Trump attends Les Misérables amid Kennedy Center tensions
Trump attends opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump answered questions about the LA protests, Iran and the upcoming military parade on the red carpet of the Kennedy Center ahead of Les Misérables' opening night.
WASHINGTON - Upwards of a dozen members of the Les Misérables cast are reportedly planning to boycott the show at the Kennedy Center following President Donald Trump’s scheduled attendance at opening night Wednesday.
What we know:
At least ten to 12 performers are reportedly planning to sit out opening night of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night, CNN reports. Included in this group are major performers and members of the ensemble who would have to be replaced by understudies.
"Any performer who isn’t professional enough to perform for patrons of all backgrounds, regardless of political affiliation, won’t be welcomed," Richard Grennell, the newly appointed director of the Kennedy Center, said to CNN.
Grenell also indicated that he hoped to release the names of those boycotting, in order to prevent them from being hired in future productions.
Trump’s involvement in the Kennedy Center
The backstory:
These boycotts come following Trump's appointment of party loyalists after firing and replacing the Kennedy Center’s director and much of the board.
Trump has also purged shows and productions he deemed too woke.
"Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!" Trump posted on social media in February.
Sales of subscription packages are said to have declined since Trump’s takeover, and several touring productions, including "Hamilton," have canceled planned runs at the center. Artists such as actor Issa Rae and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances, and Kennedy Center consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming have resigned.
The Source: This story includes information from President Donald Trump's social media posts, reports from CNN and the Associated Press, and previous FOX 5 DC reporting.