The legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, known for his iconic work on 'Wicked,' has made a bold statement. He joins a growing list of artists refusing to perform at the Kennedy Center, following the controversial decision to add President Donald Trump's name to the building.
Schwartz, a three-time Academy Award winner and a native of Nassau County, was set to host the Washington National Opera Gala at the Kennedy Center on May 16. However, he has decided to withdraw, citing a fundamental shift in the center's identity.
In an email sent by his assistant, Schwartz expressed his disappointment, stating, "The Kennedy Center is no longer the apolitical haven for artistic freedom it was intended to be. I cannot bring myself to step foot inside it now."
The Kennedy Center has been at the center of a storm since Trump's intervention, with producers and artists taking a stand. The producers of 'Hamilton' and actor Issa Rae canceled their appearances, while musicians Ben Folds and Renee Fleming resigned from their advisory roles. This wave of protest is a direct response to Trump's decision to oust the board and install himself as chairman.
Congress had authorized the construction of a cultural center named after President John F. Kennedy, a year after his tragic assassination in 1963. Federal law explicitly prohibits the trustees from adding another name to the building's exterior.
Schwartz, who also created the beloved musicals 'Godspell' and 'Pippin,' has a personal connection to the Kennedy Center. He worked with Leonard Bernstein on 'Mass,' which was the inaugural performance when the center opened its doors in 1971.
In his email, Schwartz, aged 77, explained, "I was invited last year, well before the board change and name alteration, to be part of a Washington National Opera event in 2026. However, I haven't heard anything about it since February 2025, so I assumed it was canceled. I can't see Francesca [Zambello] continuing under these circumstances. If it is still happening, I will not be a part of it."
The controversy has sparked a wave of cancellations. Brooklyn-based musician Wayne Tucker and his band, The Bad Mothas, have withdrawn from their scheduled performance on January 22. Jazz drummer Chuck Redd canceled his Christmas Eve show, and the New York dance group Doug Varone and Dancers pulled out of an April performance. Even The Cookers, an all-star jazz ensemble, canceled their New Year's Eve show.
While some artists have taken a stand, others remain silent. The Shag Horns, a brass party band from New York City, is still scheduled for January 24. The Martha Graham Dance Company and the New York City Ballet are also set to appear in early April and June, respectively.
This story raises questions about the role of art and artists in political landscapes. Should artists use their platforms to make political statements, or is it their duty to remain apolitical? What are your thoughts on this controversy? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
