Synopsis for

 Behind the Bedroom Wall - the Musical

   Korinna Rehme is an active member of her local Jungmadel, a Nazi youth group.  She believes that Hitler is making Germany a better place by dealing with the “enemy”, the Jewish people in her town.  She witnesses attacks on her Jewish neighbors and applauds the Gestapo for the arrests that result in the disappearance of the Jews.

    However, Korinna’s parents are members of an underground resistance group that is helping the Jews escape from Germany.  When she discovers Sophie and Rachel Krugmann, a Jewish mother and daughter hidden behind the wall in her bedroom, she is shocked by her parents’ betrayal of their beloved country. Korinna is torn between loyalty for her parents and loyalty to her country. She realizes if the refugees are discovered behind her wall, she and her parents will be arrested as traitors to Germany and possibly shot. On the other hand, the idea of reporting her parents to her Jungmadel leaders has her even more distraught. Her confusion is compounded as she gets to know Sophie and Rachel and begins to sympathize with their plight.

   Bernd and Helga Rehme, Korinna's parents, have their own struggles.  Now that Korinna knows about the family behind her wall, there's a greater chance that information can slip - intentionally or not.  They continue to protect the Krugmanns while they work with fellow resistance members to arrange their safe relocation.  Hans Damerau, a Gestapo officer, has become a bigger presence and appears to be suspicious of the Rehmes and a few other resistance members.  While the Rehmes encourage Korinna to follow her heart and do what she thinks is right, they do acknowledge that she has been thrust into a difficult situation that has divided her loyalties.  They go on faith that she will choose well.

   Rita and Eva, Korinna’s best friends, notice how distracted Korinna has become in recent days.  At first they attribute it to the “mice” in Korinna’s walls, but then they become suspicious of this excuse.  One day when she is angry with her parents for betraying her and Germany by helping the Jews, Korinna writes in her black book, “My parents are the enemy.”  Before she has a chance to destroy this, Rita discovers the page and questions Korinna.  Korinna attempts to convince Rita that it means nothing, but Rita is clearly suspicious.  When Korinna’s black book suddenly disappears after a Jungmadel meeting, the concerns for the Rehme family multiply.

    Eva informs Korinna that  someone has reported her parents to the Gestapo, and the Gestapo will be searching the Rehme’s home.  Korinna fears her parents were reported because of what she wrote.  She rushes home to warn her parents, only to discover the Krugmanns are already gone.  She is relieved to learn they have safely escaped, but the Rehmes are still in peril. It’s up to Korinna to save her parents, and she devises a plan.

    Thanks to her quick thinking, she is able to temporarily fool the Gestapo officers who come to search their home. She has converted the hiding space into what looks like a secret place for her to do Jungmadel activities.  While her scheme has bought the Rehmes enough time to escape, they become even more determined to continue to find a way to help others who are persecuted for their beliefs.