Stephen Schwartz, 'Wicked' Composer, Cancels Kennedy Center Appearance
Rolling Stone••entertainment
Key Points:
- Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-winning composer of Wicked, has withdrawn from hosting the Washington National Opera Gala at the Kennedy Center, citing the Center's shift away from being an apolitical space for free artistic expression under Donald Trump's control.
- Numerous artists have canceled performances at the Kennedy Center over the past year in protest of Trump's takeover, including his replacement of the board with allies and his installation as chairman.
- The controversy escalated after the Kennedy Center's board, dominated by Trump appointees, voted to rename the institution the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, prompting further artist cancellations.
- Among those who canceled were the annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam, led by Chuck Redd since 2006,
