

"The Magic Show" was set at a New Jersey night club and focuses on a new magician (originally portrayed by Doug Henning) trying to introduce his magic act to the club. The song "Two's Company" is performed by the characters of Donna and Dina, a rock duo who also perform at the club.

The musical ran for 1,920 performances in its initial run on Broadway. The music and lyrics for the songs were written by Stephen Schwartz.

Answer: One

At the time "A Chorus Line" closed on Broadway, it was the longest-running musical in Broadway history at 6,137 performances (which has since been exceeded). The music for the songs was composed by Marvin Hamlisch and the lyrics were written by Edward Kleban.

The 1975 musical focuses on a group of dancers who are hoping to be chosen for the chorus of an unnamed show. The song "One" (supposedly from said show) is performed by the cast twice in the second act.

Answer: Someone in a Tree

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for the songs of "Pacific Overtures" (1976). While the original Broadway run had a relatively brief run on Broadway of 193 performances, it has been revived a number of times. The show generally features an all Asian cast. "Pacific Overtures" interprets the story of the "westernization" of Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The song "Someone in a Tree" is performed by the Old man, the Reciter, a boy, and a warrior.

Answer: Tomorrow

Perhaps the best known song from the musical "Annie" (1977), "Tomorrow" is how the titular character (played by Andrea McArdle), describes her hope for better days to come. Based on the long-running comic strip "Little Orphan Annie", the musical focuses on the connection between Annie and her adoptive father, Oliver Warbucks.

The music was written by Charles Strouse and the lyrics were written by Martin Charnin. The show ran on Broadway for 2,377 performances.

Answer: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a musical revue show based around the music of Fats Waller. The song "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" was popularized by Fats Waller in the 1930s but was actually written by Fred Ahlert (music) and Joe Young (lyrics). The original run on Broadway ran for 1,604 performances. The original cast included Nell Carter and Andre de Shields.

Answer: Johanna (Mea Culpa)

Stephen Sondheim wrote the songs for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street". The musical was adapted from a 1936 non-musical film of the same title. The titular character is a barber who was tricked into exile by a corrupt judge who lusted after the barber's wife.

It is this judge who sings the song "Johanna (Mea Culpa)", describing the unhealthy attraction he has for the barber's now adult daughter. The musical had an initial run of 557 performances on Broadway.