Biden, Trump attend Kennedy Center's Les Misérables as theater faces financial struggles

US President Donald Trump attended the Kennedy Center's reopening after a conservative takeover, watching "Les Misérables". Trump had previously criticized the center for promoting "drag queen shows for our young people" and promised to reform it. The center's revenue from subscriptions and individual ticket sales fell by 36% and 82%, respectively. However, ticket sales for "Les Misérables" have been strong. Trump's appearance at the event comes days after he deployed troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against government operations in the immigration area.

US President Donald Trump attended the Kennedy Center's reopening after a conservative takeover, watching "Les Misérables". The center's revenue from subscriptions and individual ticket sales fell by 36% and 82%, respectively, following Trump's reforms [1]. However, ticket sales for "Les Misérables" have been strong, indicating a potential shift in audience preferences.

Trump's appearance at the event comes days after he deployed troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against government operations in the immigration area. His visit to the Kennedy Center marks his first time at a performance as president since his return to office in January [2]. The center, which has seen a staggering 50 percent drop in ticket sales, has since canceled performances by the touring children's musical Finn and a planned concert featuring the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. [1].

The center's programming has been a contentious issue for Trump, who has criticized it for promoting "drag queen shows for our young people" and pledged to reform it [3]. His appointment of MAGA loyalist Richard Grenell as the center's chairman and the installation of Usha Vance on the board have been met with resistance from high-profile performers and members, including Insecure star Issa Rae, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes, and singer-songwriter Ben Folds [1]. These resignations and cancellations have contributed to the center's decline in ticket sales.

Despite the controversies surrounding Trump's involvement, the Kennedy Center's financial situation remains precarious. The center, which is supported by government money and private donations, has seen a significant drop in revenue since Trump's takeover. The center's revenue from subscriptions and individual ticket sales fell by 36% and 82%, respectively, between 2021 and 2022 [1].

However, the strong ticket sales for "Les Misérables" suggest that there may be an audience for the center's programming, despite the political controversies. The musical, which revolves around revolution in France, has been a massive smash for decades and continues to draw large audiences. Trump has previously proclaimed his love for the musical and has played its rebellion anthem, "Do You Hear the People Sing?" at past events and rallies [1].

The Kennedy Center's future remains uncertain. Trump has promised to turn the center back into something great and has suggested that "we may extend" the show's run. However, the center's financial situation and the political controversies surrounding Trump's involvement may make it difficult for the center to return to its former glory.

References:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/les-miserables-understudies-set-center-160442421.html
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Broadway/comments/1l93dsm/the_trump_family_is_set_to_see_the_opening_of_les/
[3] https://www.wmtw.com/article/trump-attend-les-miserables-kennedy-center/65036733