US EditionGrenell says ‘Wicked’ composer’s Kennedy Center cancellation ‘totally bogus’
Stephen Schwartz joins many artists boycotting the renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, citing its shift away from a nonpartisan artistic mission after the board rebranding.
- Stephen Schwartz announced his withdrawal from the Washington National Opera Gala set for May 16, 2026, saying he heard nothing since February 2025 and assumed it was canceled.
- After the Dec. 18 announcement, artists began retracting appearances at the renamed Trump-Kennedy Center as a largely Trump-installed board's vote to add the president's name triggered resignations and cancellations.
- The Trump-Kennedy Center website event page still advertises the gala with event copy and tickets available, while Roma Daravi, VP of Public Relations for the Kennedy Center, said Schwartz was never discussed or contracted.
- Resignations by figures such as Renée Fleming and others have hurt the center's programming and standing, with Ben Folds, Shonda Rhimes, and Renée Fleming stepping down and Chuck Redd facing a threatened lawsuit after canceling a Christmas performance.
- Schwartz argued the center no longer serves its founding apolitical mission, noting Kennedy Center programming now favors orchestral institutional fare with few big names like Renee Fleming and Tyrese left for 2026.
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34 Articles
‘Wicked’ Composer Stephen Schwartz Cancels Kennedy Center Appearance After Trump Changes Name | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip
Stephen Schwartz is canceling his appearance at the Kennedy Center. Two weeks after Donald Trump changed the name of the iconic performing arts center to the Kennedy-Trump Center, the 77-year-old Wicked composer announced that he will no longer be appearing at the upcoming gala with the Washington National Opera. Keep reading to find out more…“The Kennedy Center was founded to be an apolitical home for artists of all nationalities and all ideolo…
'Wicked' Composer Stephen Schwart Boycotts Kennedy Center After Name Change, Calling It 'Political'
Stephen Schwartz, composer of the Broadway musical, "Wicked," says he will not appear at the Kennedy Center after its board voted to change the name of the venue, calling the performing arts center "political."
More and more musicians refuse to perform at the Washington Cultural Center after the takeover of Trump's loyalty – now also Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz. However, he was not booked at all, claims the new management.
By Michael Williams, CNN The composer of “Wicked”, Stephen Schwartz, says he will not appear at the Kennedy Center after his board of directors voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the venue, becoming the last artist to reject the president’s takeover of Washington’s most iconic performing arts center. The composer, winner of Oscar and Grammy awards, said in a statement: “The Kennedy Center was founded to be an apolitical home for artis…
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