Les Mis Cast Boycotts Trump’s Kennedy Center Visit
- WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to the Kennedy Center for a fundraiser and performance of "Les Misérables" is facing controversy, with some performers planning to...
- Sources indicate that approximately 10 to 12 members of the "Les Misérables" cast intend to sit out the June 11 performance, coinciding with Trump's attendance.
- Trump has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the Kennedy Center and its programming.
Trump’s Kennedy Center Visit Sparks Performance Boycott, Show Cancellations
Table of Contents
- Trump’s Kennedy Center Visit Sparks Performance Boycott, Show Cancellations
- Trump’s kennedy Center Visit: A Q&A on the Controversy
- What’s all the fuss about Donald Trump’s visit to the Kennedy Center?
- Why are some performers boycotting the “Les Misérables” performance?
- Has Trump made any statements about the Kennedy Center?
- What other changes have occurred at the Kennedy Center recently?
- Why was the “Finn” tour canceled?
- Has the musical “Hamilton” also been affected?
- what has Trump said about “Hamilton”?
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Kennedy Center for a fundraiser and performance of “Les Misérables” is facing controversy, with some performers planning to boycott the show and previous programming changes drawing criticism.
Sources indicate that approximately 10 to 12 members of the “Les Misérables” cast intend to sit out the June 11 performance, coinciding with Trump’s attendance. Performers were reportedly given the option to abstain,and both principal actors and ensemble members are among those choosing not to participate.
Trump has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the Kennedy Center and its programming.
In February, Trump posted on Truth Social, “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST.”
Artists Withdraw,Performances Canceled
In response to recent changes,artists including Issa Rae,Shonda Rhimes,and Ben Folds have resigned from leadership positions or canceled events at the Kennedy Center. The center has also canceled performances, including the tour of the children’s musical “Finn.”
A kennedy Center spokesperson stated that the cancellation of “Finn,” wich had not yet been officially announced, was due to financial reasons and occurred before the change in leadership. The authors were reportedly notified prior to the leadership transition.
“Finn” was commissioned by the Kennedy Center in 2023. Michael Kooman, a co-creator of “Finn”, told The Washington Post that the creative team was informed of the tour’s cancellation due to financial concerns before the board meeting concerning the Kennedy Center’s leadership.
“It’s hard to ignore the circumstances in which the cancellation of the tour is happening,” Kooman added.
“Hamilton” Scraps performances
High-profile shows like “Hamilton” have also scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center following Trump’s involvement.
During a March visit to the center, Trump criticized “Hamilton,” the musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda that presents a modern interpretation of the country’s founding through the life of Alexander Hamilton, featuring a diverse cast.
“I never liked Hamilton very much,” Trump told reporters.
“But we are going to have some really good shows,” Trump added. “I would say this, come hear and watch it, and you’ll see, over a period of time, it’ll improve very greatly physically.And we’re going to get some very good shows. The thing that does well are Broadway hits.”
Trump’s kennedy Center Visit: A Q&A on the Controversy
Here’s a breakdown of the controversy surrounding Donald Trump‘s upcoming visit to the Kennedy Center, presented in a Q&A format to give you the most crucial details quickly and clearly.
What’s all the fuss about Donald Trump’s visit to the Kennedy Center?
President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Kennedy Center for a fundraiser and a performance of “Les Misérables” has sparked controversy. It’s generated a boycott from some performers and criticism due to previous programming changes.
Why are some performers boycotting the “Les Misérables” performance?
Reports indicate that approximately 10 to 12 members of the “Les Misérables” cast intend to sit out the June 11th performance coinciding with Trump’s attendance. Performers were given the choice to abstain. Both principal actors and ensemble members are among those choosing not to participate.
Has Trump made any statements about the Kennedy Center?
Yes,Trump has voiced his dissatisfaction with the Kennedy Center and its programming in the past. In February, he posted on Truth Social, stating, “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST.”
What other changes have occurred at the Kennedy Center recently?
Several artists have withdrawn from leadership positions or canceled events at the Kennedy Center. These include Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, and Ben Folds. The center has also canceled performances, including the tour of the children’s musical “Finn.”
Why was the “Finn” tour canceled?
A Kennedy Center spokesperson stated that the cancellation of “Finn” was due to financial reasons.The cancellation occurred before a leadership change at the Kennedy Center, and the authors were informed prior to the transition.
Has the musical “Hamilton” also been affected?
Yes, high-profile shows like “hamilton” have scrapped planned performances at the Kennedy Center following Trump’s involvement.
what has Trump said about “Hamilton”?
During a March visit to the center, Trump criticized “Hamilton.” He stated, “I never liked Hamilton very much.” Though, he also expressed his belief that the Kennedy Center would improve over time and feature “really good shows.”