Musicals Comprehension Questions
1. In which century did modern Western musical theatre emerge?
2. Name the first theatre piece to use dance and original music to tell a story?
3. In the early 1900s, which sections of society looked down on performing as a profession?
4. Which talented Russian immigrant, with no formal musical training, wrote 17 scores for
Broadway musicals?
5. In 1927, which was the first musical to provide a cohesive plot and music to move the
narrative forward?
6. Which Rodgers and Hammerstein musical represented the golden era of Hollywood
musicals?
7. What happened to the musical theatre genre during the Great Depression?
8. Name three musicals by the famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Optional:
Why do you think musical theatre is still as popular as ever?
Musicals Comprehension Questions
Answers
1. In which century did modern Western musical theatre emerge?
The 19th century
2. Name the first theatre piece to use dance and original music to tell a story?
The Black Crook
3. In the early 1900s, which sections of society looked down on performing as a profession?
The middle and upper classes
4. Which talented Russian immigrant, with no formal musical training, wrote 17 scores for
Broadway musicals?
Irving Berlin
5. In 1927, which was the first musical to provide a cohesive plot and music to move the
narrative forward?
Show Boat
6. Which Rodgers and Hammerstein musical represented the golden era of Hollywood
musicals?
Oklahoma!
7. What happened to the musical theatre genre during the Great Depression?
It declined in popularity because only the very wealthy could afford tickets, so
shows had to become more sophisticated to attract an audience. Hollywood began
producing film musicals.
8. Name three musicals by the famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Any three from Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita or The Phantom of the Opera
Optional:
Why do you think musical theatre is still as popular as ever?
Answers are subjective but might contain some references to the musicals
mentioned in the reading comprehension. Please credit anything worthy.
This could include that:
• music and dance is exciting;
• children might like to go and see their favourite book in musical form;
• it is enjoyable to listen to the performers singing;
• the props and staging are interesting.