Musical Theatre's Most Iconic Duo | The Life & Times of Arthur Sullivan

The transcript narrates the journey of Sullivan, a talented composer, from his early achievements to his collaboration with Gilbert. Despite their creative differences, they produced iconic operas like 'Pirates of Penzance'. Sullivan's ambition for grand opera faced challenges, but his legacy in musical theater remains significant.

What was one of Sullivan's early achievements before meeting Gilbert?

• Composing an anthem about Jerusalem

• Writing a novel

• Becoming a famous actor

• Winning a Nobel Prize

What was the nature of the first play that Gilbert and Sullivan collaborated on?

• A science fiction opera

• A serious drama

• A half-improvised comedy

• A historical documentary

Which of the following best describes the impact of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas?

• They were largely ignored by audiences.

• They influenced generations of comedians.

• They were only popular in Britain.

• They were known for their serious themes.

What was a major point of contention between Gilbert and Sullivan regarding their future projects?

• The use of modern technology

• The length of their operas

• The inclusion of dance numbers

• The themes of honor and heroism

What was Sullivan's ambition after his initial success with Gilbert?

• To compose a grand opera

• To become a famous painter

• To retire from music

• To write a novel

What was the outcome of Sullivan's attempt to create a grand opera?

• It was never completed.

• It was well-received but financially unsuccessful.

• It was a huge success and ran for years.

• It was a complete failure and never performed.

What did Sullivan achieve in his later years despite the decline of his partnership with Gilbert?

• He became a famous actor.

• He composed a ballet for the Queen.

• He opened a new theater.

• He wrote a best-selling book.