View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Leo's dream job?

2. How is Leo's fantasy abruptly interrupted in act 1, scene 3?

3. What is the name of Ulla's song?

4. What happens in act 1, scene 9 due to Max's actions with the ladies?

5. What is Max Bialystock's profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Ulla transformed Max and Leo's office, and what does it signify?

2. Describe what happens on-stage after Max, Leo, and Franz are pardoned.

3. Why are Max and Leo in shock in act 2, scene 5?

4. What is significant about Ulla's song?

5. What is significant about Max and Leo staying up all night in act 1, scene 5?

6. What are the old ladies doing in act 1, scene 9 and what is their song about?

7. How are the auditions run for Springtime for Hitler?

8. How do Max and Leo convince Roger to direct Springtime for Hitler?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through The Producers, groups of people and stereotypes are used for laughs (for example, the homosexual production crew and Ulla being a "dumb blond"). However, the only group that is openly mocked and thought of derisively is the Nazi party. Explore the differences in humor between one group and the other. How can all these groups people be played for laughs, though only one group is ever done with the intention of mocking? What is the playwright's intent in this? Does it seem to be deliberate? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) The significance of Roger hugging Ulla and not Carmen at curtain call.

2) The people who will be hurt by Max and Leo's scheme.

3) The rituals and singing that Max and Leo must do to appease Franz for the rights to his play.

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)

This section contains 1,055 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample