Andrew Bergh Exposes Greed & Spies in Sound of Music

by Barry David Horwitz

If you’ve ever wondered what went on behind the scenes in The Sound of Music or how the Nazis gained power in Austria, “The Radicalization of Rolfe” has the answers in powerful dramatic scenes. Come and mingle with the workers at the von Trapp family chalet to see how it all happened. Julie Andrews would be scandalized.

“Rolfe” takes us on a trip to the past and shines a bright light on our present crisis. Don’t miss it. Andrew Bergh’s play digs deep into “The Sound of Music” and comes up with a warning about today’s right wing political takeover in the U.S.

Here’s the underside of “Sound of Music”—a gay Nazi-in-training must choose between love and power. Wonderfully acted by a first-rate ensemble with believable gay characters, we follow a chilling seduction by a Nazi power-broker. Bergh shares stunning insights on the allure of power. And they love their uniforms.

Innocent messenger boy Rolfe (intriguing Simon Winheld), with bright blond hair and an ambitious air, gets radicalized by the Nazis. The local Nazi leader Herr Zeller (commanding John Hurst) seduces Rolfe with promises of money and power—just like what is happening right now.  As Zeller, master of the sneer and attack, Hurst easily manipulates the eager, innocent gay boy. If you need an unscrupulous power broker, Hurst charms and bullies with the best—a standout performance.

Andrew Bergh’s satire of a Nazi leader bullying young folks rings true. Even the gay character yearns to abandon his sweet and soulful boyfriend Johan (engaging Tyler Iiams) and join the Nazis. As Johan, Iiams makes a charming, warmhearted partner, as he tries to save Rolfe from terrible choices. Nazis or Johan, which will he choose?

As the loyal but gossipy housekeeper Frau Schmidt, J.J. Van Name embodies humility and outrage with humor. Her co-worker, the uptight butler Franz (elegant Martin Grimes) conspires with chilling selfishness, a bumbling household spy. As housekeeper and butler, they reflect the takeover of decent lives and the horrors to come. So much like the intimidation going on in schools and courts today!

There are laughs and there is gay love. Each character is distinct—the wonderful young gay lovers, the brilliant Nazi recruiter, the in-house spies—all of them live in a dangerous world, where suddenly the light dawns.

Movingly directed by Alan Quismorio, I cannot think of a more important theme. We can see how easy it is to make people give up their love and their lives, just to bend to power and empty promises. We need this play now.

 

“The Radicalization of Rolfe” by Andrew Bergh, directed by Alan Quismorio, set design by Joseph G. Tally, lighting by Colin Johnson, sound by Wesley Murphy, costumes by Christine U’Ren, stage managed by Raphael Louis Buenaventura, at JT Productions, San Francisco. Info: queertheatrebayarea.com – to June 1, 2025.

Cast: Simon Winheld, Tyler Iiams, John Hurst, J.J. Van Name, and Martin Grimes.

Banner photo: Simon Winheld & John Hurst. Photo by Scott Sidorsky