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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Full Company Meeting: The Provincetown Playhouse, how does the cast respond when they learn that the Broadway production will not include the romantic rain scene at the end of the play?

2. How does the troupe respond as Lemml speaks in poor German?

3. In Opening Night at the Provincetown Playhouse: In the Wings how does Lemml respond to Virginia's first performance?

4. How does Staten Island: Sholem and Madje’s Home begin?

5. What does the doctor NOT recommend for Sholem?

Short Essay Questions

1. What upsets Reina the most about being fired?

2. What is the reason Eugene O'Neill gives for why the play is such a problem for the authorities?

3. What does Asch share with the cast regarding the creation of this play at the first full cast meeting?

4. What is the doctor's recommendation to Sholem?

5. How does Freida respond when Lemml calls Asch a genius? What is Lemml's response to her?

6. What is Rabbi Silverman's beliefs regarding the underground Jewish prostitution ring?

7. What is the role of Benjamin Baillie?

8. In 1923: Opening Night on Broadway, Intermission, why are the Aschs shocked?

9. What are Freida's and Elsa's responses regarding being Jewish?

10. What is the court's verdict?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the preface Paula Vogel explains what led to her collaboration with Rebecca Taichman. What does she say about this collaboration? Why does she believe this was a collaboration of a lifetime? How does the information in the preface regarding this collaboration prepare the reader for the play ahead? What other information from the preface is important for the reader prior to reading the play?

Essay Topic 2

Sholem refuses, at the end of the play, to grant John Rosen’s request. What is his request? Why does Sholem deny him? What does this reveal about Sholem? How does Rosen respond to Sholem’s denial? What does this reveal about him? How might this also be a reflection of young Sholem vs old Sholem?

Essay Topic 3

The play begins with the troupe rising from the ground, pouring sawdust from their clothes. What is this meant to represent? What tone does this set for the play ahead? What does this foreshadow? Is this an effective way to prepare the audience for future events? Why or why not?

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