Trivia Answers

Last question

What famous English performer was immortalized in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" as Yorick, the skull about which Hamlet muses?  (Hint: also England's first clown.)  Richard Tarleton.  Congratulations to the many people who answered correctly.

Previous Questions

What play by Harold Pinter told a love story in reverse chronology? "Betrayal." Congratulations to Marc Murai, who was first with the correct answer and added the play "was also made into a movie in 1983. The movie version of Betrayal was directed by David Hugh Jones and starred: Jeremy Irons, Ben Kingsley and Patricia Hodge." Congratulations also to Zalina Walton, Kimberly Patterson and William Hayes.

Drew Barrymore derives her name from two famous theatre personalities. Name the one who isn't named Barrymore. John Drew, a top actor in American theatre in the early 1900s. He was related by marriage to Ethel Barrymore.

Men used to play the women's roles in Shakespeare's time, but what famous actress later played Hamlet? Actresses that played Hamlet: The most famous is probably Sarah Bernhardt, who played the thoughtful one in 1899. Here is a picture of her doing the Yorick speech. Knowledgable visitors identified several other female Hamlets, notably Dame Judith Anderson and Ellen Terry.

What play by Beaumarchais helped lead to the French Revolution, as well as a Mozart opera? Answer: The Marriage of Figaro.

What Shakespeare play was based on an account of a voyage to the New World? Answer: The Tempest. Congratulations to the many who answered the question.

What Ancient Greek playwright portrayed the chorus as drunken actors stumbling across the stage between acts?Answer: Menander. (c342-c291 BC).

This Englishman was the the most famous actor of his day. Today, he is less well-known than his personal assistant, Bram Stoker, the author of "Dracula." What was the actor's name? The actor's name was Sir Henry Irving. Bram Stoker, the author of "Dracula," was his personal secretary and manager. Irving apparently sucked the life out of Stoker, who died at 66 of "overwork." Congratulations to Gary J. McDonald gmcdonal@usa.net for answering the question. Honorable mentions to those who answered "Bram Stoker," and a necklace of garlic to the person who answered "Boris Karloff."

Which major Elizabethan playwright never wrote for children's theatre? William Shakespeare. Congratulations to MISM8KER@aol.com

He was the most famous American actor of his day until he was eclipsed by his brother, who shot the U.S. president. Answer: Edwin Booth. His brother was John Wilkes Booth, who shot Abraham Lincoln. Ironically, the two brothers and their father, Junius, had performed together in "Julius Caesar," with Edwin playing Brutus, John Wilkes playing Cassius, and Junius playing "Emperor for Life" Julius Caesar, who is assassinated in the play by Brutus and Cassius.

What actor originated the role of Stanley Kowalski in "Streetcar Named Desire?" Marlon Brando. In the movie version of the stage play, he brought a moody method approach to the rough-hewn Kowalsky, in contrast to Vivien Leigh's theatrical approach to her deluded Southern Lady.

Which Shakespeare play contains Joan of Arc as a character? King Henry VI, First Part. She is depicted as crazy.

Theatrepedia