Singers & Vocalist Broadway and Musical Theater Vocalists 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which iconic Broadway musical features the vocal showcase song 'Defying Gravity'?
- Hamilton
- Les Misérables
- Wicked (Correct answer)
- The Phantom of the Opera
Correct answer: Wicked
'Defying Gravity' is the Act One finale of 'Wicked,' showcasing the belt and soprano range of the actress playing Elphaba.
Question 2: What vocal technique is most distinctive in Broadway 'belt' singing?
- Singing in pure falsetto throughout
- Projecting chest voice resonance into higher pitches without switching to head voice (Correct answer)
- Using only classical bel canto technique
- Singing pianissimo (very softly) at all times
Correct answer: Projecting chest voice resonance into higher pitches without switching to head voice
Broadway belting involves maintaining chest voice resonance and pushing it into higher notes, creating a powerful, forward, bright sound projection.
Question 3: Who is known as 'The Queen of Broadway' and starred in Gypsy, Funny Girl, and other landmark musicals?
- Mary Martin
- Julie Andrews
- Ethel Merman (Correct answer)
- Bernadette Peters
Correct answer: Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman is called the 'Queen of Broadway' for her powerful voice and legendary performances in shows like Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, and Anything Goes.
Question 4: In musical theater, what does 'legit' singing refer to?
- Singing original songs rather than covers
- A classical, operatic-influenced vocal production style used in traditional Broadway musicals (Correct answer)
- Singing without any amplification
- Songs that have been legally licensed for performance
Correct answer: A classical, operatic-influenced vocal production style used in traditional Broadway musicals
In musical theater, 'legit' singing refers to a classical or operatic-influenced vocal style with rounded tone, used in traditional Golden Age Broadway musicals.
Question 5: Which vocal range is most commonly required for leading female roles in traditional Broadway musicals?
- Deep contralto
- Soprano (often C4 to C6 range) (Correct answer)
- Bass-baritone
- Basso profundo
Correct answer: Soprano (often C4 to C6 range)
Most leading female Broadway roles require a soprano range, typically spanning from middle C (C4) up to high C (C6) or beyond, with belt capabilities.
Question 6: Idina Menzel is best known on Broadway for originating which role in 'Wicked'?
- Glinda the Good Witch
- Elphaba the Wicked Witch (Correct answer)
- Nessa Rose
- Madame Morrible
Correct answer: Elphaba the Wicked Witch
Idina Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked (2003) on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
Singers & Vocalist Broadway and Musical Theater Vocalists 1
Which iconic Broadway musical features the vocal showcase song 'Defying Gravity'?