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Broadway theatres are primarily characterized by venues with seating capacities exceeding 1,000 seats.
Answer: False
Explanation: Broadway theatres are generally defined by a minimum seating capacity of 500 seats, rather than exceeding 1,000 seats as the primary characteristic.
London's West End theatre is considered a lower tier of commercial live theater compared to Broadway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Broadway and London's West End are both recognized as the highest tiers of commercial live theatre in the English-speaking world, often setting standards for production quality and artistic presentation.
Smaller theatrical venues in New York City with fewer than 100 seats are typically referred to as Off-Broadway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Theatrical venues in New York City with fewer than 100 seats are typically classified as Off-off-Broadway, distinct from Off-Broadway venues.
Broadway theatre generates approximately $1.54 billion annually solely from merchandise sales.
Answer: False
Explanation: The $1.54 billion annual figure for Broadway theatre represents ticket sales, not solely merchandise sales, and is accompanied by approximately 12.3 million attendees.
Musicals are the least common type of performance presented on Broadway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Musicals constitute the vast majority of performances on Broadway, making them the most common type of show presented.
What defines a venue as a Broadway theatre in terms of seating capacity?
Answer: A minimum of 500 seats
Explanation: A venue is generally considered a Broadway theatre if it possesses a seating capacity of at least 500 seats, though exceptions may exist.
How is Broadway theatre generally compared to London's West End theatre?
Answer: Both are recognized as the highest levels of commercial live theater in the English-speaking world.
Explanation: Broadway and London's West End are both recognized as the highest tiers of commercial live theatre in the English-speaking world, frequently setting standards for production quality and artistic presentation.
What is the approximate annual economic impact of Broadway theatre in New York City, based on ticket sales?
Answer: $1.54 billion
Explanation: Broadway theatre generates approximately $1.54 billion annually from ticket sales, contributing significantly to New York City's economy and attracting about 12.3 million attendees each season.
Which type of performance is most commonly presented on Broadway?
Answer: Musicals
Explanation: Musicals are the most common type of performance presented on Broadway, typically featuring elaborate song and dance numbers.
New York City's first significant theatre was established in the early 1800s and hosted modern dramas.
Answer: False
Explanation: New York City's first significant theatre was established around 1750, not the early 1800s, and it featured Shakespearean plays and ballad operas, rather than modern dramas.
William Hallam sent a company of actors to the American colonies in 1752, establishing a theatre in Philadelphia.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Hallam sent a company of actors to the American colonies in 1752, establishing their first theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia, not Philadelphia.
The Park Theatre, built in 1798, had a seating capacity of approximately 500 people.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Park Theatre, built in 1798, was a large venue with a seating capacity of approximately 2,000 people.
The Astor Place Riot of 1849 demonstrated that New York's entertainment scene was unified across all social classes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Astor Place Riot of 1849 highlighted the divisions within New York's entertainment scene along class lines, rather than demonstrating unity.
Edwin Booth is recognized for achieving 100 consecutive performances of Hamlet at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1865.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edwin Booth achieved a notable milestone by performing Hamlet for 100 consecutive performances at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1865.
In the 19th century, Broadway theatres primarily shifted their location from Midtown Manhattan to Downtown Manhattan.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 19th century, Broadway theatres primarily shifted their location from Downtown Manhattan to Midtown Manhattan, beginning around 1850.
The Black Crook, premiering in 1866, is considered the first musical on Broadway and ran for over 500 performances.
Answer: False
Explanation: While considered by some as the first musical, 'The Black Crook' premiered in 1866 and ran for 474 performances, not over 500.
Improved transportation and street lighting in the late 19th century made theatre attendance less accessible.
Answer: False
Explanation: Improvements in transportation and street lighting in the late 19th century made theatre attendance more accessible and safer, contributing to the growth of Broadway.
Charles H. Hoyt's "A Trip to Chinatown," opening in 1891, set a new record for Broadway long runs with 657 performances.
Answer: True
Explanation: Charles H. Hoyt's "A Trip to Chinatown," which opened in 1891, established a new record for Broadway long runs at the time, achieving 657 performances.
The Theatrical Syndicate, formed in 1896, was a group of independent producers who promoted artistic experimentation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Theatrical Syndicate, formed in 1896, was a powerful group that controlled most legitimate theatres in the U.S. for sixteen years, rather than promoting independent artistic experimentation.
Broadway earned the nickname 'The Great White Way' due to the use of colorful, flashing neon signs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The nickname 'The Great White Way' originated from the extensive use of predominantly white electric lights on Broadway theatre signs, as colored bulbs were less durable.
What kind of performances were hosted by New York City's first significant theatre established around 1750?
Answer: Shakespearean plays and ballad operas
Explanation: New York City's first significant theatre, established around 1750, hosted performances of Shakespearean plays and ballad operas.
Who was William Hallam, and what significant action did he take in 1752?
Answer: A theatre manager who sent actors to the American colonies.
Explanation: William Hallam was a theatre manager who, in 1752, dispatched a company of twelve actors from Britain to the American colonies, establishing a theatre in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The Park Theatre, built in 1798, was notable for its:
Answer: Large seating capacity of 2,000 seats.
Explanation: The Park Theatre, constructed in 1798, was notable for its substantial seating capacity of 2,000 seats.
What event in 1849 is cited as evidence of class divisions within New York's entertainment scene?
Answer: The Astor Place Riot.
Explanation: The Astor Place Riot of 1849 is cited as evidence of class divisions within New York's entertainment scene, arising from tensions between patrons of different theaters.
Edwin Booth achieved a significant milestone in 1865 by performing which role for 100 consecutive performances?
Answer: Hamlet
Explanation: In 1865, Edwin Booth achieved a significant milestone by performing the role of Hamlet for 100 consecutive performances.
What factor contributed to the shift of Broadway theatres from Downtown to Midtown Manhattan starting around 1850?
Answer: The desire for less expensive real estate.
Explanation: The shift of Broadway theatres from Downtown to Midtown Manhattan, beginning around 1850, was partly motivated by the search for less expensive real estate.
"The Black Crook," considered by some as the first musical on Broadway, is noted for its:
Answer: Record-breaking run of 474 performances.
Explanation: "The Black Crook," considered by some as the first musical on Broadway, is noted for its record-breaking run of 474 performances.
Which of the following was NOT a factor contributing to the growth and improvement of Broadway theatre in the latter half of the 19th century?
Answer: Increased competition from silent films.
Explanation: Improvements in transportation, a decrease in poverty, and better street lighting contributed to Broadway's growth in the latter half of the 19th century; increased competition from silent films was not a factor during this period.
What was the significance of Charles H. Hoyt's A Trip to Chinatown, which opened in 1891?
Answer: It became Broadway's long-run champion at the time with 657 performances.
Explanation: Charles H. Hoyt's "A Trip to Chinatown," opening in 1891, was significant for becoming Broadway's long-run champion at the time, with 657 performances.
The Theatrical Syndicate, formed in 1896 by Marc Klaw and A. L. Erlanger, primarily exerted influence by:
Answer: Controlling almost every legitimate theatre in the U.S. for sixteen years.
Explanation: The Theatrical Syndicate, formed in 1896, exerted its influence primarily by controlling nearly every legitimate theatre in the U.S. for sixteen years.
Which of the following was a notable early musical produced by African Americans around the turn of the 20th century?
Answer: In Dahomey
Explanation: "In Dahomey" (1902) was a notable early musical produced by African Americans around the turn of the 20th century, alongside others like "A Trip to Coontown" and "Clorindy: The Origin of the Cakewalk."
Why did Broadway earn the nickname 'The Great White Way'?
Answer: From the installation of electric signs using predominantly white lights.
Explanation: Broadway earned the nickname 'The Great White Way' due to the installation of electric signs that predominantly used white lights, as colored bulbs were less durable.
Historian Martin Shefter suggests that Broadway musicals helped establish New York City as the cultural capital of the world.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to historian Martin Shefter, Broadway musicals, especially those by Rodgers and Hammerstein, significantly contributed to American popular culture and the establishment of New York City as a global cultural capital.
The 1919 Actors' Equity Association strike demanded better working conditions and a standard contract for actors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1919 Actors' Equity Association strike successfully demanded better working conditions and a standard contract for actors, compelling producers to meet the union's terms.
The advent of synchronized sound in films like "The Jazz Singer" led to the decline of live theatre on Broadway.
Answer: False
Explanation: While there was concern, Broadway theatre adapted to synchronized sound films by incorporating elements from vaudeville and music halls, rather than declining.
"Show Boat," premiering in 1927, was noted for its groundbreaking integration of book and score with dramatic themes.
Answer: True
Explanation: "Show Boat," premiering in 1927, was groundbreaking for its seamless integration of book, score, dramatic themes, music, dialogue, setting, and movement.
Eugene O'Neill was a key playwright in the 1920s who proved there was an audience for experimental, avant-garde theatre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Eugene O'Neill was a key playwright in the 1920s who demonstrated an audience for serious drama, paving the way for other major dramatists.
The Theatre Guild's 1930 production of "Roar, China!" was notable for featuring a majority white cast in a historical drama.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Theatre Guild's 1930 production of "Roar, China!" was notable for being Broadway's first play to feature a majority Asian cast.
"Oklahoma!", opening in 1943, is considered a blockbuster that marked the beginning of a golden age for Broadway theatre.
Answer: True
Explanation: "Oklahoma!", opening in 1943, is recognized as a blockbuster hit that initiated a golden age for Broadway theatre, running for 2,212 performances.
The decline of Broadway theatre in the late 1960s and 1970s was primarily due to increased competition from television.
Answer: False
Explanation: The decline of Broadway theatre in the late 1960s and 1970s was attributed to factors including cultural upheaval, mixed reception, the deterioration of Times Square, and a reduction in active theatres, rather than solely competition from television.
The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) was established to provide financial backing for new, experimental plays regardless of their cultural value.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) was established to support productions of high cultural value, offering discounted tickets to the public, rather than providing general financial backing regardless of value.
According to historian Martin Shefter, what cultural influence did Broadway musicals, particularly those by Rodgers and Hammerstein, have?
Answer: They became forms of American popular culture and helped establish NYC as a cultural capital.
Explanation: Historian Martin Shefter posits that Broadway musicals, especially those by Rodgers and Hammerstein, became influential forms of American popular culture and were instrumental in establishing New York City as a global cultural capital.
What was the primary demand of the Actors' Equity Association during their 1919 strike?
Answer: A standard contract for all professional productions.
Explanation: The primary demand of the Actors' Equity Association during their 1919 strike was a standard contract for all professional productions.
How did Broadway theatre adapt to the advent of synchronized sound in motion pictures?
Answer: It incorporated elements from vaudeville and music halls, focusing on stars and dance.
Explanation: Broadway theatre adapted to the advent of synchronized sound films by incorporating elements from vaudeville and music halls, emphasizing stars and dance routines.
Which 1927 musical production is recognized for its integration of book and score with dramatic themes?
Answer: Show Boat
Explanation: The 1927 musical production 'Show Boat' is recognized for its groundbreaking integration of its book and score with dramatic themes.
Eugene O'Neill was a significant playwright in the 1920s who demonstrated the viability of:
Answer: Serious drama with an audience willing to support it.
Explanation: Eugene O'Neill, a significant playwright in the 1920s, demonstrated the viability of serious drama and cultivated an audience receptive to it.
What made the Theatre Guild's 1930 production of "Roar, China!" significant?
Answer: It was Broadway's first play to feature a majority Asian cast.
Explanation: The Theatre Guild's 1930 production of "Roar, China!" was significant for being Broadway's first play to feature a majority Asian cast.
Which musical, opening in 1943, is credited with ushering in a golden age for Broadway theatre?
Answer: Oklahoma!
Explanation: The musical 'Oklahoma!', opening in 1943, is credited with ushering in a golden age for Broadway theatre, running for 2,212 performances.
Which of the following was identified as a factor contributing to the decline of Broadway theatre during the late 1960s and 1970s?
Answer: The deterioration of the Times Square area.
Explanation: The deterioration of the Times Square area was identified as a factor contributing to the decline of Broadway theatre during the late 1960s and 1970s.
What is the primary function of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF)?
Answer: To offer discounted tickets for shows of high cultural value.
Explanation: The primary function of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) is to support productions of high cultural value by offering tickets to the public at reduced prices.
The 'Save the Theatres' campaign, initiated in 1982, aimed to encourage the demolition of historic Broadway buildings for new development.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Save the Theatres' campaign, initiated in 1982, aimed to preserve historic Broadway theater buildings from demolition, not encourage it.
Broadway theatres were forced to close on March 12, 2020, due to the economic downturn following World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: Broadway theatres closed on March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not an economic downturn following World War II.
Most Broadway shows perform ten times a week, with Mondays typically being the main performance day.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most Broadway shows perform eight times a week, with Mondays typically being 'dark' days, not performance days.
The Broadway League is primarily responsible for awarding the Tony Awards.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Broadway League co-administers the Tony Awards with the American Theatre Wing, but is not solely responsible for awarding them.
The Shubert Organization, Nederlander Organization, and Disney Theatrical Group are the primary owners or managers of most Broadway theatres.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary owners or managers of most Broadway theatres are The Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization, and ATG Entertainment, not Disney Theatrical Group.
Star performers on Broadway commonly commit to runs of six months or longer, a trend that has remained consistent over time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Commitment lengths for star performers on Broadway have decreased, with 13-week runs becoming common, a shift from earlier trends of six months or longer.
The minimum size of a Broadway orchestra is determined solely by the producers' budget.
Answer: False
Explanation: The minimum size of a Broadway orchestra is determined by agreements between the musicians' union and The Broadway League, not solely by producers' budgets.
The duration of an open-ended run for a commercial Broadway production is primarily determined by the number of available theatre venues.
Answer: False
Explanation: The duration of an open-ended run is primarily determined by critical reception, audience engagement, and marketing effectiveness, which influence ticket sales and profitability, not by the number of available venues.
To keep a show running, producers might seek temporary reductions in royalties, and theatre owners may reduce rents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Producers may seek temporary reductions in royalties, and theatre owners may reduce rents, to help sustain a show's run.
"The Phantom of the Opera" holds the record for the longest-running show on Broadway, closing after over 15,000 performances.
Answer: False
Explanation: "The Phantom of the Opera" became the longest-running show on Broadway, eventually closing after 13,981 performances, not over 15,000.
TKTS booths offer same-day tickets for Broadway shows at full price, serving as a primary marketing tool.
Answer: False
Explanation: TKTS booths offer same-day tickets for Broadway shows at discounted prices, typically 20% to 50% off the regular price, not at full price.
Broadway theatres primarily use lotteries and student rates to discourage attendance and manage demand.
Answer: False
Explanation: Broadway theatres use lotteries and student rates as incentives to encourage attendance and maximize revenue, not to discourage it.
In the 2017-2018 season, the average age of a Broadway theatergoer was 40, the lowest average age in nearly two decades.
Answer: True
Explanation: The average age of a Broadway theatergoer in the 2017-2018 season was 40, representing the lowest average age in nearly two decades.
Productions that transfer from Off-Broadway to Broadway, like "Hamilton," often benefit from initial success and intimate staging to build a following.
Answer: True
Explanation: Productions transferring from Off-Broadway to Broadway, such as 'Hamilton,' often benefit from initial success and intimate staging to cultivate an audience before moving to larger venues.
"Bus and truck" tours are large-scale productions that travel with the original Broadway cast and crew.
Answer: False
Explanation: "Bus and truck" tours are scaled-down versions of national tours, often featuring reduced production values and catering to smaller cities, rather than traveling with the original cast and crew.
The Tony Awards are presented annually to honor achievements in film and television.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tony Awards honor achievements in Broadway theatre, not film and television.
The national television broadcast of the Tony Awards began in the 1950s, significantly increasing their prestige.
Answer: False
Explanation: The national television broadcast of the Tony Awards began in 1967, not the 1950s, and has since increased their prestige and public engagement.
The Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) primarily focuses on providing ticket purchasing information for current shows.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Internet Broadway Database (IBDB) provides comprehensive historical and factual information about Broadway theatres and productions, not primarily ticket purchasing information.
An asterisk (*) next to a closing date in theatre listings signifies that the theatre will remain vacant indefinitely.
Answer: False
Explanation: An asterisk (*) next to a closing date in theatre listings indicates that another production is already scheduled to follow in that venue.
The musical "Wicked" is currently playing at the Gershwin Theatre.
Answer: True
Explanation: The musical 'Wicked' is currently performing at the Gershwin Theatre.
The 'Save the Theatres' campaign, initiated in 1982, was primarily aimed at:
Answer: Preserving historic Broadway theater buildings from demolition.
Explanation: The 'Save the Theatres' campaign, initiated in 1982, was primarily aimed at preserving historic Broadway theater buildings from demolition.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic initially impact Broadway theatres?
Answer: Performances were suspended starting March 12, 2020.
Explanation: Broadway theatres were initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the suspension of performances starting March 12, 2020.
What is The Broadway League's role in the industry?
Answer: It is a trade organization for producers and theatre owners.
Explanation: The Broadway League serves as a trade organization representing producers and theatre owners, promoting Broadway, negotiating labor contracts, and co-administering the Tony Awards.
Which three organizations are identified as the primary owners or managers of most Broadway theatres?
Answer: The Shubert Organization, Nederlander Organization, and ATG Entertainment
Explanation: The primary owners or managers of most Broadway theatres are identified as The Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization, and ATG Entertainment.
What trend has been observed regarding the commitment length of star performers on Broadway?
Answer: Commitments have decreased, with 13-week runs becoming common.
Explanation: A trend observed regarding star performers on Broadway is a decrease in commitment length, with 13-week runs becoming increasingly common.
How do TKTS booths contribute to Broadway accessibility?
Answer: By providing same-day tickets at discounted prices.
Explanation: TKTS booths contribute to Broadway accessibility by providing same-day tickets at discounted prices, typically ranging from 20% to 50% off the regular price.
What does an asterisk (*) next to a closing date in theatre listings signify?
Answer: Another production is already scheduled to follow.
Explanation: An asterisk (*) next to a closing date in theatre listings signifies that another production is already scheduled to follow in that venue.
The musical "Hamilton" is currently being performed at which theatre?
Answer: Richard Rodgers Theatre
Explanation: The musical 'Hamilton' is currently being performed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
What is the current production at the Ambassador Theatre?
Answer: Chicago
Explanation: The current production at the Ambassador Theatre is the musical 'Chicago'.
Which of the following musicals is currently playing at the August Wilson Theatre?
Answer: Cabaret
Explanation: The musical 'Cabaret' is currently playing at the August Wilson Theatre.
What is the primary purpose of 'bus and truck' tours in the context of Broadway national tours?
Answer: To offer scaled-down versions of tours for smaller cities.
Explanation: The primary purpose of 'bus and truck' tours is to offer scaled-down versions of national tours, often catering to smaller cities and featuring reduced production values.
How has the national television broadcast of the Tony Awards influenced the ceremony since it began in 1967?
Answer: It increased the ceremony's importance and led to celebrity hosts.
Explanation: The national television broadcast of the Tony Awards, beginning in 1967, has increased the ceremony's importance and led to the inclusion of celebrity hosts to enhance public engagement.