A flop when it debuted in 1904, which Puccini opera set in Nagasaki later became one of the best-loved operas?

In fencing, which flexible weapon has a four-sided blade and a blunt point? A flock of which birds famously returns to San Juan Capistrano each spring? A flock of which black birds is called a "murder"? A flock of which birds on the ground is called a "gaggle"? A Florida fort named for which major gave its name in turn to a large city? Which rockabilly pioneer, who died in 1998, wrote and first recorded "Blue Suede Shoes"? Which comedian, who played the flower-child Hitler in "The Producers", died on stage during a 1987 performance? A fob chain is attached to which item, like the one the White Rabbit anxiously checks?