Cast Members of Les Miserables Plan Boycott of Kennedy Center Performance
At least ten cast members of the renowned musical Les Miserables are set to boycott a performance on June 11 at the Kennedy Center, coinciding with an appearance by former President Donald Trump. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies related to Trump’s influence on the institution since he appointed himself as its chairman.
Background on the Boycott
The cast was reportedly given the option to participate in this particular performance, which is also a significant fundraising event for the Kennedy Center. According to CNN, many actors within both the lead and ensemble roles have chosen to withdraw from this performance, expressing their disapproval of the current political environment surrounding the center.
Trump’s Attendance and Reactions
Donald Trump, an admirer of Les Miserables who previously used its music without authorization during his 2016 campaign, is expected to attend the June performance, which follows a VIP reception with ticket sponsorship levels ranging from $100,000 to $2 million. Richard Grennell, a Trump ally and current president of the Kennedy Center, commented on the boycott, stating:
“Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed. In fact, we think it would be important to out those vapid and intolerant artists to ensure producers know who they shouldn’t hire – and that the public knows which shows have political litmus tests to sit in the audience.”
Cancellations and Other Protests
The backlash against Trump’s leadership at the Kennedy Center has led to significant changes and cancellations. More than 26 performances have been called off, with 15 directly canceled by scheduled acts. Notably, actress and producer Issa Rae withdrew her show due to “an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums.” Additionally, the Philadelphia rock band Low Cut Connie also canceled their concert scheduled for March 19.
Lin-Manuel Miranda and producer Jeffrey Seller announced that they would not bring Hamilton to the Kennedy Center in 2026, stating, “The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center.” Other events, including a concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, were also canceled around the same period.
Activism within the Arts
In reaction to the perceived political shifts at the Kennedy Center, the band Guster demonstrated their resistance by featuring the cast of the LGBTQ+ musical Finn onstage during their concert at the venue. This act of solidarity underscores the ongoing tensions within the artistic community regarding the current direction of the institution.