Overview

• Trump’s inaugural attendance at the Kennedy Center since February drew both boos and cheers as up to a dozen Les Misérables cast members sat out in protest under his new chairman’s tenure.
• Event organizers reported more than $10 million raised by selling donor packages priced between $100,000 and $2 million that included premium seats and photo opportunities with the president.
• A group of drag performers invited by patrons to occupy seats below the presidential box received enthusiastic applause as a message of inclusivity.
• Overall sales remain weak, with subscription revenue down 36 percent year-over-year and theatre subscription packages plunging 82 percent for the upcoming season.
• The arts community backlash has led touring productions like Hamilton to cancel planned runs and prompted resignations from advisors including Renée Fleming and Ben Folds.