Latest news with #LesMisérables
USA Today
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Melania Trump may get name on the Kennedy Opera house. What has she done as first lady?
A House panel advanced a measure on July 22 that would rename part of the Kennedy Center after first lady Melania Trump. The measure was voted on as part of a larger amendment approved by the Appropriations Committee. The larger House and Senate still have to vote on the spending bill. If it passes, the opera house would be named the "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House." Currently, the theater is just designated as the "Opera House," located between the "Concert Hall" and the "Eisenhower Theater." Melania Trump is President Donald Trump's third wife. While the president's first six months back in office have been a whirlwind of news, the first lady has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Here is what to know about the first lady: What is the 'Take it Down Act?' Melania Trump made rare White House appearance to sign it What has Melania Trump done as first lady? Melania Trump played a key role in advocating for the Take it Down Act, which the president signed into law on May 19. The law criminalizes nonconsensual, explicit images created by artificial intelligence, often known as deepfakes. Outside of that advocacy, she has appeared in her official capacity sparingly since her husband returned to office. One of her appearances was actually at the Kennedy Center for a showing of "Les Misérables," where she stood alongside Trump as the crowd booed and cheered. Through the spring, she spoke at the International Women of Courage Awards, attended Pope Francis' funeral (on her 55th birthday), helped host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, and hosted a celebration of military mothers and a stamp unveiling honoring former first lady Barbara Bush. She also attended the Army's 250th anniversary parade in D.C., which occurred on Trump's 79th birthday. Melania Trump visited a D.C.-area children's hospital ahead of the Fourth of July, and appeared with the president as he signed the "Big Beautiful Bill" on the holiday. The following week, she visited the flood-ravaged areas of Texas the following week. Later, she attended FIFA Club World Cup final, where her husband went viral for staying on stage for the winning team's celebration. When did Donald Trump marry Melania? Donald Trump and model Melania Knauss got married in 2005. They met in 1998, two years after she moved to New York. Does Melania Trump have a college degree? No. According to the American Presidency Project, Melania Trump did not complete a degree but attended the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia for one year. Is Melania Trump an immigrant? Yes, she was born in Slovenia and moved to the U.S. in 1996. Slovenia is a country in Eastern Europe between Croatia and Austria. Melania Trump was born as Melanija Knavs but changed her name to Melania Knauss and later Melania Trump. She is the only first lady to become a naturalized citizen and the second first lady born outside the United States. (The first was Louisa Catherine Adams, married to John Quincy Adams, who was president from 1825-1829.) See photos of Melania Trump before she became first lady, when she met Trump as a young model Contributing: Bart Jansen, Jennifer Sangalang, Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, Maria Francis, Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY Network Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@ Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @
New York Post
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
House panel votes to rename DC opera house after Melania Trump
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives quietly took a step Tuesday toward renaming the Kennedy Center's iconic opera house after first lady Melania Trump. Language inaugurating the Melania Trump Opera House was tucked by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) into an amendment to a government funding bill that cleared the House Appropriations Committee. 'Naming the Opera House at the Kennedy Center after [Melania Trump] is an excellent way to recognize the first lady's appreciation for the arts,' Simpson declared after lawmakers approved the amendment. Advertisement 'I am proud to honor her support and commitment in promoting the arts and humanities.' 3 The measure is intended to honor First Lady Melania Trump's 'commitment in promoting the arts.' Getty Images Advertisement 3 President Trump has dramatically shaken up the Kennedy Center during his second term in the White House. AP The amendment cleared the Appropriations panel by a 33-25 vote, with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) joining Republicans in backing it. The opera house, one of three major performing venues at the waterfront complex which opened in 1971, seats 2,347 patrons and is the home theater of the Washington National Opera as well as the site of the televised Kennedy Center Honors every December. Back in February, President Trump declared himself the chairman of the Kennedy Center and retooled its Board of Trustees. Advertisement 'Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth – THIS WILL STOP,' Trump proclaimed on Truth Social at the time. 'The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!' Last month, the president and first lady attended a performance of 'Les Misérables,' whose show-stopper 'Can You Hear The People Sing?' has been featured at Trump's campaign rallies. 3 Rep. Mike Simpson's amendment cleared the Appropriations Committee, but it is unclear whether it will become law. AP The House Appropriations Committee advanced its government funding bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations, which is one of 12 bills Congress needs to pass by Oct. 1 to fund the government. Advertisement But that bill, which funds agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, and the US Forest Service, still needs to clear the full House and the Senate, where Democrats can filibuster. Simpson's amendment is the latest in a series of Republican tributes to the president. In January, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) introduced a bill to put Trump's face on Mount Rushmore. Several weeks later, freshman Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) unveiled a proposal to put the 45th and 47th president's face on the $100 bill. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced legislation in February to designate Trump's birthday — June 14 — a national holiday, while Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) pushed a measure to enable Trump to run for a third term. In May, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) proposed a bill to block federal funds for the Washington, DC underground transit system until it renames the Metrorail as the 'TRUMP TRAIN.' Multiple Republicans have also called for Trump to be given a Nobel Peace Prize for his foreign policy successes.
Newsweek
21 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Kennedy Center Opera House Could Be Renamed for Melania Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump looks down from the Presidential Box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as he participates in a guided tour and leads a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump looks down from the Presidential Box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as he participates in a guided tour and leads a board... Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The famed John F. Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington D.C. could be renamed to honor First Lady Melania Trump, according to an amendment to a bill in the Interior Department reviewed by Newsweek. "Provided, That the Opera House located in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts shall be known and designated as the 'First Lady Melania Trump Opera House,'" the amendment read. It was adopted 33-25 according to the House Appropriations Committee, in a bill that addresses Wildfires and Military Readiness. Just last month, President Donald Trump was met with cheers, boos, and chants of "USA" when he went to the venue to on the opening night performance of the musical Les Misérables, Newsweek previously reported. The bill before us today honors both our commitment to preserve America's natural heritage and our duty to ensure a strong, sustainable, and fiscally responsible future. "This bill supports President Trump's agenda to unleash American energy and cut red tape," Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said in his remarks Tuesday. "We include provisions that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, protect American jobs, and lower energy costs. With a focus on U.S. energy dominance, we strengthen our national security by expanding access to critical minerals. This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Final tickets on sale for hit musical Les Misérables in Carlisle
The final tickets are sale to see Talented youngsters from across Cumbria perform one of the most beloved musicals in Carlisle. Les Misérables is currently playing to packed houses in London's West End as well on a world tour, but Cumbrian audiences can enjoy the show on their own doorstep when StagedRight Youth Theatre ends their 20th anniversary year with a spectacular production of the show. With The Sands Centre reopening being in doubt, the award-winning group took the decision many months ago to stage the show for a second year at the Garden at Eden Marquee within Eden Golf Club. Director David McNeill said: 'This time last year we couldn't be certain that The Sands Centre would be open again by July and thank goodness we made the decision to book the Garden at Eden. 'Whilst we very much look forward to getting back to The Sands, our audiences and students have embraced the marquee and this year we are building raked seating and literally turning the venue into a 400-seat theatre complete with dressing rooms and full lighting and sound. 'We have even had to build our own stage set to fit the venue and the idea is that audiences feel as if they have stepped into a French Street with Bisto café, wine bar and snacks'. StagedRight has twice previously presented Les Misérables but with the show celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it was felt to be the 'perfect musical' for audiences and to showcase the talents within StagedRight. The production features a cast of almost 90 young people with a live 16-piece professional orchestra to accompany the actors as they sing the world-famous score including One Day More, On My Own and I Dreamed a Dream. David continued 'If you loved the film or have never seen the show before, this is an experience you will never forget. 'Les Misérables has a real heart and touches everyone who sees it'. Last year's production of Barnum won the highest accolade in amateur theatre being awarded Best Musical Production in the UK by the President of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. READ MORE: Carlisle: Road in Carleton to be closed for tree removal | News and Star StagedRight invests more than £50,000 to stage a weekend of 5 performances and relies on ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising to break even. David said: 'We need your support.' The production takes place from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 20 with matinee and evening performances. To book visit or telephone 0333 666 3366.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stage adaptation of classic Jane Austen rom-com to finish summer tour in Salisbury
A STAGE adaptation of a classic Jane Austen novel will finish its summer tour in Salisbury. Northanger Abbey is the classic Jane Austen rom-com that was adapted by Matthew Francis for the stage. It is being performed by Maskers Theatre Company, who are based in Southampton, and has already received high praise after its run of shows at their Maskers Studio. They will be embarking on a summer tour across Hampshire and Wiltshire, and they will visit King Edward's Hall in West Tytherley for their final show on Saturday, July 26. You can get tickets HERE. The story is about a young woman called Catherine Morland (played by Katarina Smith) whose head is turned by the gothic novels she reads. Read more Noises Off at Salisbury's Studio Theatre is hilarious evening of entertainment Youth theatre company prepares for biggest summer show yet with Les Misérables A laugh-out-loud romp brimming with energy, superb choreography and delightful songs She visits Bath and then Northanger Abbey, where reality and fantasy meet. Director Rob Iliffe said: "We are doing this play because this year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth and Northanger Abbey was her first novel, inspired by Netley Abbey near Southampton. "Also, it seemed an interesting choice for theatre with the imaginary gothic world. "It's been great working with a cast spanning through several decades, as the members of the cast are between the ages of 20 and the General, Philip, is in his 80s." General Tilney, played by Philip de Grouchy, welcomes Katherine to Northanger Abbey (Image: Ian Wilson) The cast has 12 members with a range of experience, from Neil Maddock, 50, who has appeared on screen in Star Wars and Call The Midwife and on stage in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Southampton Passion, to Samantha Richards who is appearing on stage for only her second time after being a teacher. A review of the show from Scene1+ said the show "offers a charming, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of Jane Austen's beloved novel." The review goes on to say: "Whether you're a longtime Austen fan or a newcomer to her world, this is a delightful and accessible interpretation that offers plenty to enjoy. With strong performances, creative design, and a keen understanding of the novel's tone, Northanger Abbey at The Maskers Studio is well worth seeing on tour this summer." Maskers Theatre Company will take their stage production of Northanger Abbey on tour from July 17, visiting Totton, Southampton and Winchester, before finishing in West Tytherley.
