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Marvin's Room (play) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Marvin's Room: A Comprehensive Study of Scott McPherson's Play

Cheat Sheet:
Marvin's Room: A Comprehensive Study of Scott McPherson's Play Study Guide

Playwright, Genesis, and Thematic Core

The play *Marvin's Room* was authored by the American writer Scott McPherson.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explicitly states that the play *Marvin's Room* was written by American writer Scott McPherson.

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Central themes in *Marvin's Room* include family, cancer, death, and sister relationships.

Answer: True

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* explicitly addresses themes such as family, cancer, death, and sister relationships, alongside humor.

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The primary geographical setting for *Marvin's Room* is 1980s California.

Answer: False

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* is set in 1990s Florida, USA, not 1980s California.

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Scott McPherson's personal experiences, including caring for older relatives and his partner who died from AIDS, significantly influenced the play.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scott McPherson's experiences caring for older relatives and his partner, Daniel Sotomayor, who died from AIDS, are cited as deep influences on *Marvin's Room*.

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Scott McPherson died at the age of 45 from a sudden illness unrelated to AIDS.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scott McPherson passed away in 1992 at the age of 33 due to complications from AIDS, not 45 from an unrelated illness.

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The play *Marvin's Room* was originally written in French before being translated to English.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original language of *Marvin's Room* was English, not French.

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Who is the author of the play *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: Scott McPherson

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* was written by the American writer Scott McPherson.

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Which of the following is NOT a primary theme addressed in *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: Space exploration

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* addresses themes such as family, cancer, death, and sister relationships, but not space exploration.

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What is the geographical setting for the play *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: 1990s Florida, USA

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* is set in 1990s Florida, USA.

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What personal experience profoundly influenced Scott McPherson's writing of *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: His experiences caring for older relatives and his partner who died from AIDS

Explanation: Scott McPherson's experiences caring for older relatives and his partner, Daniel Sotomayor, who died from AIDS, deeply influenced his writing of *Marvin's Room*.

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What was the fate of Scott McPherson, the playwright of *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: He died in 1992 at the age of 33 from AIDS.

Explanation: Scott McPherson passed away in 1992 at the age of 33 due to complications from AIDS.

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What is the original language of the play *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: English

Explanation: The original language of *Marvin's Room* was English.

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Narrative Arc and Character Dynamics

At the beginning of the play, Bessie is responsible for caring for her bedridden father and eccentric Aunt Ruth.

Answer: True

Explanation: The synopsis establishes Bessie as a strong-willed woman who cares for her bedridden father and eccentric Aunt Ruth.

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Bessie is diagnosed with a rare heart condition that requires immediate surgery.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, a type of cancer, not a rare heart condition.

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Lee visits Bessie to be tested as a potential bone marrow donor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lee's visit is prompted by Bessie's leukemia diagnosis, with Lee intending to be tested as a possible bone marrow donor.

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The initial reunion between Bessie and Lee is characterized as warm and immediately understanding.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial reunion between Bessie and Lee is described as uncomfortable and aggravated by Lee's sons.

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The sisters Bessie and Lee eventually reach an understanding about the importance of family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The narrative concludes with Bessie and Lee confronting their issues and achieving an understanding about the significance of family.

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What medical diagnosis does Bessie receive in *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: Leukemia

Explanation: Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, a type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow.

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Why does Bessie's estranged sister, Lee, come to visit her?

Answer: To be tested as a possible bone marrow donor for Bessie.

Explanation: Lee visits Bessie to be tested as a possible bone marrow donor following Bessie's leukemia diagnosis.

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What is Bessie's relationship to Lee in the play *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: Estranged sister

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* tells the story of Bessie and her estranged sister, Lee.

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What is Bessie's role in her family at the beginning of the play's synopsis?

Answer: She is a strong-willed woman caring for her bedridden father and eccentric Aunt Ruth.

Explanation: At the outset of the play's synopsis, Bessie is depicted as a strong-willed woman who cares for her bedridden father and her eccentric Aunt Ruth.

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The initial reunion between Bessie and Lee is characterized as:

Answer: Uncomfortable and aggravated by Lee's sons

Explanation: The initial reunion between Bessie and Lee is described as uncomfortable, further aggravated by the difficult behavior of Lee's two sons.

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Production History: Major Stage Revivals

*Marvin's Room* first premiered in New York City in 1990.

Answer: False

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* premiered in 1990 at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, not New York City.

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*Marvin's Room* had its Off-Broadway run at the Minetta Lane Theater before playing at Playwrights Horizons.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* played at Playwrights Horizons first, from November 1991 to February 1992, and then re-opened Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theater in March 1992.

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The play *Marvin's Room* was performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, from September to October 1992.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that *Marvin's Room* was staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, during September and October 1992.

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The London performance of *Marvin's Room* in 1993 was exclusively at the Comedy Theatre.

Answer: False

Explanation: In London in 1993, *Marvin's Room* was first performed at the Hampstead Theatre and then transferred to the Comedy Theatre for a short run, meaning it was not exclusively at the Comedy Theatre.

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The play *Marvin's Room* had a Broadway production that ran for only two weeks in 2017.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2017 Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* ran from June 8 to August 27, which is longer than two weeks.

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In what year did *Marvin's Room* first premiere?

Answer: 1990

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* premiered in 1990 at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

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When did *Marvin's Room* have its Broadway production?

Answer: 2017

Explanation: A Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* ran from June 8 to August 27, 2017.

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In which city did *Marvin's Room* premiere?

Answer: Chicago

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* premiered in 1990 at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

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Which theater hosted the Off-Broadway re-opening of *Marvin's Room* in March 1992?

Answer: Minetta Lane Theater

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* re-opened Off-Broadway at the Minetta Lane Theater in March 1992.

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In what year did *Marvin's Room* play at the Tiffany Theater in Los Angeles?

Answer: 1994

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* played in Los Angeles at the Tiffany Theater in 1994.

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The 2017 Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* was presented by which theater company?

Answer: Roundabout Theatre Company

Explanation: The 2017 Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* was staged by the Roundabout Theatre Company.

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When did *Marvin's Room* have a run at The Hartford Stage?

Answer: November 1990

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* commenced its run at The Hartford Stage in November 1990.

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Noteworthy Cast and Creative Personnel

David Petrarca directed the premiere production of *Marvin's Room* at the Goodman Theatre Studio.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Petrarca is credited as the director for the premiere production of *Marvin's Room* at the Goodman Theatre Studio in Chicago.

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The 2017 Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* was directed by David Petrarca.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2017 Broadway production of *Marvin's Room* was directed by Anne Kauffman, not David Petrarca.

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Laura Esterman played Bessie Wakefield in the 1990 Goodman Theatre and 1991-92 Off-Broadway productions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Laura Esterman is confirmed to have played Bessie Wakefield in the 1990 Goodman Theatre and 1991-92 Off-Broadway productions, among others.

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Alison Steadman portrayed Bessie Wakefield in the 1994 Los Angeles production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mary Steenburgen played Bessie Wakefield in the 1994 Los Angeles production, not Alison Steadman, who was in the 1992 West End cast.

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Lili Taylor was cast as Bessie Wakefield in the 2017 Broadway production.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lili Taylor is listed as the actress cast in the role of Bessie Wakefield for the 2017 Broadway production.

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Lee Guthrie played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 2017 Broadway cast.

Answer: False

Explanation: Janeane Garofalo played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 2017 Broadway cast, while Lee Guthrie was in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast.

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Celia Weston played Aunt Ruth in the 2017 Broadway production.

Answer: True

Explanation: Celia Weston is confirmed to have played Aunt Ruth in the 2017 Broadway production.

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Jane MacIver played Aunt Ruth in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jane MacIver is listed as playing Aunt Ruth in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast.

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Mark Rosenthal played Hank in the 2017 Broadway production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jack DiFalco played Hank in the 2017 Broadway production, not Mark Rosenthal, who was in earlier productions.

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The 2017 Broadway cast included Janeane Garofalo, Lili Taylor, Jack DiFalco, and Celia Weston.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2017 Broadway cast of *Marvin's Room* is confirmed to have included Janeane Garofalo, Lili Taylor, Jack DiFalco, and Celia Weston.

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Mary Steenburgen played Bessie Wakefield in the 1994 Los Angeles production.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Steenburgen is confirmed to have played Bessie Wakefield in the 1994 Los Angeles production.

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Janet Zarish played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 1991-92 Off-Broadway cast.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lisa Emery portrayed Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 1991-92 Off-Broadway cast, while Janet Zarish was in the 1990 Hartford Stage cast.

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David Petrarca directed the production of *Marvin's Room* at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Petrarca is confirmed to have directed the production of *Marvin's Room* at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

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Who directed the premiere production of *Marvin's Room* at the Goodman Theatre Studio in Chicago?

Answer: David Petrarca

Explanation: David Petrarca directed the premiere production of *Marvin's Room* at the Goodman Theatre Studio in Chicago.

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Who played the character of Bessie Wakefield in the 2017 Broadway production?

Answer: Lili Taylor

Explanation: Lili Taylor was cast as Bessie Wakefield in the 2017 Broadway production.

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Which actress played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 2017 Broadway cast?

Answer: Janeane Garofalo

Explanation: Janeane Garofalo played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 2017 Broadway cast.

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Who played Aunt Ruth in the 2017 Broadway production?

Answer: Celia Weston

Explanation: Celia Weston played Aunt Ruth in the 2017 Broadway production.

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Who played Hank in the 2017 Broadway production?

Answer: Jack DiFalco

Explanation: Jack DiFalco played Hank in the 2017 Broadway production.

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Who directed the Off-Broadway re-opening of *Marvin's Room* at the Minetta Lane Theater?

Answer: David Petrarca

Explanation: David Petrarca directed the Off-Broadway re-opening of *Marvin's Room* at the Minetta Lane Theater.

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Which actress played Bessie Wakefield in the 1992 West End cast?

Answer: Alison Steadman

Explanation: Alison Steadman portrayed Bessie Wakefield in the 1992 West End cast.

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Who played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast?

Answer: Lee Guthrie

Explanation: Lee Guthrie played Lee Wakefield Lacker in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast.

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Who played Aunt Ruth in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast?

Answer: Jane MacIver

Explanation: Jane MacIver played Aunt Ruth in the 1990 Goodman Theatre cast.

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Who played Hank in the 1992 West End cast?

Answer: Aiden Gillen

Explanation: Aiden Gillen played Hank in the 1992 West End cast.

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Cinematic Adaptation and Accolades

The play *Marvin's Room* was never adapted into a film.

Answer: False

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* was adapted into a film of the same name in 1996.

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John Guare adapted the play *Marvin's Room* for the screen.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Guare is credited with adapting the play *Marvin's Room* for its film rendition.

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Meryl Streep received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film adaptation of *Marvin's Room*.

Answer: False

Explanation: Diane Keaton, not Meryl Streep, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Bessie in the film adaptation of *Marvin's Room*.

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Was *Marvin's Room* adapted into a film?

Answer: Yes, in 1996.

Explanation: The play *Marvin's Room* was adapted into a film of the same name in 1996.

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Who adapted the play *Marvin's Room* for the screen?

Answer: John Guare

Explanation: John Guare adapted the play *Marvin's Room* for its film rendition.

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Which actress received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Bessie in the film adaptation of *Marvin's Room*?

Answer: Diane Keaton

Explanation: Diane Keaton was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Bessie in the film adaptation of *Marvin's Room*.

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Awards & Recognition

Laura Esterman won the 1991-1992 Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress for her role in *Marvin's Room*.

Answer: True

Explanation: Laura Esterman was awarded the 1991-1992 Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress for her role in *Marvin's Room*.

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*Marvin's Room* won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1992.

Answer: False

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* won the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, not the Tony Award for Best Play.

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Laura Esterman also won the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play.

Answer: True

Explanation: In addition to the Obie Award, Laura Esterman also received the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her performance in *Marvin's Room*.

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The New York Drama Critics' Circle awarded *Marvin's Room* the prize for Best American Play in 1992.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New York Drama Critics' Circle recognized *Marvin's Room* as a Runner-Up for Best American Play in 1992, not the outright winner.

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What major award did *Marvin's Room* win in 1992?

Answer: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* won the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.

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For what role did Laura Esterman win the 1991-1992 Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress?

Answer: Bessie Wakefield

Explanation: Laura Esterman won the 1991-1992 Obie Award for Distinguished Performance by an Actress for her role as Bessie Wakefield in *Marvin's Room*.

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What award did Laura Esterman win in 1992 for her performance in *Marvin's Room*, in addition to the Obie Award?

Answer: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play

Explanation: Laura Esterman also won the 1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her performance in *Marvin's Room*.

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*Marvin's Room* received a nomination as a Runner-Up for Best American Play from which organization in 1992?

Answer: The New York Drama Critics' Circle

Explanation: *Marvin's Room* was recognized as a Runner-Up for the Best American Play by the New York Drama Critics' Circle in 1992.

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