The correct answer is: C. attempt to appeal to popular taste.
To “play to the gallery” means to try to please or entertain the people who are watching or listening. In the context of companies producing goods, this means that they are trying to make products that will appeal to the majority of people. They do this by conducting market research to find out what people want, and then designing and marketing their products accordingly.
The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe what it means to “play to the gallery”. Option A, “advertise”, is too broad. Companies can advertise their products without necessarily trying to appeal to popular taste. Option B, “cater to the public taste”, is more accurate, but it does not include the element of trying to please or entertain. Option D, “depend upon the public for approval”, is also too broad. Companies can depend upon the public for approval without necessarily trying to appeal to popular taste.
In conclusion, the correct answer is: C. attempt to appeal to popular taste.