By Elisa Lichtenbaum
This month, Great Performances shines a spotlight on two trailblazing American women – the witty and flamboyant former Texas Governor Ann Richards and Ms. magazine Co-Founder and feminist icon Gloria Steinem –with the premieres of Ann (Friday, June 19, 9 p.m.) and Gloria: A Life (Friday, June 26, 9 p.m.), starring Holland Taylor and Christine Lahti, respectively.
Which of these history-making women are you most alike? Before you tune in, take our fun quiz to find out!
1) You’re throwing a dinner party and can invite famous guests from any era, past or present. Who’s on your guest list?
a) Annie Oakley and Cole Porter
b) Tallulah Bankhead and RuPaul
c) Jane Fonda and Gene Kelly
d) Ginger Rogers and Barack Obama
2) I’m currently reading:
3) Your life story is being turned into a Broadway musical. Who will portray you?
a) Ethel Merman
b) Patti LuPone
c) Audra McDonald
d) Jessie Mueller
4) Favorite cookbook?
a) Betty Crocker’s Cookbook, by Betty Crocker
b) Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia Child
c) Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook, by Alice Waters (A memoir, not a cookbook, but aren’t stories as nourishing as food?)
d) Cook? Puhleez, I live in NYC. Hello, takeout!
5) Which song is your personal anthem?
a) “The Hostess With the Mostes’ on the Ball”
b) “There’s No Business Like Show Business”
c) “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”
d) “I Will Survive”
6) A lipstick is named after you. What is it called?
a) Rodeo Red
b) Magenta for Miles
c) Rebels and Rubies
d) Give Pink A Chance
7) Favorite Broadway musical?
a) Evita
b) Hello, Dolly!
c) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
d) Hair
8) Shall we dance? Pick your favorite dance style!
a) Do I hear a waltz?
b) Texas Two-Step, anyone?
c) Let’s Twist! (Again, like we did last summer)
d) Let’s tap our troubles away!
9) Favorite movie quote?
a) “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” (The Wizard of Oz)
b) “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” (Auntie Mame)
c) “Nobody puts Baby in a corner!” (Dirty Dancing)
d) “I’ll have what she’s having.” (When Harry Met Sally)
RESULTS: [Quiz answer key: a/b = Ann; c/d = Gloria]
You’re Ann Richards! In a world of pastels and earth tones, you’re an amazing Technicolor dreamcoat! You light up every room you walk into with your larger-than-life personality, firecracker wit, and abundance of charm. You love the spotlight, and the spotlight loves you. But beneath the flamboyance is a fierce inner strength that proves you’ve got both style and substance. These qualities, combined with your deeply rooted principles and fierce work ethic, make you a charismatic leader, a devoted friend, and a beloved partner and family member. Keep shining, and keep fighting for what you believe in!
You’re Gloria Steinem! You’re a born leader, a passionate storyteller, and have a wonderful ability to inspire change in others. As an expert wordsmith, you know that language can be a soothing elixir or pointed weapon, and that stories have the power to heal. You believe the personal is the political, sisterhood is powerful, and every voice deserves to be heard. While your superheroic strength is your calling card, you’re also gentle, nurturing, and kind – a devoted friend, mentor, and profound listener. But nobody puts you in a corner! Being an icon doesn’t mean that you don’t kick up your heels and have fun. Keep blazing those trails, whether you’re wearing sneakers, combat boots, or tap shoes!
SHARE YOUR RESULTS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
Elisa Lichtenbaum | @ElisaVonTap
Elisa Lichtenbaum, editor of the monthly THIRTEEN program guide, is also Senior Writer at WNET, a tap dancer, and theater geek.
