Oh, the drama! Ever since President Trump dismissed much of the Kennedy Center board in February, appointing 14 new members and himself as chairman, a host of artists have canceled their scheduled engagements. Ben Folds, artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, and soprano Renée Fleming terminated their roles as advisers.
Many took the opportunity to grandstand, making soapbox proclamations about why they were unable to honor their commitments. The producer of the Broadway show Hamilton, Jeffrey Seller, announced that the musical would not perform at the Kennedy Center for its third run because “our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center.”
The actress Issa Rae canceled her sold-out show, claiming on Instagram, “Unfortunately, due to what I believe to…
