Latest news with #DoYouHearthePeopleSing
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Donald Trump at Kennedy Center: US president and first lady Melania Trump cheered, booed; watch video
US President Donald Trump received a mix of boos and cheers as he arrived in a tuxedo at the Kennedy Center for the opening night of "Les Misérables" in Washington. It was his first visit to the venue since becoming president again and came as he works to reshape the institution in his own way. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While Trump and Melania stood above the audience, the muffled boos were mixed with people shouting, "USA! USA! USA!" "We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever," Trump said while walking the red carpet with first lady Melania Trump. The MAGA chief has shown a particular fondness for "Les Misérables," which he has described as one of his favourite musicals. The song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from the show has been played at some of his past events. The evening had a strong GOP presence. Several Trump allies were seen at the event, including Kennedy Center interim head Ric Grenell, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Vice President JD Vance with his wife Usha. Despite the buzz, some seats in the balcony and orchestra sections were noticeably empty. Reports suggested that some "Les Misérables" cast members may have boycotted the performance, reports the Washington Post. Trump responded to the possibility by saying, "I couldn't care less." Trump's visit comes as part of a larger move to assert control over the Kennedy Center. Since his return to the White House in January, he has fired the long-time director and board, replacing them with his allies and naming himself chairman. His appointees include Fox News hosts and close aides like Susie Wiles and Maria Bartiromo. This has not gone down well with everyone. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Some performers and patrons have pulled out of events, including shows like "Hamilton." Arts consultants like Ben Folds and Renée Fleming have resigned. Subscriptions have reportedly fallen since the leadership change. Trump has also taken broader steps to cut funding for arts. He has proposed removing the National Endowment for the Arts and the Humanities and targeted the Smithsonian museums. "Some very inappropriate shows," including what he called a "Marxist anti-police performance" and "lesbian-only Shakespeare," were among his criticisms. The Kennedy Center was founded in 1971 and named after President John F Kennedy.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump cheered, jeered at 'Les Miserables' debut in Washington
Cheers but also boos met US President Donald Trump as he attended a performance Wednesday of "Les Miserables" at Washington's premier cultural institution, which he has effectively seized control of since returning to power in January. Trump's appearance at the opening night of the hit musical "Les Miserables" at the renowned Kennedy Center could hardly have been more politically charged. The 78-year-old Republican recently orchestrated a conservative takeover of the famed arts venue, reportedly prompting some "Les Mis" cast members to boycott the show. "I couldn't care less. Honestly, I couldn't. All I do is run the country well," Trump told reporters when asked about a boycott as he arrived with First Lady Melania Trump. The show's tale of revolutionary fervor, featuring street protesters in 19th century France manning the barricades against a repressive leader also seemed to take on new relevance as the United States itself faces fresh turbulence over Trump's governance. When the presidential couple appeared Wednesday evening on the central balcony, emblazoned with a presidential seal, booing audience members appeared to struggle to make themselves heard over cheers and chants of "USA! USA!" - 'Dictatorial' behavior - Trump, who was joined by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance at the premiere, has recently sent in troops to deal with protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. "We're going to have a safe country... Remember, if I wasn't there... Los Angeles would have been burning to the ground," Trump insisted to reporters. California officials accuse him of "dictatorial" behavior and of manufacturing a confrontation by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines. "I think the irony is probably lost on him," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP. California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, who has harshly criticized Trump's actions in his state, reacted on X to news that Trump was attending the musical with the plea: "Someone explain the plot to him." The social injustice portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel -- coupled with songs such as "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "I Dreamed a Dream" -- has long resonated with audiences around the world. Billionaire Trump, who had announced his decision to attend "Les Miserables" before the Los Angeles protests erupted, says he too has long been a fan. - 'Love the songs' - The real estate tycoon has played songs from the show at his rallies and political events. "I love the songs, I love the play," Trump told Fox News Digital last week. Asked which of the play's characters he most identified with, however, Trump punted to his wife. "That's a tough one... you better answer that one, honey," Trump replied. His attendance is yet another show of strength after installing himself as chairman of the center and replacing the entire board with loyalists in February. Loge said Trump's presence there was part of a broader effort at image-making by the reality TV star-turned-president. "Les Mis is a great spectacle. And it sounds smart. It's not just a show, it sounds like it stands for something," he said. Trump's takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center faced opposition in some quarters. A historically bipartisan-supported institution, it has never been led by a US president before. Hit show "Hamilton" canceled its run there in response. Trump countered by saying he had "never liked" the rap musical, which is about the birth of the United States and its first treasury secretary. Several key figures at the Kennedy Center -- including TV producer Shonda Rhimes who created "Grey's Anatomy" and musician Ben Folds -- resigned from their leadership positions. And the Vances -- Usha Vance is one of the new board members -- were booed by the Kennedy Center audience at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in March. Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center comes amid a broader assault on what he deems "woke" programming at cultural institutions, including the famed Smithsonian museums, as well as universities. dk/acb/nl/des
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump to watch 'Les Miserables', tale of revolt and oppression
It's a tale of revolutionary fervor, featuring street protesters manning the barricades against a repressive leader. And watching from the audience will be US President Donald Trump. Trump's appearance at the opening night of the hit musical "Les Miserables" at the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday night could hardly be more politically charged. The Republican recently orchestrated a conservative takeover of the famed arts venue, reportedly prompting some "Les Mis" cast members to boycott the show. But the performance of the show, set against the backdrop of revolutionary 19th century France, also comes as the United States itself faces fresh turbulence. Trump, who will be joined by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance at the premiere, has recently sent in troops to deal with protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. California officials accuse him of "dictatorial" behavior and of manufacturing a confrontation by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines. Trump says he will "liberate" Los Angeles from an "invasion" of migrants. "I think the irony is probably lost on him," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP. The social injustice portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel -- coupled with songs such as "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "I Dreamed a Dream" -- has long resonated with audiences around the world. But billionaire Trump, who had announced his decision to attend "Les Miserables" before the Los Angeles protests erupted, says he too has long been a fan. The 78-year-old has played songs from the show at his rallies and political events. "I love the songs, I love the play," Trump told Fox News Digital last week. - Trump takeover - His attendance is yet another show of strength after installing himself as chairman of the center and replacing the entire board with loyalists in February as part of his administration's war on what it views as the liberal opposition. Loge said Trump's presence there was part of a broader focus on image-making by the reality TV star-turned-president. "Les Mis is a great spectacle. And it sounds smart. It's not just a show, it sounds like it stands for something." Trump's takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center faced opposition in some quarters. A historically bipartisan-supported institution, it has never been led by a US president before. Another hit show, "Hamilton," canceled its run there in response. Trump responded by saying he had "never liked" the rap musical, which is about the birth of the United States and its first treasury secretary. Several key figures, including TV producer Shonda Rhimes who created the show "Grey's Anatomy" and musician Ben Folds, resigned from their leadership positions. And the Vances -- Usha Vance is one of the new board members -- were booed by the Kennedy Center audience at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in March. Trump toured the center days afterwards, notably addressing the media from high up in a red velvet-lined presidential box, and accusing its previous bosses of letting it fall into debt and disrepair. The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue in the United States, a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy that opened in 1971 and that has long enjoyed bipartisan support. Its diverse programming includes a prestigious annual arts gala. Trump did not attend during his first term as president but it's unclear whether he will do so now. Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center comes amid a broader assault on what he deems "woke" programming at cultural institutions, including the famed Smithsonian museums, as well as universities. dk/ksb
NBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Trump to attend 'Les Misérables' premiere as protests continue across the country
President Donald Trump is set to attend the opening night of 'Les Misérables,' a musical set against a background of revolution and protest, at Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday. 'I love the songs, I love the play,' Trump told Fox News Digital last week. 'I think it's great.' The opening night of a monthlong run of the Tony Award-winning show comes amid widespread protests against the president's immigration policies and his decision to deploy members of the military in response. Protests against power are a major theme in the show, which is centered around student-led demonstrations against the French monarchy. 'Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit,' reads the official summary on the Kennedy Center's website. Songs from the musical have been used in protests against governments around the world since the show debuted in 1980, including by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong in 2019. Protesters sang one of the show's most popular and recognizable hits, 'Do You Hear the People Sing,' which includes the lyrics, 'Do you hear the people sing? Singing a song of angry men?' The show will be the first production Trump has attended as head of the Kennedy Center. He did not attend any performances during his first term in office, and in February he replaced the entire board of trustees and had himself named chairman of the board. The shake-up resulted in some concerts being canceled — including a performance by the Gay Men's Chorus in honor of Pride Month — and other artists and productions pulling out of planned shows to protest the changes, including actor Issa Rae and a production of 'Hamilton.' 'Our show simply cannot, in good conscience, participate and be a part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center,' 'Hamilton' producer Jeffrey Seller said in a statement in March. A spokesperson for the production said Wednesday, 'We are looking forward to performing for DC audiences beginning tonight and throughout the engagement at the Kennedy Center, where the US first saw the original production in 1986.' The performance on Wednesday is serving as a fundraiser for the Kennedy Center. First lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, are expected to attend as well. Security will be tightened around the venue for the performance, the Kennedy Center said. 'Please be advised the Kennedy Center will be closed to non-ticket holders on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, due to enhanced security protocols,' the venue's website said.
France 24
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Trump to watch 'Les Miserables', tale of revolt and oppression
Trump's appearance at the opening night of the hit musical "Les Miserables" at the renowned Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday night could hardly be more politically charged. The Republican recently orchestrated a conservative takeover of the famed arts venue, reportedly prompting some "Les Mis" cast members to boycott the show. But the performance of the show, set against the backdrop of revolutionary 19th century France, also comes as the United States itself faces fresh turbulence. Trump, who will be joined by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance at the premiere, has recently sent in troops to deal with protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. California officials accuse him of "dictatorial" behavior and of manufacturing a confrontation by deploying thousands of National Guard troops and US Marines. Trump says he will "liberate" Los Angeles from an "invasion" of migrants. "I think the irony is probably lost on him," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP. The social injustice portrayed in Victor Hugo's 1862 novel -- coupled with songs such as "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "I Dreamed a Dream" -- has long resonated with audiences around the world. But billionaire Trump, who had announced his decision to attend "Les Miserables" before the Los Angeles protests erupted, says he too has long been a fan. The 78-year-old has played songs from the show at his rallies and political events. "I love the songs, I love the play," Trump told Fox News Digital last week. Trump takeover His attendance is yet another show of strength after installing himself as chairman of the center and replacing the entire board with loyalists in February as part of his administration's war on what it views as the liberal opposition. Loge said Trump's presence there was part of a broader focus on image-making by the reality TV star-turned-president. "Les Mis is a great spectacle. And it sounds smart. It's not just a show, it sounds like it stands for something." Trump's takeover of the John F. Kennedy Center faced opposition in some quarters. A historically bipartisan-supported institution, it has never been led by a US president before. Another hit show, "Hamilton," canceled its run there in response. Trump responded by saying he had "never liked" the rap musical, which is about the birth of the United States and its first treasury secretary. Several key figures, including TV producer Shonda Rhimes who created the show "Grey's Anatomy" and musician Ben Folds, resigned from their leadership positions. And the Vances -- Usha Vance is one of the new board members -- were booed by the Kennedy Center audience at a performance of the National Symphony Orchestra in March. Trump toured the center days afterwards, notably addressing the media from high up in a red velvet-lined presidential box, and accusing its previous bosses of letting it fall into debt and disrepair. The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue in the United States, a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy that opened in 1971 and that has long enjoyed bipartisan support. Its diverse programming includes a prestigious annual arts gala. Trump did not attend during his first term as president but it's unclear whether he will do so now.
