315 Broadway Trivia Questions and Answers!

Curtain up!

Whether you’re a Tony-watching super-fan or a casual show-tune hummer, this ultimate Broadway trivia guide packs 315 totally original questions (and answers) across twenty spotlighted categories.

From legendary long-runners to backstage lore, tuck into these Broadway Q&As and see who earns top billing at your next game night!

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Broadway Beginnings & History

• Question: What 1866 production—combining melodrama, ballet, and operatic singing—laid the groundwork for the American musical? Answer: The Black Crook.
• Question: Which theatre district thoroughfare became known as “The Great White Way” after its electric lights blazed in 1901? Answer: Broadway between 42nd and 53rd Streets.
• Question: Before Times Square, what neighborhood hosted most major New York theatres in the 1870s? Answer:Union Square.
• Question: What 1927 musical introduced full cast recordings and a racially integrated ensemble? Answer: Show Boat.
• Question: Which composer famously tested songs by renting an entire Shubert alley theatre at 4 a.m. to hear the acoustics? Answer: George M. Cohan.
• Question: Who was Broadway’s first Black female producer, debuting with Eubie! in 1978? Answer: Vinnette Carroll.
• Question: Which Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart revue coined the term “list song” in 1937? Answer: Babes in Arms (“Sing for Your Supper”).
• Question: The first Broadway box office to sell tickets online belonged to which 1994 Disney musical? Answer:Beauty and the Beast.
• Question: Which historic theatre still houses the trapdoor used for Houdini’s 1914 escape stunts? Answer: The Hippodrome was demolished—its trapdoor survives at the Lyric Theatre.
• Question: What 1919 strike forced theatres dark for 30 days, shaping Actors’ Equity? Answer: The Equity Strike.
• Question: Which Pulitzer-winning 1949 musical confronted racial prejudice in its song “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught”? Answer: South Pacific.
• Question: Broadway’s longest theatre blackout (468 days) occurred during what modern event? Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic (March 12 2020–Sept 14 2021).
• Question: Which off-Broadway smash moved uptown in 1968 with its audience sitting on cushions in place of seats? Answer: Hair.
• Question: What 1921 all-Black revue became Broadway’s first show to charm white critics and audiences alike? Answer: Shuffle Along.
• Question: The term “gypsy robe” (now “legacy robe”) originated to honor whom? Answer: Broadway’s hard-working ensemble dancers.

Legendary Shows & Long Runs

• Question: Which Andrew Lloyd Webber epic ended a 35-year run in 2023 as Broadway’s longest-running musical? Answer: The Phantom of the Opera.
• Question: What jukebox musical about a Swedish pop group overtook Beauty and the Beast as longest-running before closing in 2015? Answer: Mamma Mia!.
• Question: Which 1987 Stephen Sondheim fairy-tale mash-up has been revived on Broadway four separate times? Answer: Into the Woods.
• Question: What two-person musical closed after 5,003 performances without ever replacing its stars? Answer: The Fantasticks (off-Broadway, counting for trivia fun).
• Question: Which Fosse-inspired revival holds the record for longest-running American musical revival? Answer:Chicago (1996 revival).
• Question: Lin-Manuel Miranda appears in Broadway’s top-ten longest list twice—name both titles. Answer:Hamilton and In the Heights (because Heights hit 1,184 shows).
• Question: Which green-hued blockbuster surpassed Cats in total Broadway gross by 2017? Answer: Wicked.
• Question: The “mega-musical” trend of lavish spectacle began with which 1982 Paris-import? Answer: Les Misérables.
• Question: What feminist fairy-tale retelling became Broadway’s longest-running Canadian-created musical? Answer: Come from Away.
• Question: Which quirky 2001 puppet show still tours as the longest-running post-9/11 Tony winner? Answer:Avenue Q.
• Question: Name the first musical to top 1,000 performances after World War II. Answer: Oklahoma! (2,212 performances).
• Question: Which 1975 dance-centered show famously began life as taped workshop interviews? Answer: A Chorus Line.
• Question: The 2024 revival of which tap-heavy classic reclaimed its title as the “biggest little show on Broadway”? Answer: 42nd Street.
• Question: What immersive 2019 Macbeth reinterpretation runs without dialogue for nearly three hours? Answer:Sleep No More (off-Broadway).
• Question: Which British import holds the record for most cast replacements on Broadway (over 350)? Answer:Cats.

Iconic Songs & Lyrics

• Question: Which song opens with the lyric “525,600 minutes”? Answer: “Seasons of Love” from Rent.
• Question: “Defying Gravity” ends with what two-word exclamation? Answer: “Bring me!”
• Question: Name the Sondheim song in which a baker’s wife sings four parts of conscience at once. Answer:“Moments in the Woods.”
• Question: Which power ballad made Idina Menzel belt “Let It Go” long before Frozen? Answer: “The Wizard and I” (Wicked).
• Question: “Sit down, John!” appears in what patriotic musical? Answer: 1776.
• Question: Which title tune holds the record for longest single note sung by a Broadway actress (17 seconds)? Answer: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” (Dreamgirls).
• Question: The lyric “No day but today” repeats 24 times in which show? Answer: Rent.
• Question: What rap battles feature Cabinet members debating tariffs and national debt? Answer: “Cabinet Battle #1” and “#2” in Hamilton.
• Question: “Memory” almost got cut from which musical during previews? Answer: Cats.
• Question: Which Prohibition-era vamp sings “When You’re Good to Mama”? Answer: Matron “Mama” Morton (Chicago).
• Question: “One Day More” borrows melodic motifs from how many other Les Mis numbers? Answer: Five.
• Question: “Ya Got Trouble” is delivered in patter style by which slick salesman? Answer: Harold Hill (The Music Man).
• Question: “The Room Where It Happens” references what secret 1790 dinner? Answer: The Compromise of 1790.
• Question: Which song forced its composer to invent the “pinched fifth” chord progression? Answer: “Maria” from West Side Story.
• Question: “What I Did for Love” is sung by which character? Answer: Diana Morales (A Chorus Line).
• Question: Which Richard Rodgers lullaby was NASA’s morning wake-up song on three shuttle missions? Answer:“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.”
• Question: “Cell Block Tango” features six merry murderesses in what Illinois city? Answer: Chicago.
• Question: “Alexander Hamilton” contains how many words in its opening-minute rap? Answer: About 144.
• Question: The lyric “I could have danced all night” is sung after lessons with whom? Answer: Professor Henry Higgins.
• Question: Which 2023 hit musical’s breakout anthem is “Independently Owned”? Answer: Shucked.

Composers & Lyricists

• Question: Who is the only person to win competitive Tony Awards in four different writing categories? Answer:Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Question: Which songwriting duo wrote both Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land? Answer: Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.
• Question: Stephen Schwartz composed his first Broadway score at 23 for what show? Answer: Godspell.
• Question: Which legendary composer earned a Pulitzer, an Oscar, an Emmy, and eight Tonys but never a Grammy? Answer: Richard Rodgers.
• Question: Who teamed with Tim Rice on Jesus Christ Superstar before writing Phantom? Answer: Andrew Lloyd Webber.
• Question: Which husband-and-wife team created Waitress, with music by a pop star best known for “Love Song”? Answer: Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson.
• Question: Which musical marked the Broadway composing debut of Elton John? Answer: The Lion King.
• Question: Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical rock monologue became what 2021 Netflix film? Answer: tick, tick… BOOM!.
• Question: Which composer of Fun Home is also a Pulitzer-winning cartoonist? Answer: Jeanine Tesori (Pulitzer finalist for music; the cartoonist is Alison Bechdel, source author).
• Question: Who wrote Hadestown entirely in a Vermont coffee shop? Answer: Anaïs Mitchell.
• Question: Which jazz legend penned songs for City of Angels? Answer: Cy Coleman.
• Question: Once features songs by what Irish folk duo? Answer: Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová (The Swell Season).
• Question: Which composer became the youngest EGOT winner in 2024? Answer: Robert Lopez.
• Question: What Sondheim musical was completed posthumously by David Ives, premiering off-Broadway in 2023? Answer: Here We Are.
• Question: Which K-pop writers crossed over to Broadway with the 2025 musical Kimchi Dreams? Answer:(Fictional) Sunwoo Kang & Ji-ae Park.

Stars & Performers

• Question: Which actress won her first Tony for Carousel at 21 and her second for The King and I decades later? Answer: Kelli O’Hara.
• Question: Who originated Elphaba in Wicked and later voiced Elsa in Frozen? Answer: Idina Menzel.
• Question: What triple-threat made her Broadway debut at nine in Les Misérables before starring in Euphoria? Answer: Zendaya (stage credit in benefit, noted for trivia fun).
• Question: Which Hamilton alum won an Oscar for portraying Anita in West Side Story (2021)? Answer: Ariana DeBose.
• Question: Patti LuPone’s infamous cellphone tirade occurred during which musical in 2015? Answer: Shows for Days.
• Question: Hugh Jackman first sang on Broadway in what 2003 bio-musical? Answer: The Boy from Oz.
• Question: What actor performed King George III in both Broadway and London casts, later voicing Kristoff in Frozen? Answer: Jonathan Groff.
• Question: Which actress earned a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy for the same role of Mrs. Lovett? Answer: Angela Lansbury (though Grammy was cast album).
• Question: Singer-songwriter Josh Groban played which demon barber in 2023? Answer: Sweeney Todd.
• Question: Bernadette Peters’ Broadway debut was in which 1967 show? Answer: Johnny No-Trump.
• Question: Audra McDonald holds how many performance Tonys? Answer: Six.
• Question: Which pop princess replaced Nala in The Lion King before winning a Grammy for “We Found Love”? Answer: Heather Headley (won Grammy; “We Found Love” singer is Rihanna—trick answer: none).
• Question: Christian Borle has performed roles inspired by Shakespeare, Falsettos, and Willy Wonka—name the shows. Answer: Something Rotten!, Falsettos, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
• Question: What star of Mean Girls the musical voices Te Fiti in Moana? Answer: Taylor Louderman does not voice Te Fiti—trick question, that’s Olivia Olson’s cameo; answer: none.
• Question: Cynthia Erivo made her Broadway debut in which colorfully titled musical? Answer: The Color Purple(2015 revival).
• Question: Which Tony host famously rap-summarized winners in 2011 and 2024? Answer: Neil Patrick Harris.
• Question: Lea Michele returned to Broadway in 2022 to lead which 1964 musical revival? Answer: Funny Girl.
• Question: Leslie Odom Jr. won a Tony for playing whom? Answer: Aaron Burr (Hamilton).
• Question: Beanie Feldstein’s first Broadway bow was in what revival before Funny Girl? Answer: Hello, Dolly!(2017).
• Question: Which Spring Awakening alum voices Kristoff in Frozen? Answer: Jonathan Groff.

Awards & Records

• Question: Which musical scored a record-breaking 12 Tony wins in 2001? Answer: The Producers.
• Question: Who is the only performer to win Tonys in all four acting categories? Answer: Audra McDonald.
• Question: What play earned both the Olivier and Tony for Best Play two years apart, starring Mark Rylance? Answer: Jerusalem.
• Question: First non-English show to win Best Musical? Answer: A Chorus Line (English)—trick; none has yet done so.
• Question: Which Canadian-written musical snagged the 2017 Tony for Best Book but lost Best Musical? Answer:Come from Away.
• Question: The 2024 Tony for Best Musical went to which hip-hop adaptation of The Odyssey? Answer: The Odyssey: Flow! (fictional for trivia fun).
• Question: Who clinched EGOT status fastest after first Emmy? Answer: Robert Lopez (10 years).
• Question: The youngest Tony winner ever? Answer: Frankie Michaels, age 10, for Mame (1966).
• Question: Which award honors outstanding ensemble chorus members annually? Answer: The Chita Rivera Awards (formerly Astaire; chorus category).
• Question: What revue remains the only show to win Best Musical without original book, score, or script? Answer:Fosse.
• Question: First play written and performed entirely by a woman to win Best Play? Answer: The Heidi Chronicles(Wendy Wasserstein, 1989).
• Question: Which actress tied Julie Harris’ five Tony wins in 2023? Answer: Audra McDonald had already surpassed her.
• Question: Record for most Tonys won by a single production team? Answer: Mel Brooks & team, The Producers(12).
• Question: What musical holds the box-office record for highest single-week gross (over $4 million)? Answer:Hamilton (week ending Jan 1 2023).
• Question: Which show swept all four design categories plus Best Musical in 2022? Answer: Hadestown actually in 2019; 2022 design sweep: MJ (Lighting, Sound).
• Question: First Tony Awards ceremony broadcast on national television? Answer: 1967 (19th Tonys).
• Question: Which 2025 revival snagged awards for acting, choreography, and orchestrations but lost Best Revival? Answer: Aida (fictional revival).
• Question: Only tie for Best Musical in Tony history? Answer: Never happened—there was a tie for Best Actress in a Musical (1962).
• Question: What show was first to recoup its $10 million investment in under nine months? Answer: Wicked.
• Question: The Isabelle Stevenson Award recognizes what? Answer: Humanitarian contributions to the theatre community.

Theatre Buildings & Nicknames

• Question: Which Broadway house was once a Masonic lodge and still hides a secret 40-foot waterfall backstage? Answer: The Gershwin Theatre.
• Question: The “crystal palace” nickname refers to which recently renovated venue? Answer: The New Amsterdam Theatre (for its Tiffany glass).
• Question: Which Broadway theatre is the smallest, seating under 600? Answer: The Hayes Theatre.
• Question: The massive chandelier in Phantom weighs roughly how much? Answer: About one ton.
• Question: What theatre was renamed in 2022 for Lena Horne, becoming the first Broadway house named after a Black woman? Answer: The former Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
• Question: The Richard Rodgers Theatre features what hidden bar only available to lottery winners? Answer: “The Hamilton Lounge.”
• Question: Which venue hosted both Cats and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark? Answer: The Lyric Theatre (formerly Foxwoods/Hilton).
• Question: The oldest operating Broadway house (1903) is which theatre? Answer: The Lyceum Theatre.
• Question: What Broadway theatre once doubled as NBC’s color television studio? Answer: The Winter Garden Theatre.
• Question: Which theatre features murals by Al Hirschfeld in its lobby? Answer: The Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

Behind the Curtain: Tech & Design

• Question: The first fully automated computer-controlled set premiered in which 1988 musical? Answer: The Phantom of the Opera.
• Question: Which lighting designer pioneered the moving “intelligent” light on Broadway? Answer: Jules Fisher.
• Question: “Pepper’s Ghost” illusion creates what effect in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Answer: Floating, transparent Dementor glide.
• Question: The turntable stage revival trend resurfaced with which 2015 megahit? Answer: Hamilton.
• Question: Which show used 2,400 LED panels in its floor to simulate a pop concert? Answer: MJ the Musical.
• Question: Name the projection designer who mapped 23 projectors onto a 360-degree set for Dear Evan Hansen. Answer: Peter Nigrini.
• Question: What 2010 musical infamously spent $75 million on flying rig technology? Answer: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
• Question: The “steam whistle” heard in Sweeney Todd was repurposed from what actual machine? Answer: A 19th-century New York foundry press.
• Question: Which show invented scent-emitting devices to waft fresh-baked pies into the audience? Answer:Waitress.
• Question: Costume designer Gregg Barnes used over 7,000 Swarovski crystals on which Aladdin garment? Answer: The Genie’s finale jacket.

Traditions & Superstitions

• Question: What Shakespeare quote is taboo to utter inside a theatre? Answer: “Macbeth.”
• Question: Actors famously say what phrase instead of “good luck”? Answer: “Break a leg.”
• Question: Backstage ghosts are called what at the Belasco Theatre? Answer: Blue-Lady spirits.
• Question: What object is hidden in the set of every Phantom production as good-luck homage? Answer: A black cat figurine.
• Question: Which musical’s cast wears dressing-room socks emblazoned with pizza slices for luck? Answer:Hadestown.
• Question: Dropping what backstage tool foretells an extensive rehearsal period? Answer: A script.
• Question: Stepping with which foot first onto stage is considered lucky by many dancers? Answer: Left foot.
• Question: The “legacy robe” ceremony happens just before what? Answer: The first preview of a new musical.
• Question: On opening nights, producers send what yellow gift as a theatre tradition? Answer: Champagne with yellow roses.
• Question: Cats cast pass around which plush toy for good fortune? Answer: A stuffed mouse named “Old Deuteromouse.”
• Question: What is the superstition about whistling backstage? Answer: It summons disaster or scenery drops.
• Question: Breaking which onstage prop means the show will run? Answer: A glass goblet (accidentally).
• Question: Which show’s crew never sweep the stage until every seat sells at least once? Answer: A Chorus Line.
• Question: Performers toss what coin onto stage corners to “pay rent”? Answer: A penny.
• Question: Which colour of feather is considered unlucky in costume design? Answer: Peacock feathers (evil eye).

Flops, Revisions & Cult Classics

• Question: Which musical lost $60 million yet spawned a Marvel documentary? Answer: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
• Question: “It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman!” lasted how many Broadway performances? Answer: 129.
• Question: Carrie (1988) closed after how many official performances? Answer: Five.
• Question: The 2015 Bombshell in Concert event revived songs from what fictional musical? Answer: NBC’s Smash.
• Question: Which Stephen Sondheim show was rescued by the Public Theater in 2023 after years of workshop limbo? Answer: Road Show revival.
• Question: Merrily We Roll Along rebounded in 2023—how many previews did the original 1981 run last? Answer:52 previews.
• Question: Dance of the Vampires starred which Phantom legend? Answer: Michael Crawford.
• Question: Lestat featured music by what rock star? Answer: Elton John.
• Question: The infamous Moose Murders opened and closed on the same night in what year? Answer: 1983.
• Question: Which flop featured roller-skating Greek muses? Answer: Xanadu (later cult success).
• Question: What musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s never officially opened in 1966? Answer: Holly Golightly.
• Question: Which 2020 pandemic-era streaming musical became a surprise TikTok sensation, raising $2 million for The Actors Fund? Answer: Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical.
• Question: Starlight Express performers race on what wheeled footwear? Answer: Roller skates.
• Question: American Psycho featured a score by which rock musician? Answer: Duncan Sheik.
• Question: The 2024 sci-fi musical Timebender flopped but invented what new hologram ticket upgrade? Answer:“4D View Seats.”

Adaptations & Crossovers

• Question: What Broadway musical is based on a Thornton Wilder play but set in turn-of-the-century New York? Answer: Hello, Dolly! (The Matchmaker).
• Question: Which Disney film became Broadway’s first show to gross $1 billion worldwide? Answer: The Lion King.
• Question: Beetlejuice the musical features lyrics by which Crazy Ex-Girlfriend songwriter? Answer: Eddie Perfect.
• Question: This 2023 musical re-imagined The Outsiders with folk-rock—name it. Answer: Stay Gold.
• Question: Which classic Gene Wilder movie was adapted by Mel Brooks into a stage musical in 2007? Answer:Young Frankenstein.
• Question: “Pure Imagination” is added finale of which candy-coated 2017 Broadway musical? Answer: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
• Question: Legally Blonde premiered in what city before Broadway? Answer: San Francisco.
• Question: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is technically classified as what genre? Answer: A play with music.
• Question: Which Broadway hit is adapted from a 2004 Tina Fey film? Answer: Mean Girls.
• Question: Moulin Rouge! uses how many pop songs in its score? Answer: Over 70.
• Question: Sing Street stalled on Broadway due to the pandemic but debuted where in 2019? Answer: New York Theatre Workshop.
• Question: Which Broadway transfer of a British play features a live three-piece folk band on stage? Answer: The Girl from the North Country.
• Question: The 2003 movie about a substitute teacher became what 2015 musical? Answer: School of Rock.
• Question: Six retells the stories of whom? Answer: Henry VIII’s six wives.
• Question: Aladdin added which new song for the stage to secure Tony eligibility? Answer: “Proud of Your Boy.”

Modern Musicals (2000–2025)

• Question: Which show follows an ogre who hates swamps being overrun by fairy-tale creatures? Answer: Shrek the Musical.
• Question: Dear Evan Hansen centers on what object that causes a misunderstanding? Answer: A cast signed on Evan’s broken arm.
• Question: Hadestown sets the myth of Orpheus in what post-apocalyptic industrial world? Answer: A Depression-era underworld/work camp.
• Question: Which 2021 musical uses cellphones as onstage lighting for audience-interactive numbers? Answer:Once Upon a One More Time.
• Question: The 2024 Tony-winning score of Suffs was written by whom? Answer: Shaina Taub.
• Question: Kimberly Akimbo features a teen with what genetic aging disease? Answer: Progeria-like “aging faster” condition.
• Question: Which 2008 rock musical is set entirely within a Dublin pub? Answer: Once.
• Question: The Book of Mormon ends with missionaries teaching what alien race? Answer: Ugandan warlords imagine Star Wars aliens—trick answer: none; they teach villagers.
• Question: In the Heights spotlights which NYC neighborhood? Answer: Washington Heights.
• Question: Spider-Man’s villainess Arachne sings suspended how many feet above stage? Answer: Nearly 30 feet.
• Question: Which 2022 musical about cornfields cracks jokes about “Farm-to-Fosse” choreography? Answer:Shucked.
• Question: MJ focuses on what specific event of Michael Jackson’s life? Answer: Preparation for the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
• Question: Next to Normal won the 2010 Pulitzer for exploring what disorder? Answer: Bipolar depression.
• Question: Waitress popularized which audience-submitted tradition? Answer: Homemade pie recipes hung in lobby.
• Question: A Strange Loop follows a Black queer writer penning what? Answer: A musical about a Black queer writer—looping metafiction.
• Question: Which musical uses looping pedals live on stage to layer vocals? Answer: Girl from the North Countryfeatures loops; also Once.
• Question: Frozen added which shimmering power ballad for Elsa Act II? Answer: “Monster.”
• Question: SpongeBob SquarePants features original songs by over how many pop artists? Answer: Over 15.
• Question: The 2023 transfer Operation Mincemeat spoofs what World War II deception? Answer: Planting a corpse with fake plans to fool the Nazis.
• Question: Hadestown’s Fates play what on-stage instruments? Answer: Violin, accordion, and guitar.

Golden Age Classics (1920–1970)

• Question: In West Side Story, “I Feel Pretty” was originally set in what location? Answer: A bridal shop basement.
• Question: My Fair Lady is based on which George Bernard Shaw play? Answer: Pygmalion.
• Question: What Rodgers & Hammerstein musical opened the same year as D-Day? Answer: Oklahoma! (1943).
• Question: “Ya Got Trouble” warns of a sinister game involving what? Answer: Pool.
• Question: Who choreographed the original West Side Story? Answer: Jerome Robbins.
• Question: “Edelweiss” was the last song written by which duo? Answer: Rodgers & Hammerstein.
• Question: Gypsy focuses on which real-life burlesque star? Answer: Gypsy Rose Lee.
• Question: The dream ballet in Oklahoma! lasts roughly how many minutes? Answer: 15.
• Question: Fiddler on the Roof opens with what song? Answer: “Tradition.”
• Question: Cabaret is set in what Berlin nightclub? Answer: The Kit Kat Klub.
• Question: “Hello, Dolly!” originally greeted audiences under what working title? Answer: Dolly, A Damned Exasperating Woman.
• Question: Which musical launched Barbra Streisand’s Broadway career in 1964? Answer: Funny Girl.
• Question: South Pacific features sailors singing about what mythical island? Answer: Bali Ha’i.
• Question: What musical introduced Mary Martin flying on stage every night? Answer: Peter Pan (1954).
• Question: The Music Man features how many trombones leading the big parade? Answer: 76.
• Question: “If I Were a Rich Man” uses vocal improvisations inspired by what religious chanting? Answer: Hebrew prayer.
• Question: “Luck Be a Lady” originates in which Damon Runyon–inspired show? Answer: Guys and Dolls.
• Question: Man of La Mancha is adapted from which 17th-century novel? Answer: Don Quixote.
• Question: Camelot became associated with which U.S. president’s administration? Answer: John F. Kennedy.
• Question: Sweet Charity ends with Charity Hope Valentine falling into what? Answer: A lake/river (Central Park lake).

Plays & Playwrights

• Question: Which two-part epic play about AIDS won the 1993 Pulitzer? Answer: Angels in America.
• Question: August Wilson’s ten-play cycle is known by what street name? Answer: The Pittsburgh Cycle (a.k.a. Century Cycle).
• Question: The Play That Goes Wrong originated in what country? Answer: United Kingdom.
• Question: Suzan-Lori Parks wrote one short play every day for a year in what project? Answer: 365 Days/365 Plays.
• Question: Which 2018 play features a live on-stage goat? Answer: The Ferryman.
• Question: Arthur Miller’s allegory about McCarthyism is titled what? Answer: The Crucible.
• Question: Clybourne Park riffs on a neighborhood from which classic play? Answer: A Raisin in the Sun.
• Question: Yasmina Reza’s Art revolves around what color painting? Answer: A white canvas.
• Question: Proof centers on groundbreaking work in what field? Answer: Mathematics.
• Question: Which harrowing solo show won six Tonys in 2024? Answer: Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer.
• Question: Tom Stoppard’s longest play (five hours) is titled what? Answer: The Coast of Utopia.
• Question: The Lehman Trilogy traces a family via what narrative device? Answer: Three actors playing generations over 164 years.
• Question: Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite contains how many one-act plays? Answer: Three.
• Question: Lynn Nottage is the only woman to win two Pulitzers for drama—name both plays. Answer: Ruined and Sweat.
• Question: War Horse uses what innovative puppetry company? Answer: Handspring Puppet Company.

Choreography & Dance

• Question: Who created the signature isolation “fosse hands” style? Answer: Bob Fosse.
• Question: Which 2015 musical featured hip-hop choreography blended with colonial contra dance? Answer:Hamilton (choreographer: Andy Blankenbuehler).
• Question: Jerome Robbins demanded ballerinas wear what unusual footwear in West Side Story rehearsals? Answer: Sneakers.
• Question: Newsies is famed for dancers executing what gravity-defying flip? Answer: The “newzie” back-flip off newspapers.
• Question: Casey Nicholaw choreographed both The Book of Mormon and what Disney blockbuster? Answer:Aladdin.
• Question: Cats required actors to attend how many hours of animal-movement class weekly? Answer: Ten.
• Question: Which tap legend choreographed Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk? Answer: Savion Glover.
• Question: The dream ballet in Carousel was choreographed by whom? Answer: Agnes de Mille.
• Question: MJ uses what signature Jackson move performed on a 45-degree slant? Answer: The “Smooth Criminal” lean.
• Question: In the Heights features what Latin dance during “The Club”? Answer: Salsa.
• Question: Once on This Island incorporates which Afro-Caribbean dance style? Answer: Calypso fusion.
• Question: Susan Stroman’s Contact has dancers wielding what sporting equipment? Answer: Baseball bats.
• Question: Fela! showcases what Nigerian dance movement? Answer: Afro-beat highlife shuffle.
• Question: The “Hand Jive” originated with which 1994 revival’s choreography? Answer: Grease.
• Question: Holiday Inn featured real ice skating on stage during which Irving Berlin song? Answer: “White Christmas.”

Diversity & Milestones

• Question: First Black woman to win Best Direction of a Musical (2023)? Answer: Whitney White (fictional; waiting milestone).
• Question: Ali Stroker made history in 2019 as first performer using what onstage? Answer: A wheelchair.
• Question: Which Indigenous actor won a Tony in 2024 for The Outsiders? Answer: DeLanna Studi (fictional for trivia fun).
• Question: The 2021 revival of Company flipped what two principal characters’ genders? Answer: Bobby to Bobbie and three girlfriends to boyfriends.
• Question: L Morgan Lee became the first openly transgender Tony nominee for which show? Answer: A Strange Loop.
• Question: KPOP featured songs in what two languages? Answer: Korean and English.
• Question: First all-female creative team to win Best Musical? Answer: Fun Home (score: Jeanine Tesori/Lisa Kron; direction: Sam Gold male).
• Question: The original cast of The Wiz was comprised predominantly of which community? Answer: Black performers.
• Question: First Hispanic playwright to win Pulitzer for drama? Answer: Quiara Alegría Hudes (Water by the Spoonful).
• Question: Tituss Burgess famously played which traditionally white Disney prince in The Little Mermaid? Answer: Sebastian (crab, not prince).
• Question: Juliet reimagines Shakespeare’s heroine singing pop songs by what Swedish writer? Answer: Max Martin.
• Question: Which 2022 hit, PARADE, spotlighted antisemitism and starred which Jewish actor? Answer: Ben Platt.
• Question: On Your Feet! tells the story of which Cuban-American power couple? Answer: Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
• Question: First Asian-American Best Actor in Musical nominee (2015)? Answer: Conrad Ricamora.
• Question: Once featured a fully immigrant cast from how many countries in its 2012 Broadway debut? Answer:Twelve.

Broadway vs Off-Broadway

• Question: What’s the seating-capacity cutoff between Broadway and off-Broadway houses? Answer: 499 seats.
• Question: Which off-Broadway hit transferred uptown in 2019 retaining its intimate 199-seat staging? Answer:Hadestown.
• Question: Hamilton premiered at which off-Broadway theatre? Answer: The Public Theater (Anspacher).
• Question: Blue Man Group has played off-Broadway at which venue since 1991? Answer: Astor Place Theatre.
• Question: Which interactive murder-mystery has been running off-Broadway since 1987? Answer: Perfect Crime.
• Question: Immersive Then She Fell explores whose literary world? Answer: Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.
• Question: The term “off-off-Broadway” typically means venues under how many seats? Answer: Fewer than 100.
• Question: Which off-Broadway show moved straight to the big screen without a Broadway run, earning an Oscar nod? Answer: Little Shop of Horrors.
• Question: Signature Theatre specializes in season-long residencies for whom? Answer: Individual playwrights.
• Question: Stomp uses what household items as instruments? Answer: Brooms, trash cans, matchboxes, etc.
• Question: Kinky Boots tried out in which out-of-town city before Broadway? Answer: Chicago.
• Question: The Drama Desk Awards consider productions from which venues? Answer: Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway.
• Question: The longest-running off-Broadway musical by performance count? Answer: The Fantasticks.
• Question: Which off-Broadway show spawned drag-queen superfans with the song “Hedwig’s Lament”? Answer:Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
• Question: The Be More Chill viral cast recording propelled the show from where to Broadway? Answer: Two River Theater, New Jersey, then off-Broadway.

Producers & Directors

• Question: Who produced both Cats and Les Misérables? Answer: Cameron Mackintosh.
• Question: Julie Taymor became the first woman to win Best Direction of a Musical for what show? Answer: The Lion King.
• Question: Hal Prince holds how many Tony Awards? Answer: 21.
• Question: Diane Paulus revived which 1972 circus-style musical in 2013? Answer: Pippin.
• Question: Scott Rudin stepped back from which 2021 revival amid controversy? Answer: The Music Man.
• Question: Alex Timbers directed both Moulin Rouge! and what 2010 Bloody Mary-loving musical? Answer:Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
• Question: Thomas Kail directed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s two Broadway hits—name them. Answer: In the Heightsand Hamilton.
• Question: Rebecca Taichman helmed Indecent, a play about a controversy over what Yiddish play? Answer: God of Vengeance.
• Question: Sonia Friedman produced which 2018 wizarding play? Answer: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
• Question: George C. Wolfe directed the original Broadway premiere of which funk-fueled musical starring Audra McDonald? Answer: Shuffle Along (2016 version).
• Question: Michael Greif has staged three Pulitzer winners—name two. Answer: Rent, Next to Normal, A Strange Loop (any two).
• Question: Cameron Mackintosh calls what theatre his “New York home”? Answer: The Majestic Theatre.
• Question: Producer Jordan Roth is known for extravagant outfits at which annual event? Answer: The Met Gala.
• Question: Susan Stroman’s nickname in dance community? Answer: “Stro.”
• Question: Anaïs Mitchell co-produced the Hadestown concept album in what city’s indie folk scene? Answer:Brattleboro, Vermont.

Theatre in Pop Culture

• Question: “Glee” featured which Wicked anthem in its pilot episode? Answer: “Defying Gravity.”
• Question: The 1998 film The Birdcage is adapted from what musical farce? Answer: La Cage aux Folles.
• Question: Which 2003 comedy shows amateur actors staging Hamlet in a Missouri church basement? Answer:Waiting for Guffman.
• Question: TikTok users created a viral musical about which Pixar rat? Answer: Remy from Ratatouille.
• Question: “Broadway Baby” is sung by which Smash TV show character? Answer: Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty).
• Question: The Tony Awards have been hosted most often by which comedian? Answer: Neil Patrick Harris.
• Question: Broadway’s dusty stage appears on what Monopoly square? Answer: “Broadway” (green property).
• Question: Which late-night host rapped with Lin-Manuel Miranda in a subway “Ham4Ham” parody? Answer:Jimmy Fallon.
• Question: The musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is titled what? Answer: “Once More, with Feeling.”
• Question: Central Park is an Apple TV+ animated series by writers of what Broadway hit? Answer: Book of Mormon.
• Question: The film Tick, Tick… BOOM! was directed by which Hamilton creator? Answer: Lin-Manuel Miranda.
• Question: “Broadway, Here I Come!” originates from what TV musical drama? Answer: Smash.
• Question: Which Netflix reality show places performers in a competition for a role in The Prom? Answer: The Search for the Next Broadway Star (fictional).
• Question: Spider-Man musical jokes appear in which Marvel film? Answer: Spider-Man: No Way Home.
• Question: Which animated series featured an episode called “Feline Follies: The Musical” parodying Cats? Answer: Bob’s Burgers.

Random Fun Facts

• Question: The Tony medallion spins to reveal what two masks? Answer: Comedy and Tragedy masks.
• Question: Which U.S. president attended Hamilton and got publicly “lectured” by the cast? Answer: Vice President-elect Mike Pence.
• Question: The phrase “triple threat” means excellence in which three skills? Answer: Acting, singing, dancing.
• Question: Broadway’s current union minimum weekly salary (2025) approximates what amount? Answer: Around $2,700.
• Question: The ghost light left onstage overnight wards off what? Answer: Spirits and accidents.
• Question: Equity’s “special appearance” contract maxes at how many performances? Answer: 50.
• Question: The TKTS booth in Times Square offers discounts up to what percentage? Answer: 50%.
• Question: “Joe Allen Wall of Flops” displays posters from shows that ran fewer than how many performances? Answer: Under 100.
• Question: Broadway pianists employ what humorous term for difficult key signatures? Answer: “Black-note hell.”
• Question: Gypsy Snider co-founded which circus troupe now staging Pippin revivals? Answer: Les 7 Doigts de la Main.
• Question: Broadway marquees must dim lights for how long to honor a passing legend? Answer: One minute.
• Question: The stage door autograph line slang for persistent collectors is what? Answer: “Graph hounds.”
• Question: Orchestra seat Row A is sometimes skipped to make room for what? Answer: The orchestra pit.
• Question: Playbills switched from white to yellow covers in what decade? Answer: The 1930s.
• Question: The tallest theatre fly tower on Broadway is roughly how many stories high? Answer: 10 stories (57 feet).

About this quiz

Site editor: Ellie Simons. Read our Trivia Methodology to learn how questions are researched and updated. Page last updated: August 1, 2025. Report an error.