The years between 1870 and 1895 brought enormous changes to the theater in the United States as the resident company was undermi

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问题     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company was undermined by touring groups, as New York became the only major center of production, and as the long run superseded the repertory (准备表演的戏剧、节 目等) system.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 by 1878, to 8 by 1880, to 4 by 1887, and had almost disappeared by 1900.
    While the causes of this change were numerous, probably the most important one was the rise of the "combination" company (that is, one that travels with star and full company). Sending out a complete production was merely a logical extension of touring by stars. By the 1840’s, 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. Boucicault claims 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 has already established. Joseph Jefferson M also declared that he was a pioneer in the movement. In actuality, the practice probably began tentatively during the 1850’s, only to be interrupted by the Civil War. It mushroomed in the 1870’s, 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 Mi-chei 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.
According to the passage, what factor contributed to the growth of combination companies and gave rise to the concern that local companies would not be suitable?

选项 A、Seats.
B、Plays.
C、Properties.
D、Actors.

答案D

解析 文中第二段最后一句说:“到19世纪40年代,许多主要演员巡回演出时都已带着一小群次要演员,因为他们不能确定地方剧团在次要角色的提供方面能否给予足够的支持。”由此我们可以推断出,他们担心地方剧团不能提供合适的演员。所以选项D正确。
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