Broadway Musicals
Numerology
Winter Comfort Treats
1970s Performers
Oh, “MM”y
100

Mary Martin played Maria in this 1959 Broadway musical; Julie Andrews plays the role in the 1965 film.

What is The Sound of Music? Set in Austria just before World War II, Maria leaves the convent to assume the role of governess before falling in love with the children’s father.

100

To “86” something is to do this.

What is to kill or end it? For example, “Let’s 86 that idea we discussed at the meeting.”

100

Cocoa powder, milk, marshmallows, and sweetener combine for this favorite winter beverage.

What is hot chocolate or hot cocoa? Though the drink is thousands of years old, it was popularized in the early 1800s by Dutch chemist Coenraad J. Van Houten. He invented cocoa powder, and that led to its widespread popularity.

100

The daughter of a performer, she recorded “You Light Up My Life.”

Who is Debby Boone? It was the most successful single of the entire decade in terms of chart performance. Her father is Pat Boone.

100

The dog days occur during this season.

What is summer? These days are a period of intense heat, something we often dream about in January

200

A high-spirited, “unsinkable” young woman is the protagonist in this 1960 musical.

What is The Unsinkable Molly Brown? The show follows the story of a young mountain girl who leaves home in search of a wealthy husband.

200

This number is associated with bad luck.

What is 13? We’re told to watch out for Friday the 13th, but it’s just another day on the calendar.

200

This warm dessert is made from rice, milk, butter, and seasonings and spices.

What is rice pudding? Historians believe rice pudding originated in India or China and then was brought to Europe sometime before the 1800s. It can be eaten as a dessert, a side dish, or a breakfast food.

200

This performer and his band, Dawn, perform “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”

Who is Tony Orlando? They also perform “Knock Three Times.” Later, the group became known as Dawn, Featuring Tony Orlando.

200

Someone who shares a living space with another person in a college dorm is called this.

What is roommate? Due to today’s economic conditions, many young adults share apartments and houses with roommates to defray costs.

300

This 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber production was a rock musical concept album before it was a hit Broadway musical.

What is Jesus Christ Superstar? The musical loosely follows the Gospels and fictionalizes the relationship between Jesus and Judas Iscariot.

300

This is the biblical number for wholeness or perfection.

What is three? This is exemplified by the three persons of the Holy Trinity and Jesus’ resurrection on the third day.

300

This decadent treat is a cross between a brownie and a pudding with a molten middle.

What is lava cake? When baked briefly at high heat, the top and bottom are crunchy, and the inside becomes progressively softer until you hit the molten center. For extra extravagance, top with ice cream or whipped cream.

300

This singer-songwriter, who was James Taylor’s wife from 1972 to 1983, wrote and recorded “You’re So Vain.”

Who is Carly Simon? She has revealed that at least one verse of the hit song was written about Warren Beatty.

300

Wear this detachable waistband with a tuxedo.

What is cummerbund? The cummerbund originated in India in the 19th century.

400

The 1963 Broadway musical Here’s Love was based on this film about Santa Claus, released in 1947.

What is Miracle on 34th Street? In the beloved story, Kris Kringle, a New York City department-store Santa Claus, goes on trial to prove he is Santa.

400

This was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit for a long time, but newer research indicates the number is falling.

What is humans’ average temperature? The standard temperature was established in 1851, and thermometers are more accurate today.

400

A popular hot, mulled drink is made with the juice of this fruit, with oranges and cranberries as optional additions.

What is apple (cider)? Hot mulled cider is made with apple cider and mulling spices, which can include any of the following: star anise, cinnamon, and allspice.

400

Her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is featured in the 1971 film Play Misty for Me.

Who is Roberta Flack? Director Clint Eastwood heard Flack’s version of the song on the radio and contacted her for permission to use it in his debut film.

400

This is the name for the rules that govern all aspects of written and oral communication, such as correct subject-verb agreement.

What is grammar? Word processing programs have incorporated built-in spelling and grammar checkers for decades.

500

This 1975 jazz musical, based on reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play, is named for the city in which it is set.  

What is Chicago? The show explores Watkins’   fact-based reports on crimes and criminals during the city’s jazz era.

500

This biblical number is associated with trials or challenges.

What is 40? In Exodus, the Israelites wander for 40 years, and in Deuteronomy, Moses spends 40 days on the mountain.

500

Baked goods, including houses, cookies, cakes, and more, scream winter when they contain this warming spice.

What is ginger? It’s also used in ginger ale, tea, and beer. It’s known as a warming spice, which is why it makes an appearance every fall and winter. Ginger ale, tea, and pastilles are traditional home remedies for upset stomachs and nausea.

500

This family group performs “How Deep Is Your Love?”

Who are the Bee Gees? Barry Gibb is the only surviving Gibb brother (Robin, Maurice, and Andy being the other brothers).

500

This bird holds the distinction of being the only bird that can fly backward.

What is hummingbird? It can also hover and fly upside down, but it cannot walk.