Stephen Schwartz, Composer of ‘Wicked,’ Steps Back from Kennedy Center Shows After Trump’s Leadership
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While the White House assures the public that everything is going well at the recently renamed John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., a growing list of artist cancellations paints a contrasting picture of the iconic venue.
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On Thursday, Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz announced his withdrawal from an upcoming event at the Kennedy Center, expressing concerns over the institution’s shift toward a partisan stance. Schwartz, known for his work on Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, shared his sentiments with Newsday, stating that the venue no longer represents the apolitical space for artistic expression it was intended to be.
“It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be,” Schwartz said in an email from his assistant. “There’s no way I would set foot in it now.” Schwartz was scheduled to host the Washington National Opera Gala at the Kennedy Center on May 16.
Schwartz joins a roster of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center following its leadership changes since former President Trump’s tenure, which included the appointment of MAGA supporters to its board. Additionally, Trump became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors in December.
“Last year, way before the change of Board and name of the Kennedy Center, I was invited by [director] Francesca Zambello to be part of a Washington National Opera event on May 16, 2026,” Schwartz wrote. “But I’ve heard nothing about it since February 2025, so I have assumed it’s no longer happening. If it is happening, of course I will not be part of it.”
At the time of publication, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center had not responded to Billboard’s request for comment regarding Schwartz’s announcement. The implications of Trump’s name being added to the building’s exterior also raise legal questions about compliance with federal laws regulating name changes established by Congress in 1963.
Over the past year, the Kennedy Center has seen turmoil and numerous cancellations from high-profile figures, including Issa Rae and the team behind Hamilton. Recent cancellations have included a performance by Wayne Tucker’s band, Bad Mothas, and New York dance troupe Doug Varone and Dancers announced their withdrawal from an April performance.
Interim executive director Richard Grenell has threatened legal action against artists who cancel, demanding $1 million in damages from Chuck Redd for a canceled Christmas Eve jazz concert. “The artists who are now canceling shows were booked by the previous far left leadership,” Grenell stated. “Their actions prove that the previous team was more concerned about booking far left political activists rather than artists willing to perform for everyone regardless of their political beliefs.”
Despite ongoing challenges, the White House recently responded to reports of low ratings for the Trump-hosted Kennedy Center Honors broadcast on December 23. Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Kennedy Center, described comparisons to past ratings as evidence of bias, asserting that the program performed well across key demographics despite its timing.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the special garnered an average of 4.1 million viewers, reflecting a 26% decline compared to the previous year’s honors, which celebrated KISS, Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and Broadway legend Michael Crawford.
