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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. What does Max tell Leo about producers and money in act 1, scene 8?

2. What does Leo's boss tell him at the beginning of act 1, scene 3?

3. Where is Leo coming from in the beginning of act1, scene 4?

4. To whom do Max and Leo swear their allegiance, per the oath with Franz?

5. How does Leo feel about the play Max finds?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Max's job and his history with show business?

2. How do Max, Leo, and Franz get pardoned?

3. How is Max's treatment of the old ladies different from how everyone views him at the end of the act?

4. What is significant about Ulla's song?

5. How does Act 1 end?

6. What are some of the things Max does to procure the funds for Springtime for Hitler?

7. What are Max and Leo's plans for the future at the end of the musical?

8. What does Leo sing about in act 2, scene 1, and how does it affect Ulla?

9. Why must Roger not hug Carmen at the end of the musical within a musical?

10. What wordplay is being used to comical affect with Ulla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Producers is a musical comedy, meaning that there are several songs and dance sequences that take place throughout the show. Discuss the play as a musical. What does music add to the show? What does the show lose by being a musical? What are the defining qualities of a musical and how is it exemplified in The Producers? Does the show itself ever self-mock for being a musical? Cite specific examples from the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

Mel Brooks introduces a few female characters who are mostly played for laughs: Ulla and Hold Me-Touch Me (as well as the other little old ladies). Is his treatment of these characters sexist? Why or why not? Points to consider:

1) How the male characters treat the female characters.

2) How the female characters view themselves.

3) The use of sex with these characters.

Create a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the use of homosexuality in The Producers. Points to be considered include:

1) The characters of Roger DeBris and his production team.

2) Franz's objections to the gay men auditioning for the role of Hitler.

3) Roger's portrayal of Hitler.

4) The irony of several homosexuals working on a musical about Hitler.

Create a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the script to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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