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Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

January 4, 2026

Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked, has announced he will not perform at the Kennedy Center following the board's decision to incorporate Donald Trump's name into the venue's title. He expressed that performing at the center has become an ideological statement for him, while the center's president claims that reports of Schwartz pulling out of a gala are false.

Stephen Schwartz at the "Wicked: For Good" New York Premiere held at Linln Center for the Performing Arts. He wears an open-neck pink shirt and black blazer

Credit: Co

Key Highlights

Stephen Schwartz cancels performance at the Kennedy Center.
The cancellation is a response to the inclusion of Donald Trump's name in the venue's title.
Schwartz calls his potential appearance an ideological statement.
Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell disputes reports of Schwartz's cancellation.
Schwartz is one of several artists to withdraw from events at the center due to the name change.

Sources

Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Wicked composer latest to cancel Kennedy Center gig after Trump name change

Key Highlights

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