Stephen Schwartz Cancels Kennedy Center Performance
- * Stephen Schwartz Distances Himself: Composer Stephen Schwartz states he was invited to a Washington National Opera event in May 2026, but hasn't heard anything as February 2025...
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* Stephen Schwartz Distances Himself: Composer Stephen Schwartz states he was invited to a Washington National Opera event in May 2026, but hasn’t heard anything as February 2025 and assumes it’s no longer happening. He will not participate if it proceeds under the current leadership.The Kennedy Center denies any contract or discussion with Schwartz.
* Trump’s Takeover & Backlash: Donald Trump has taken over the kennedy Center, becoming chairman and renaming the building (though the legality of the renaming is being questioned). This has led to meaningful backlash.
* Cancellations & Resignations: Numerous artists and individuals have distanced themselves from the kennedy Center, including Issa Rae, Rhiannon Giddens, Ben Folds, Shonda Rhimes, Renee Fleming, and the teams behind Hamilton.Recent cancellations include Wayne Tucker/The Bad Mothas,Chuck Redd,the Cookers,and Doug Varone and Dancers.
* Legal Challenge to Renaming: There’s a legal question regarding whether Trump broke a federal law by adding his name to the Kennedy Center,as an act of Congress is required for any name change.
* Turmoil & Disruption: The Kennedy Center is experiencing significant turmoil and disruption following Trump’s takeover, with a wave of cancellations and resignations impacting its programming.