The Kennedy Center is no longer the room where it happens.
Courtesy of Disney
Hamiltonwill not, in fact, be back.
Producers cited the recent takeover of the performing arts center by theTrump administration as their reason for withdrawing.
Anthony Ramos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daveed Diggs, and Okieriete Onaodowan in ‘Hamilton’.Credit:Courtesy of Disney
“Political disagreement and debate are vital expressions of democracy,” producer Jeffrey Seller said in a statement.
“These basic concepts of freedom are at the very heart ofHamilton.
However, some institutions are sacred and should be protected from politics.
Leslie Odom Jr. and Lin-Manuel Miranda perform a scene from ‘Hamilton’ during the 2016 Grammys.Theo Wargo/Getty Images
The Kennedy Center is one such institution.”
“Politics have never affected the presentation of thousands of shows and the display of extraordinary visual arts.
However, in recent weeks we have sadly seen decades of Kennedy Center neutrality be destroyed.
‘Hamilton’ performed at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City.Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images
Hamiltonpremiered on Broadway in August 2015 during President Barack Obama’s second term.
After winning multipleTony Awardsand the Pulitzer Prize, the musical launched multiple international and touring productions.
It was filmed, and the taped production featuring the original cast premiered onDisney+in summer 2020.
Lin-Manuel Miranda in ‘Hamilton’.Neilson Barnard / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
“Our lives matter not if we lose them in the cause of liberty.
What matters is the nation we built.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda and James Austin Johnson on ‘Saturday Night Live’.Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Barging in on his performance, Johnson’s Trump replied, “Never say never.
I’m in my king era.
An era that will not include performances ofHamiltonat the Kennedy Center.
Instead, it will be quiet downtown.
