On the morning of opening night for the Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables, the Kennedy Center found itself at the center of political and cultural tension. With protesters expected to rally against President Donald Trump’s attendance, Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi delivered a clear message: the performance would proceed undeterred.
“The show must go on, and the show is certainly going on,” Daravi said during an appearance on O’Connor & Company, a Washington-based morning radio program on WMAL.
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In May, reports emerged that at least 10 to 12 cast members from the production were planning to sit out the June 11 performance in protest of Trump’s appearance. According to sources familiar with the situation, performers — both leading actors and ensemble members — were allowed to opt out of the show that evening due to objections over the former president’s policies and the Kennedy Center’s reorganization under his leadership.
Responding to rumors of planned walkouts and reported backstage dissent over Trump’s presence, Daravi downplayed the controversy and emphasized the overwhelming support from ticket-holders.
“This is a top-tier production,” she told hosts Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock. “And despite the noise outside, the seats are filled. The patrons are here. It’s a big night for the Kennedy Center and the country.”
Trump’s attendance at Les Misérables marks his first visit to the Kennedy Center since he named himself chairman of the board earlier this year, following a full restructuring of the institution’s leadership.
Daravi likened the evening to a major film premiere, noting that the red carpet was open to all attendees, not just VIPs.
“It’s a very special evening — like a big Hollywood premiere,” she said. “And every ticket-holder is part of it.”
The Kennedy Center’s leadership, now under President Richard Grenell, has faced criticism from some in the arts community.
In May, Broadway icon Patti LuPone sparked outrage by reportedly telling the New Yorker that the “Trumpified” Kennedy Center “should get blown up.” Her remarks drew condemnation from Grenell, who responded sharply in an interview with the Washington Examiner.
“The far Left has morphed into violent extremists,” Grenell said. “This is completely unacceptable — from the same people who claim to be for tolerance and diversity. Everyone should condemn these radicals.”
LuPone, 76, made the comment while criticizing Trump’s restructuring of the Kennedy Center board. According to New Yorker writer Michael Schulman, LuPone repeated the explosive statement “more than once.”
The Kennedy Center has shifted its artistic direction since Trump’s reorganization of the board and Grenell’s appointment as president.
In a Truth Social post, Trump pledged to “make the Kennedy Center great again,” promising to remove programming he claimed promoted “divisive ideologies.”
The new season reflects that vision. The Kennedy Center’s 2025–26 lineup includes Broadway hits such as The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and Back to the Future: The Musical, alongside children’s programming such as Bluey’s Big Play and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE.
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The Kennedy Center reports strong ticket sales and renewed donor interest under its new leadership. According to Daravi, nearly all performances of Les Misérables in its five-week run are sold out.
“We’re seeing overwhelming support from the public,” she said. “Contrary to what some in the media suggest, the Kennedy Center is thriving. And tonight is just the beginning.”