Drag Queens Steal the Show at Kennedy Center

 

by Pa Rock

Theatre Fan

As a part of his rolling spectacle of self-aggrandizement, Donald Trump took charge of one of the major cultural venues in our nation's capital last February when he replaced most of the Kennedy Center's board of directors with people who would do his bidding - and then had that new board appoint him as the CEO of the operation.  As the man in charge, Trump is involving himself in determining the Center's selection of programs and honorees.  Additionally, he also began by throwing some red meat to his base when he announced that the Kennedy Center would not host any drag performances.

With that background in mind, the "stage was set" for theatrical themed protests when Trump and First Lady Melania attended a performance of what is reputedly Trump's favorite musical, "Les Miserables," at the Kennedy Center this past Wednesday night.  Also in attendance  were JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance (whom Trump had appointed as Chairwoman of the Kennedy Board), and controversial HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr (one of the Kennedys) and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.

Not in attendance were several members of the regular cast, including some in starring roles, who chose to not perform for Trump.

Much of the evening's entertainment happened before the curtain even went up.  As the Trumps entered the presidential box, several members of the audience began booing and jeering, and that was followed by some of Trump's supporters in the audience trying to cheer over them.  It was undoubtedly far less than the regal welcome Trump would have preferred.

But the pre-show wasn't over.

Before Don and Mel had even managed to get their seats warm, three very flamboyantly dressed drag queens and one drag king  entered and circled through the auditorium before taking their seats - and while the Trumps had been met with a mixed reception, the drag performers were greeted far more positively with cheers and applause.

("Les Miserables" is a musical stage production based on Victor Hugo's very lengthy novel of the same name.  The focus of the story is a group of very poor and desperate individuals struggling to survive during  the French Revolution when the common people took to the streets (and barricades, and guillotines) and ultimately overthrew the monarchy's authoritarian rule in France.  Trump, a man who has seldom been observed reading, may not have had a complete understanding of the show's message.)

But, pre-show dramatics aside, it was undoubtedly a memorable night at the Kennedy Center, especially for the several understudies who got to do an actual performance - and to perform before a President of the United States, even if it was only Trump.