Which word pair represents a similar relationship to "play : ____" as "sing : anthem"?

To determine the correct word pair, it's essential to understand the relationship between "sing" and "anthem." When someone sings, one common context for that is an anthem, which is a type of song often associated with national pride or formal ceremonies.

In the same way, when one plays, a common context in which "play" occurs is on a stage. A stage is a specific place where performances happen; thus, it relates to the activity of playing, much like an anthem relates to the activity of singing.

The other options do not create the same direct and consistent relationship with "play." Although "field" and "theater" can relate to performance, they do not have that immediate connection as "stage" does in terms of directly facilitating the act of playing.

Therefore, the best parallel to the relationship between "sing" and "anthem" is "play" and "stage," as both pairs highlight the environment or setting in which the respective actions (singing and playing) commonly occur.