问答题Directions: In this part there is a short passage with five questions or
incomplete statements. Read the passage carefully, then answer the questions or
complete the statements in the fewer possible English words and then put your
answers on the Answer Sheet. The years
between 1870 and 1895 brought enormous changes to the theater in the United
States as the resident company was undermined by touring groups, as New York
became the only major center of production, and as the long run replaced the
repertory (库存) system. By 1870, the resident stock company was at the peak of
its development in the United States. The 50 permanent companies of 1870,
however, had dwindled to 20 by1878, to 8 by 1880, to 4 by 1887, and had almost
disappeared by 1900. While the causes of this change are
numerous, probably the most important was the rise of the "combination" company
(that is, one that travels with stars and full company).Sending out a complete
production was merely a logical extension of touring by stars. Bythe 1840s many
major actors were already taking along a small group of lesser players, for they
could not be sure that local companies could supply adequate support in
secondary roles. There is much disagreement about the origin of
the combination company. Bouciault claimed to have initiated it around 1860 when
he sent out a troupe with Colleen Bawn, but a book published in 1859 speaks of
combination companies as already established. Joseph Jefferson Ⅲ also declared
that he was a pioneer in the movement. In actuality, the practice probably began
tentatively during the 1850s, only to be interrupted by the Civil War. It
mushroomed in the 1870s, as the rapid expansion of the railway system made it
increasingly feasible to transport full productions. In 1872, Lawrence Barrett
took his company, but no scenery, on tour; in 1876, Rose Michel was sent out
with full company, scenery, and properties. By the season of 1876—1877 there
were nearly 100 combination companies on the road, and by 1886 there were
282.
问答题
What was the trend for the resident stock companies at the end of the 19th century?
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【正确答案】[答案] Their number declined.
【答案解析】
问答题
According to the passage, the major reason for the decline of the resident stock companies was
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【正确答案】[答案] the rise of the combination company.
【答案解析】
问答题
Why did many important actors join some minor players in 1840s?
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【正确答案】[答案] Because there was no adequate support.
【答案解析】
问答题
According to the passage, the development of full touring companies was aided by
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【正确答案】[答案] railway system.
【答案解析】
问答题
Why is Lawrence Barrentt mentioned in the passage?
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【正确答案】[答案] Because he took an early combination company on tour.