- Hamilton cancels Kennedy Center run following Trump leadership changes, the decision stems from concerns over partisan policies at the Kennedy Center.
- Producer Jeffrey Seller emphasized protecting sacred institutions from politics.
- Other artists and groups have also distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center.
Hamilton, the popular Broadway show, has decided to cancel its 2026 performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The decision was influenced by concerns surrounding the leadership changes at the institution during President Donald Trump’s time in office.
On March 5, Producer Jeffrey Seller announced the cancellation, citing the inability of the production to align with what he referred to as a “new culture” at the Kennedy Center. The scheduled performances, originally planned from March 3 to April 26, 2026, would have been Hamilton’s third run at the venue, following successful shows in 2018 and 2022.
Seller emphasized that the cancellation was not a direct protest against the Trump administration. Instead, it was a reaction to the recent transformations that have significantly impacted the Kennedy Center’s identity.
Trump, who recently appointed himself chairman of the board, replaced much of its leadership with allies, a shift Seller believes has introduced an unwelcome “spirit of partisanship” into an institution long celebrated for its bipartisan values. He also noted that this decision was partly pragmatic, as ongoing uncertainty about the center’s direction could pose risks to both the financial stability of the production and the well-being of its team.
A statement from Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller. pic.twitter.com/yTLlrzFAHW
— Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) March 5, 2025
This announcement comes amid a wave of similar cancellations at the Kennedy Center. Other groups, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and a children’s musical tour, have also withdrawn their performances in light of these developments.
Seller stressed that while political debate is vital in any democracy, certain institutions—like the Kennedy Center—should remain above partisan influence. He reflected on its founding principles as a space to honor arts and culture across party lines, recalling its legacy under presidents such as Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nixon.
The ripple effects of Trump’s leadership overhaul have extended beyond Hamilton. Prominent figures in entertainment like Shonda Rhimes and Issa Rae have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center as well.
This growing exodus underscores broader concerns about how politicization is reshaping spaces traditionally seen as neutral cultural hubs. For Hamilton, a show rooted in themes of democracy and inclusion, this decision appears to be both a statement and a safeguard for its values.
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Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
