Knock on the Door Trivia Quiz

Answer: Oh! Calcutta!

In keeping with the risqué nature of this musical the title was developed from a play on words of the name of a painting by Clovis Trouilles "O quel cut t'as!", which means "What a behind you have!" or words to that effect. The show is a series of sketches that touch on a range of subjects that centre on the art of intimacy. Born out of the sexual revolution of the 1960s and launched during the promiscuous 1970s "Oh! Calcutta!" has its tongue firmly planted in its cheek and has delighted audiences with more double entendre than clothing. Despite continued controversy about its subject matter and prolonged nudity (or maybe it's because of this) "Oh! Calcutta!" has remained one of the longest running musicals on Broadway and around the globe.

(Introduction) This introduction is merely an opening to the question, there were no hints built into this one. It does, however, convey a sense of voyeurism that is in keeping with the subject matter of the question. The "bare necessities" of life becomes a metaphor for sex, which opens the door to life for our protagonist, Mr D.

Answer: The Lion King

The young prince in question is Simba and he's all set to step into a portal of pain. His evil uncle, Scar, will kill Simba's father, lay the blame on the young cub and then try to murder him as well. Unbeknown to Scar Simba manages to escape the clutches of Scar's hyena and flee. This has now left him in virtual exile from his tribe. He soon learns the value of true friendship and to temper his recklessness before returning to the pride with a view to reclaim his birthright.

(Introduction) The subtle clue here is the word curiosity, which kills the cat (read that as lion). Like our hero Simba Mr D is a reckless child who places a naive faith in the invulnerability of his youth. How long will he continue to harbour this rashness?

Answer: Hair

It is the late 1960s. Teenagers are finding voice, demanding to be heard and letting their hair down (no pun). Drug use is rife and a sexual revolution is erupting all around them. In the midst of this is Claude, a young man torn between joining this rebellion and complying with the conservative nature of his upbringing. At the centre of his conflict is the Vietnam War, which is at odds with his pacifist ideals and his patriotism for his country.
"Hair" became one of the first "notable" rock musicals and whilst it was heavily criticised for its subject matter and, in particular, the way it treated the American flag it was also applauded for its use of a racially integrated cast and audience involvement.

(Introduction) On this occasion there was an indirect clue provided within the line "let the sun come to you", which is a reference to "Age of Aquarius (Let the Sunshine in)", one of the most prominent songs in the musical. This musical highlights a transient period in Mr D's life as he moves from experience to episode without a clear understanding of where he is going.

Answer: Rent

Mark, who narrates the show, is a filmmaker looking for his big break. He rooms with Roger.
Roger has AIDS. He's dying and he knows it. He is looking to write "the" song, that final track that will leave a lasting legacy.
Mimi is a drug addict. She's in love with the dying Roger. She has HIV.
Tom dreams of getting out of New York and opening up his own restaurant. Angel is attracted to Tom. She too has AIDS. Add into this mix two lesbians, Maureen and Jeanne, and Benny, who used to room with Mark and Roger, but who has now married into money and is their new landlord, and you have an eclectic mix of characters who are in trying times endeavouring to find their way in this world. Despite the gloomy nature of the subject matter, the constant threats of eviction, the break-ups and the reconciliations the musical avoids the doldrums with deft touches of humour, the strong use of emotion and occasional dark absurdity (viz the dog assassin and the reprogrammed ATM).

(Introduction) With its use of the Grim Reaper (Death) it provides a direct link to the question (the grim shadow of AIDS) but provides no clues to the answer or a connection to the story of Mr D. Don't jump to conclusions, Mr D is not Death, nor does he die here but the play here is used to mirror our protagonist's own stage in life. He has shaken off his youth and his rebelliousness, they were phases that he had to go through, now he has to make his way in the world and do something about earning some money.

Answer: The Music Man

That dastardly villain "The Professor" (a.k.a Harold) arrives in River City, Iowa with the view to make a killing. River City has only one trained musician, Marian the Librarian, and its billiard hall has just acquired the town's very first pool table. The Professor seizes upon the chance to sell the town on the virtues of teaching their children music as a way of getting them to avoid the delinquent temptations that a pool hall presents. Even though he has no musical ability he promises that he will put together a town band and train them provided they order their instruments and uniforms through him. The librarian, Marian, sees right through Harold's plan but she holds back from exposing him because he's had such a positive affect on her withdrawn and self-conscious son. Harold, who "has a girl a girl in every county in Illinois, and that's 102 of them", looks like succeeding until the unthinkable happens - he falls in love with Marian.

(Introduction) This one was not designed to provide any clues but it does introduce the question and links in with the interesting information;
"Let them swing" (get them high on the sell)
"let them slide" (get out as soon as they're sold)
"never let them hatch" (whatever you do, do not fall in love)
Oh Mr D, you have become a cad.

Answer: Victor/Victoria

And the soprano's little plan is an absolute little gem. It works so well that the show becomes a hit and soon "Victoria" is the darling of all Paris. Everything seems to be working out nicely for her until she comes to the attention of a Chicago mobster who has become quite smitten by her.

(Introduction) On this occasion the intro works nicely as a lead-in to the question but it also serves as an indirect clue to the answer (I might call it subtle, others may see it as cryptic); the words revolve/evolve are meant to have a symmetry with "Victor/Victoria" and also indicate a change, in this case from Victor to Victoria.
In our storyline Mr D has now come to a crossroad. He's seen hard times, he knows he has ability but he has also stepped out and touched his dark side. Which path will you choose, Mr D?

Answer: The Producers

Max Bialyastock and his accountant, Leo Bloom, are real pieces of work. They come up with this brilliant scheme to gather $2 million of investor money to create a Broadway musical and then set about creating a massive flop for a fraction of the investment. The show is supposed to shut down after its premiere while Max and Leo skip town with pockets full of cash. However, when the show goes to stage the performance is so over the top that the audience fails to see it for what it really is. The show becomes a huge hit while Max and Leo are left lamenting "Where Did We Go Right".

(Introduction) The use of the word knockers implies critics and/or criticism, which makes this a perfect lead-in to the question. We have used this musical to imply that our intrepid Mr D has once again chosen to ignore his true talents and drift toward the dark side. Will he ever see the light?

Answer: Mary Poppins

The Banks' household is a bit of a madhouse. Mr Banks is focussed on his work. His two children are naughty little so-and-sos, Mrs Banks thinks that it's all her fault, that she's a bad mother and wife and their cook and handyman both complain that they can no longer work under these conditions. Enter Mary Poppins and she soon smooths the waters and starts teaching the children some very valuable life lessons. Meanwhile, the real story is taking shape at the bank where Mr Banks works. Mr Banks is sweating on making an investment decision between what amounts to a simple factory plan or a complex money-making scheme hatched by a man by the name of Von Hussler. Mr Banks sees the light when his daughter innocently asks "what's more important ... a good man or a good idea?"

(Introduction) The entire sentence is a strong hint toward the answer as it alludes to one of the key songs from the musical "A Spoonful of Sugar (Helps the Medicine Go Down)". So come on Mr D, own up, are you a good man or are you simply one full of ideas?

Answer: The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom's face is severely disfigured so he makes himself invisible by hiding behind a mask and dwelling in the shadows. On the other hand he is a musical genius and has a most amazing voice, so much so that Christine calls him the "Angel of Music". He teaches Christine, with whom he is besotted, at the art of opera but he does so from a distance. He only wishes the best for his Christine, not to mention Christine herself, and when he cannot get his way in this regard he resorts to mischief, mayhem and murder. These acts go from hanging the chief stagehand to sending the house's giant chandelier crashing onto the stage.
In the climax an angry mob pursues the Phantom, who has grabbed Christine and fled into his lair in the tunnels beneath the Opera House. It is here that Christine reveals a truth to the Phantom, that it's not his face that is deformed but his soul. She gives the Phantom a kiss full of kindness and compassion and it sets him free.

(Introduction) There are a number of direct hints to the answer here. The mention of Christine, the lead female character in the musical who gets her big break (an opening has appeared) when the house's prima donna is injured in a stage accident. "Cast a light" is an indirect reference to the felling of the chandelier.
Driven by love, Mr D has looked deep into his soul to discover his real self and his true calling. With this new confidence he now steps into the light to seek redemption.

Answer: Cats

As the Jellicle Ball commences we are introduced to a range of cats; among them the extravagant Rum Tum Tugger, the prestigious Bustopher Jones and the mischievous Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, but everyone shies away when the shabby old grey, Grizzabella, makes her appearance. Before Old Deuteronomy can make the Jellicle Choice he is kidnapped (make that catnapped) by that master criminal Macavity. In desperation the other cats summon the magical Mr Mistofelees and hope that his magic will be strong enough to restore order.

(Introduction) We completed our set with an indirect clue. "They're out of the bag" refers to the idiom the cat is out of the bag.
Having seen the light Mr D has found the faith to write his own page in history. He has managed to redeem and resurrect himself in the process.

(Final note) In case you haven't picked up on it Mr D stands for "Door" or, alternatively, Daw, Dore or Dawe (sorry, there are no bonus points for that). We mentioned at the top of the quiz that each introduction had a clue that led to Mr D's identity, here they are:

Q1. Keyhole
Q2. Trap (door)
Q3. An idiom; "Never darken (my door)"
Q4. Knocking
Q5. Swing(ing), Slide(ing) and Hatch are all types of doors
Q6. Revolve(ing) door
Q7. (i) (Door) knocker (ii) n idiom; Wolf at the door. There was also the direct mention of door
Q8. Joke. When is a door not a door? When it's ajar
Q9. An opening is an alternative word for a door
Q10. Flap, as in cat or dog flap built into a door.

... and that's a rap.