‘Hamilton’ Cancels Kennedy Center Run Over Political Purge
In a shocking move, the producers of the hit musical ‘Hamilton’, including creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, have announced the cancellation of their planned 2026 engagement at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This decision comes in response to what they describe as a “recent purge by the Trump Administration” of the venue’s professional staff and center-produced events.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
Producer Jeffrey Seller stated, “Given these recent actions, our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center.” This marks the third time ‘Hamilton’ was scheduled to perform at the Kennedy Center, with the latest engagement originally set for March 3-April 26, 2026.
Seller emphasized that the decision was not against the Trump Administration itself but rather against the partisan policies now affecting the Kennedy Center. “Hamilton was proudly performed at the Kennedy Center in 2018 during the first Trump administration,” he noted. “We are not acting against his administration, but against the partisan policies of the Kennedy Center as a result of his recent takeover.”
Impact on Other Kennedy Center Events
The move follows closely on the heels of the Kennedy Center’s cancellation of its planned tour of the children’s musical ‘Finn’ and an upcoming performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C. These cancellations have sparked widespread outcry among fans and the broader theater community.
The Broader Implications
Seller highlighted the importance of political disagreement and debate as vital expressions of democracy, stating, “These basic concepts of freedom are at the very heart of Hamilton. However, some institutions are sacred and should be protected from politics. The Kennedy Center is one such institution.”
According to Seller, the actions taken by the Kennedy Center in recent weeks have “seen decades of Kennedy Center neutrality be destroyed.” He pointed out that the purge began on February 7, 2025, with the firing of Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter, the Chairman of the Board David Rubenstein, numerous other board members, and the cancellation of important programming.
Financial and Ethical Considerations
Seller also noted that the cancellation was a business decision. “Hamilton is a large and global production,” he said, “and it would simply be financially and personally devastating to the hundreds of employees of Hamilton if the new leadership of the Kennedy Center suddenly cancelled or re-negotiated our engagement.”
He further criticized the new leadership, stating, “The actions of the new Chairman of the Board in recent weeks demonstrate that contracts and previous agreements simply cannot be trusted. This is sad, because basic integrity and the rule of law have long been great American principles that help serve as a foundation for our Nation.”
Response and Future Plans
Deadline has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment on these developments. Meanwhile, the cancellation of ‘Finn’ prompted a one-night-only livestream presentation at New York’s Town Hall on March 17, featuring Broadway stars such as Andrew Rannells, Andrea Martin, and Kelli O’Hara, along with members of the original Kennedy Center cast.
The Town Hall event will also include a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC and members of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Trevor Project, supporting suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The cancellation of ‘Hamilton’ at the Kennedy Center underscores the ongoing tensions between cultural institutions and political influences. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how other venues and productions respond to similar pressures. What are your thoughts on the intersection of politics and the arts? Join the conversation below and stay updated with the latest news from Deadline.
This news was sourced from Deadline.com.
