When the world is a dumpster fire, we can always turn to nature and the arts to feel better, except when part of the conflagration involves the firing (no pun intended) of national park staff and the canceling of arts events. To that end, here’s our list of the Kennedy Center’s shows that are canceled as a result of the recent changes in the leadership of the art institution’s board.
What is the Kennedy Center’s cancelation list?
A Peacock Among Pigeons: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride, a performance of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC with the National Symphony Orchestra
Finn is a children’s coming-of-age musical about a shark who realizes he may be comfortable hanging out with gentler fish. The creators have said it carries a “be yourself” message and could be read as a metaphor for being gay.
Which artists have canceled their performances in protest?
An Evening with Issa Rae, a sold-out show, was canceled by the actor “due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums," according to her Instagram story as reported by CapRadio.org.
The rock band Low Cut Connie canceled their scheduled performance, posting on Instagram (according to Rolling Stone): "I was very excited to perform as part of this wonderful institution's Social Impact series, which emphasizes community, joy, justice, and equity through the arts. Upon learning that this institution that has run non-partisan for 54 years is now chaired by President Trump himself and his regime, I decided I will not perform there."
Who has resigned from roles connected to the Kennedy Center?
Bridgerton’s executive producer, Shonda Rhimes, resigned as the center’s treasurer.
Singer-songwriter Ben Folds has resigned from working with the National Symphony Orchestra, where he has been artistic director, due to the “developments” at the Kennedy Center, according to BBC.
Opera singer and actor Renee Fleming also resigned from being an artistic advisor out of respect for her colleagues.
Why are the shows being canceled by the Kennedy Center?
President Donald Trump has fired the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and named himself chair. He did not give an explanation for canceling the Gay Men’s Chorus performance. The explanation for canceling Finn was that it was a financial decision, although the musical was commissioned by the Kennedy Center and had a sold-out first run last year. Given that the two canceled performances address the LGTBQ experience, it is easy to draw a line between that and Trump’s statement last year on social media, that the Kennedy Center "featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth—THIS WILL STOP,” as reported by Newsweek.
Can those two canceled performances be seen elsewhere?
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., said it would perform A Peacock Among Pigeons during the International Choral Festival, which is part of World Pride 2025, according to Newsweek.
The creators of Finn have said that they will “find a way to get Finn out to the audiences who need it most,” according to Playbill.
Are there other performances we should be worried about?
Given Trump’s connection to Elon Musk, who has not apologized for making a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute nor hastened to reassure the world that he rejects Nazism, Playbill points out another upcoming performance that may draw Trump's ire: the Tony Award-winning revival of Parade, a show about the corrupt trial and lynching of a Jewish man in 1913 Georgia.