It's been a long time since we've seen any musicals onstage, and it'll probably be a while longer. But if you're like me, you probably have a cast recording or five on hand that help you get through those dreary periods of quarantine-induced isolation. So this week's puzzle includes some showtunes that are frequently rattling around in my head, many of which have been heard in New York theaters in the past few years and some of which are familiar to movie lovers as well. See how many musicals you can connect with the songs in the clues without looking at the answers at the bottom. Happy puzzling!
Down:
1. HAMILTON
2. OKLAHOMA
4. THECOLORPURPLE
6. DEBUT
7. GOUP ("go up": see below for an example)
8. THEMUSICMAN
10. SOUTHPACIFIC
12. EVITA
13. GYPSY
14. THEWIZ
16. TROUPE
20. MISCAST
22. RENT
The expression "go up" is used when an actor forgets a line or becomes confused. Example: It's terrifying for an actor to go up on a line during a performance. In the video below, Bryan Cranston describes a time that he "went up" in a scene with Mark Harmon. Even the pros go up now and then.