Jan 5
Stephen Schwartz Withdraws from Washington National Opera Gala Amid Kennedy Center Renaming Controversy
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed composer behind Broadway hits such as "Wicked" and "Pippin", has withdrawn from his role as celebrity host for the Washington National Opera's gala planned for May 2026. The move comes in direct response to the Kennedy Center's recent renaming to honor President Donald Trump, a decision that has drawn widespread criticism from arts figures.
Schwartz, whose career spans decades of influential musical theater, announced his withdrawal via public statement, emphasizing his unwillingness to associate with an institution bearing the Trump name. The Washington National Opera, a prominent fixture in the U.S. opera scene, had tapped Schwartz for the high-profile event to elevate its visibility. This gala typically features performances, celebrity appearances, and fundraising efforts to support opera programming.
The Kennedy Center, officially the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, underwent a renaming process initiated by a vote of the Board of Trustees. The change incorporates Trump's name alongside the original designation, reflecting political shifts in Washington, D.C. This decision has ignited debates across the cultural sector, with performers and administrators weighing the implications of political endorsements on artistic venues.
Playbill reported that Schwartz's exit was prompted specifically by the renaming, underscoring a growing rift between progressive artists and institutions perceived as aligning with conservative politics. Primary sources, including Schwartz's own representatives, confirmed the composer's statement criticizing the move as incompatible with his values.
Schwartz's decision resonates deeply within LGBTQ+ circles, where he has been a vocal ally for decades. As an artist whose works often explore themes of identity and acceptance—such as in "Wicked"'s portrayal of marginalized characters—Schwartz has consistently supported transgender people, non-binary individuals, and broader queer rights. His withdrawal aligns with concerns from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups about Trump's policies, including past restrictions on transgender military service and healthcare access for gender-diverse people.
The Human Rights Campaign , a leading organization advocating for LGBTQ+ equality, noted in recent statements that arts institutions must prioritize inclusive environments amid political polarization. GLAAD, focused on fair media representation for LGBTQ+ people, highlighted how such renamings could alienate queer performers and audiences from public venues. Schwartz's action is seen as a stand for these communities, particularly as "Wicked"—with its empowering narrative for outcasts—continues to draw diverse, including many LGBTQ+ fans.
Interviews with queer theater professionals reveal mixed but affirming responses. One Broadway director, speaking to The Advocate, praised Schwartz for modeling resistance: "In an era where transgender people and other LGBTQ+ identities face erasure, artists like him remind us that culture isn't neutral." However, some voices within the opera world urge dialogue over boycotts, emphasizing the need for arts access for all identities.
This incident underscores broader tensions at the nexus of art and politics. The Kennedy Center, hosting thousands of performances annually, now navigates boycotts from figures like Schwartz, potentially impacting fundraising. Washington National Opera has not yet named a replacement host, leaving the gala's future uncertain.
As the arts world watches, this event highlights how individual choices ripple through institutions, balancing artistic freedom with political realities.
