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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. Why does Roger initially refuse to direct the musical?

2. What does Franz give Max and Leo to wear?

3. What is the name of the play that Max finds in act 1, scene 5?

4. What type of a play is The Producers?

5. How much money does Max say they need for their plan to work?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is significant about the references to homosexuality in act 2, scene 2?

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

4. What is hurting Max the most in act 2, scene 7?

5. What is significant about Ulla's song?

6. How does Max propose to go about his new idea?

7. What is Franz's mission with his script?

8. Why is Leo disgusted by the script Max chooses?

9. What does it mean that Franz's only preparation for the show is to put on a Hitler mustache?

10. How is Max responsible for Leo's absence in act 2, scene 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how each of these styles of comedy is used within The Producers:

1) Parody.

2) Irony.

3) Character comedy.

4) Slapstick.

5) Wordplay.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Another theme of The Producers is in redemption. How does Max seek redemption throughout the play? How does Leo find redemption? How does Franz attempt to do this for Hitler? What other characters are seeking to redeem themselves in this show? What is the playwright's intent by having all these characters come together? Do they succeed? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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