Act 1, Scene 1

In 1934, Nazi Germany, decadent Max Berger is living with a dancer, Rudy, while he frequents nightclubs and drags home one-night stands. The play opens on the first morning after the start of the Night of the Long Knives in which Hitler purged his SA staff, including Ernst Röhm, who was gay and protected other homosexuals. Unfortunately, Max's latest conquest is SA. The Gestapo arrives and murders the soldier in Rudy and Max's apartment. They escape when the Nazis have their backs turned.

Act 1, Scene 2

Max and Rudy run to their friend Greta, a drag queen who owns the nightclub where Rudy works. Greta gives them the news about the purge and the crackdown on homosexuals, advises them to run, and gives them money.

Act 1, Scene 3

Two years later, in a park in Cologne, Max meets with his gay Uncle Freddie, the only family member...