Have you ever heard of the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theater? Not many people have. However, there is a good chance that you have heard of the Tony Awards, the more commonly used name of the said awards.
The annual Tony Awards, which are held in New York City and broadcast internationally, recognize the artistry▼ and diligence of Broadway theater casts and crews. Each year, 24 winners receive an engraved▼ medallion▼ displaying the masks of comedy and tragedy, which are borrowed from Greek mythology▼. The awards are considered to be the equivalent of the Oscars for movies or the Emmys for television, and were established in 1947 by an organization called the American Theatre Wing — "the Wing" for short.
The origins of the Wing can be traced back to World War I, when seven women who worked in Broadway theater took it upon themselves to use their spare time to establish a food collection center to assist servicemen▼. They also sent troupes of entertainers to perform for weary soldiers stationed on military bases▼. In peacetime▼, the focus of the Wing changed to education and support for those employed or pursuing a career in the theater.
In 1946, Antoinette Perry, an actress, director, producer, and co-founder of the Wing passed away. As a tribute to her dedication to the theater, it was agreed that the Wing should establish an award for excellence in theater, and it should bear her name. At the inaugural▼ presentation, one of the presenters▼ handed an award to a winner, and as a mark of respect, he referred to it as "a Tony" — Ms. Perry's nickname▼. The name "Tony" has been used ever since.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the Tony Awards?
(A) They are held once every year.
(B) They are broadcast in many different countries.
(C) They are most frequently called the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre these days.
(D) They take place in the United States.
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2. What do we learn about the winners of the Tony Awards?
(A) They receive a medallion.
(B) They receive a mask depicting comedy and tragedy.
(C) They originally performed on military bases.
(D) They provide education for actors pursuing a career in the theater.
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3. Who was Antoinette Perry?
(A) The first winner of a Tony.
(B) The founder of the Tony Awards.
(C) The director and producer of the inaugural Tony Awards.
(D) The inspiration behind the establishment of the Tony Awards.
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4. What reason is given for the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre being called the Tony Awards?
(A) Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre is too long and difficult to say.
(B) After a presenter used that name, everyone else continued to use it.
(C) The word "Tony" is a nickname used for good actors.
(D) It is disrespectful▼ not to use it.
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