It's safe to say from the 2008 Presidential Election to the soon-to-be November 8th, 2016 Election that all American citizens have partaken in expressing who they support by following the election with a keen eye. People off all ages can easily spark up a thorough conversation about there views on the Republican or Democratic party without batting an eye. However, it wasn't always like this. in 2004 when Facebook was invented it changed how the news was received and who viewed it. With social media taking a tight grasp on anyone from business men to young children, important information (or any information, really) can be received instantly. With the 21st century having the huge advantage of media to inform everyone, it can almost be considered easier to be involved in politics without such an effort. In our society today, it is considered a norm for a child 12 years or older to have a smartphone, and with the power of social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. we are encouraging anyone to speak up for what we think is right, because yes, your opinion does count.

However, people did not always have the access to such information. In the late 1930s, WWII began in Germany. Adolf Hitler rose to power and it was the people's decision on whether or not he will become the most powerful man. His capability to appeal to others through his intelligent but manipulative speeches instantly rose him to power. He was able to take the Germans' fears of never being able to come out of the recession and promised he could fix it. He also was able to address the people's fears and blame them on the Jewish people. Many Germans were instantly convinced, and the rest didn't care for the outcome if it did not affect themselves.

Whether you were involved in the political controversy or just had a bad day, a Cabaret is entertainment held in a nightclub for the audience to enjoy treats and drinks at tables to brush away such issues. A Cabaret only exists in the European region, but is considered closely related to the American 'Burlesque'. It was a gate way to let people get away from the outside world, and was hidden for anyone to judge. In the play "Cabaret" by Kander, Ebb, and Masteroff it sets place in the 1920s during the infancy of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime. It begins with the main character, a young American writer named Josh Blanchard coming to Germany in hopes of new inspiration. The writers hatred to the political views of Germany is clearly shown through out the play, and as Josh meets a young german man to call a friend, he asks to not share politics to diminish any controversy. The German man is willing to pay Josh for his lessons in english for himself and colleges, and the poor American gladly accepts for him to find a place to stay for a cheap price. Instantly with his new wealth and new friend he is struck with the lust of the nightclub. Allowing the young writer to let loose, he kisses a young male dancer; forgetting the brutal consequences to his love in the outside world. A young dancer named Sarah threatens to expose Josh's secret only for her to be allowed to stay in his room, because everyone in the area seemed to be to poor for their own home.

The story also follows a older German widow named Rebecca Hoodwin who tirelessly works to make ends meet by managing the "Cabaret." Before she knew it, she fell for a Jewish man named Bob Moore with a heart of gold. The old man had a desire to tend to the woman's needs no matter how others would view them. After tiring months of asking for her hand in marriage, Rebecca gladly accepted. However, this all occurred when Adolf Hitler demanded the Jews to be labeled and deported to ghettos; and later in the story, Sarah calls off the marriage in fear that they are too different. Both love stories were forced to be concealed to the public because of the fear of being judged and harassed, and only inside the club is where all characters would be who they truly are.

Overall, after watching the brilliantly-made play at the Lake Dillon Theatre, it oddly seemed to relate to the politics issues we have today. Adolf Hitler believed in a fascist government that aimed to "Make Germany Great Again" by blaming all issues on the Jewish community. Today Donald Trump's slogan is to "Make America Great Again" by blaming the Muslim community. Raise any red flags yet? A little scary, yes. Now this is not to claim right off the bat "Donald Trump is the new Hitler" but the resemblances hint America can be reliving Germanys horrid past. With a leader trying to appeal to the people only by claiming we are a failure without him, Michelle Obama struck back hard by letting everyone know America is already great.

The similarities of the play and todays political issues also strikes the question, 'can we be who we truly are in public?' or with a man like Donald Trump in power would we be forced to hide who we are to avoid jail time simply because of someone we love being with is considered wrong to the public eye? I was curious to know the writers stand point themselves. An Epilogue followed the play allowing the audience to ask any questions to the cast. A young woman took advantage of the opportunity and sparked the risky question, "Is there a relationship to the play and todays politics?" One of the writers (and cast member playing Bob Moore) simply answered "Our play today was not made to make you think in only one way, it was created for you to decide if there is a further message."

And the play did have you leave with the chance to make the decision on whether or not there was a reason the writer wrote this play about Germany's past in 2016, but thankfully there cannot be a wrong answer to such question.