Musical Wicked Creator Boycotts Kennedy Center Events Over Trump Name Controversy
The creator of the musical Wicked has decided not to participate in events at the Kennedy Center due to the inclusion of President Donald Trump's name in the venue's title. Stephen Schwartz expressed his stance, stating that appearing at the center has now become a political statement, and he will refrain from attending as long as this remains the case. Despite reports suggesting his withdrawal from a gala in May, the center's president, Richard Grenell, clarified that Schwartz had not been confirmed to attend.
Schwartz shared that he was initially approached to participate in the May event by the Washington National Opera's artistic director but had received minimal communication since February, leading him to believe the event was no longer happening. However, a reporter contacted him recently after his name appeared on the Kennedy Center's website for the gala, which was later removed. Schwartz emphasized that the center was intended to be a non-political space for artists of all backgrounds, but the recent changes have made it an ideological platform.
Following Schwartz's decision, two musical acts, The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers, also canceled their performances at the Kennedy Center. The Cookers cited a quick decision-making process, while Doug Varone and Dancers expressed their inability to support the institution's name change. These cancellations were criticized by Grenell as a form of "derangement syndrome," with Chuck Redd previously canceling a Christmas Eve gig over the name change, prompting Grenell to threaten legal action.
The Kennedy Center's board, appointed by Trump, voted to rename the institution the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in December. This decision has sparked controversy, with some arguing that Congress should have a say in the renaming process, given the center's establishment in a 1964 law. Members of President Kennedy's family have also opposed the change, emphasizing the center's significance as a memorial to the late president.