Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
This darkly comic, expressionistic masterpiece follows the exploits of Mr. Zero, a hard-working, pseudo-Everyman as he toils through his rather inconsequential existence working at a Macy's-like department store. When he discovers that after 25 years of determined dedication on his job, he will be fired and replaced by a machine, Mr. Zero kills his boss. His murderous deed leads to a further dehumanization: Before his execution, Mr. Zero is put on display for sightseers to marvel at, the “North American Murderer.” But death isn’t the end: Mr. Zero meanders through the afterlife, unable and unwilling to learn from the consequences of his actions, until a worse fate is hoisted upon him. A touchstone of American expressionism, Elmer Rice’s The Adding Machine creates an enigmatic anti-hero and a bleak critique of the society that has made him.
Show Information
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress