Latest news with #LesMiserables
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shouts of ‘felon' and ‘we love you': Inside Trump's charged visit to the Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump drew charged reactions of both admiration and ire at the Kennedy Center's opening night of 'Les Misérables' – with a greeting of cheers and boos, drama at intermission and drag queens in the audience. When the lights came on after the end of the first act Wednesday, many people cheered and clapped as the president and First Lady Melania Trump stood up. But a woman below, seated in the orchestra section, started yelling: 'Felon, you're a convicted felon.' As cheers died down, and Trump walked out, her voice became clearer: 'Convicted felon, rapist!' A security guard quickly approached, appearing to escort her out. As the crowd waited anxiously for Trump to return to his seat, someone yelled out: 'F**k Trump,' and the crowd responded by cheering and clapping loudly. Some yelled out: 'We love you.' Others booed, and then an even louder cheer erupted when Trump appeared again. He pumped his fist in the air three times – reminiscent of how he rallied his supporters after an assassination attempt against him last year in Pennsylvania, when he made the same motion and shouted to the crowd: 'Fight, fight, fight.' The night was emblematic of Trump's approach in his second administration. Shunned from much of the cultural milieu of deep-blue Washington, DC, in his first term, he largely ignored it. This time, an emboldened Trump has seized control of one of the premiere cultural spots in the city, installing allies on the board who named him chairman and announcing plans to adjust the decor and schedule to his liking. And, much like his approach to the negative reactions during the performance, he isn't expressing much concern about his critics. His supporters are more than willing to drown out the naysayers. When Trump first entered the theater, standing at the lip of the presidential box overlooking the crowd, he was met with loud cheers and boos. Then chants of 'USA, USA, USA' broke out. Darlene Webb, a self-identified Trump supporter since 2016, said the expletives and jeering just made her want to express her support more loudly. 'I just wanted to clap and yell over it, because at this type of performance I don't think it was good for them to do that, professionally,' Webb said. Cara Segur, a friend of Webb's, said she 'found it kind of ironic that he was here' given the subject matter of the musical. In the backdrop of Wednesday night's performance — the story of a former convict fighting for a second chance against a law enforcement officer's dogged pursuit to put him back in prison — Trump has deployed the National Guard and hundreds of Marines to Los Angeles to quash protests, which were sparked by the administration's immigration crackdown. 'Seeing some of the actors and actresses, it looked like they were singing at him, instead of just singing to the crowd. And it felt really powerful and I liked it,' Segur said. Not all the protests against Trump's presence at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night were vocal. Four drag queens sat below the presidential box, a visual pushback against Trump's vow that there would be no more 'woke' performances or drag shows at the Kennedy Center. One of the drag queens, Tara Hoot, said their appearance in full drag was 'a message of inclusivity. I really love musicals, I mean I'm a drag queen.' 'A lot of people have been applauding, asking for pictures,' another drag queen who goes by Vagenesis said, waving a fan with the DC flag on it. 'Some people are throwing some glances, confused about what they see, but that's always to be expected wherever we go.' Some in the audience bought tickets well before Trump decided to attend, including Carol Campion, her daughter Kristen Farren and her two grandchildren. Farren said she would like the Kennedy Center to 'remain apolitical. It's a beautiful, beautiful location that has been part of our country for a very long time, and I think it should just be dedication to the arts as it was meant to be.' The performers, who did not make any sort of statement about Trump's presence during the show, received a standing ovation from the audience. Trump and the first lady stood and clapped, as well as the entire presidential box, which included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and Kellyanne Conway, among others. Trump left before the lights came back on. Before the show, the president and Melania Trump attended a VIP reception hosted by the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees intended to raise money to revamp the building. Gold sponsors of the event were asked to contribute $2 million for 10 premier seats, a photo opportunity with Trump and 10 tickets to the VIP reception. Silver sponsors were expected to pay $100,000 for a photo opportunity with Trump, performance seating and two tickets to the VIP reception. At the red carpet ahead of the performance, Trump said that $10 million had been raised for the Kennedy Center. Trump has taken purposeful steps to reshape power at the Kennedy Center, installing allies on the board who elected him chairman. That includes his chief of staff Susie Wiles, Usha Vance, Bondi, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's wife, Allison. He also appointed Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham, as well as 'God Bless the USA' singer Lee Greenwood. 'We're going to make it incredible,' Trump said on the red carpet before the show. 'We have all the funding — we raised a lot tonight. We'll put it — lot of money, we're going to bring it back to the highest level, higher than it was ever before.' Trump was asked while entering the venue about a previous CNN report that at least 10 to 12 cast members planned to boycott the performance due to his appearance. While it was not immediately clear how many cast members followed through on those plans, Trump said he was unbothered. 'I couldn't care less, honestly I couldn't,' he replied. 'All I do is run the country – well.'
AsiaOne
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Daily roundup: Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular coming to Singapore March 2026, waitlist now open — and other top stories today, World News
Stay in the know with a recap of our top stories today. 1. Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular coming to Singapore March 2026, waitlist now open Musical fans, you're in for a treat. Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular - a large-scale version of the acclaimed Les Miserables musical, which played over 200 performances in the West End - is coming to Singapore in March 2026, announced Base Entertainment Asia today (June 12)... » READ MORE 2. No significant impact to travellers after Jetstar Asia closure, say analysts Travellers will not be significantly impacted with the impending closure of Singapore-based low-cost carrier (LCC) Jetstar Asia, aviation analysts have said... » READ MORE 3. Popular Holland Village eateries Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Wala Wala Cafe Bar to shutter When it comes to popular eateries at Holland Village, two places that probably often come to mind are Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Wala Wala Cafe Bar. But after decades of operations, both establishments are set to shutter... » READ MORE 4. 'I thought I was a forgotten actress': Apple Hong touched by supporters' messages after Star Awards' popularity nomination When Apple Hong received a congratulatory text from her BFF, actress Priscelia Chan, about two weeks ago, she was puzzled. "I was having dinner outside when Priscelia texted me, saying, 'Hey Apple, congrats, we can go together.' Then I was like, 'What congrats? Go together where?'" the 46-year-old actress recounted in a recent interview with AsiaOne. ... » READ MORE editor@
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain in 'Les Mis.' How ironic.
Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain in 'Les Mis.' How ironic. | Opinion Sending the military in to quell protests is more aligned with the French monarchy than the revolutionaries. Show Caption Hide Caption Trump met with boos, cheers before Les Misérables at Kennedy Center President Donald Trump attended "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center after overhauling its leadership and naming himself chairman. On June 11, President Donald Trump appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the opening night of 'Les Misérables.' If you're at all familiar with the musical, you'll understand why that's so ironic. Trump staged a hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center back in February, changing up the board and making himself chairman of the iconic performing arts venue. It led several artists to cancel performances. According to The New York Times, some 'Les Misérables' cast members had considered boycotting the Wednesday performance that kicked off the summer 2025 season. The president, oblivious as always, says the show is 'great.' Ever the musical theater fan, he has used one of the most recognizable songs from 'Les Mis' at multiple rallies over the years. You know, the one the cast sings on the eve of revolting against the monarchy? Surely the man who has inspired nationwide 'No Kings Day' protests understands how laughable that is. Does Trump identify with hero or villain of 'Les Mis'? He doesn't know. If you're unfamiliar with the musical, let me give you a rundown. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the story follows Jean Valjean after he leaves prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving relatives. After an interaction with a priest, he is inspired to live a better life, which includes adopting and raising a child named Cosette after her mother dies. The musical is set during a French revolution that culminates in the 1832 June Rebellion, where a group of student revolutionaries known as the Friends of the ABC try to lead the city into revolt. These are the students Republican leaders would want to deport. Opinion: Trump supporters, this is what you're cheering as his deportation scheme unfolds Apparently, despite his love of the musical, Trump doesn't know if he's the hero or villain of this story. He told The Washington Post he wasn't sure if he identified more with Valjean or Javert, the prison guard turned inspector who is obsessed with bringing Valjean to justice. It's an ironically indecisive thing to say, considering he has sent military troops to Los Angeles to quell protests against raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and has spent much of the past few months raging against students protesting for Palestine. It's hard to picture Trump as the hero of this story. That would require him learning how to be a more caring person over time. Given his rhetoric on immigrants, trans people and basically anyone who disagrees with him, I doubt he's experienced that kind of transformation. Imagine treating immigrants like they stole bread Art has always been part of protest and resistance. The theater is no exception. These forms of expression can also be used as propaganda. With Trump's declaration that the Kennedy Center's "woke" programming is done for, it seems that only tolerable art will make it through the vetting process. Somehow, "Les Mis" slipped through the cracks, likely because Trump actually likes the musical. Opinion: I told you GOP would come for marriage. Southern Baptists just proved my point. If Trump actually paid attention to the songs and themes of "Les Mis," maybe he'd realize that his desire to lay down the law is more aligned with Javert than anyone else in the show. Maybe he'd realize that sending the military to quell protests is more aligned with the actions of the French monarchy than those of the revolutionaries. Maybe he'd realize that he has more in common with the monarchy than the people. Probably not. But maybe. Follow USA TODAY columnist Sara Pequeño on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno
New York Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Late Night Reviews Trump's Night at the Theater
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous night's highlights that lets you sleep — and lets us get paid to watch comedy. Here are the 50 best movies on Netflix right now. Master of the House President Donald Trump attended the opening night of 'Les Misérables' at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday. 'Usually, when Trump watches a staged rebellion, it's Fox News coverage of the 'riots' here in L.A.,' Jimmy Kimmel said on Thursday. 'It's a musical largely about a revolution. It's the people standing up against their king. The rebellion happens in Act 2 — or, I should say, it usually happens in Act 2. After Act 1 last night, Trump called in the National Guard and squashed the whole thing.' — JIMMY KIMMEL 'I have to say, Trump going to see 'Les Misérables' right now is like Kanye going to 'Fiddler on the Roof.' ' — JIMMY KIMMEL 'Some cast members from 'Les Mis' decided to boycott the performance because President Trump was there. Right now, the only person less popular than Trump in the world of theater is Patti LuPone.' — JIMMY KIMMEL 'Napoleon Bona-spurs was accompanied by Melania, as is required under Section B Subsection 3 of their prenup, which states, 'Mrs. Trump shall accompany her husband to no fewer than two public appearances per calendar year during which she shall refrain from open displays of revulsion, disgust, and/or hatred, regardless of current mood or events.' Also known as 'date night' for them.' — JIMMY KIMMEL 'But Melania, from all accounts, she loved the show. Her favorite song was 'On My Own.'' — JIMMY KIMMEL On the red carpet, a reporter asked the president if he was more of a Jean Valjean or Javert. 'Oh, that's a tough one,' he replied, and did not supply an answer. 'I don't know what's worse: that a reporter thought it was a good idea to ask Trump if he's the hero or the villain, or that Trump's response was 'Oof, that's a tough question.'' — DESI LYDIC 'All right, that's famously not a tough one. There's a pretty clear good guy and bad guy, but then I think Trump would have the same problem after a screening of 'Star Wars.' [imitating Trump] 'Oh, that's a tough one. Darth Vader is a mean guy, but also the Skywalker kid was very rude to the gay robot.'' — SETH MEYERS 'What do you mean you don't know? Javert is the bad guy. You just said you've seen the show a number of times. Is that number zero?' — STEPHEN COLBERT '[imitating Trump] The character I identify with most is Les. Les — Lester Miserables. Big, tough guy. Built that castle on a cloud. Not happy about it.' — STEPHEN COLBERT Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Irish Daily Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
JD Vance's awkward joke to wife Usha falls flat - 'Could you be any more unaware?'
JD Vance and Donald Trump attended the opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center last night - but a joke the VP shared on X didn't go down well with social media users A joke JD Vance shared with his wife, Usha, fell flat after the Vice President posted it on social media. Last night, the politician attended the opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with President Donald Trump. Just before the show began, JD Vance wrote on X that he had asked his wife what the show was about - and joked that he asked her whether it was the story of "a barber who kills people," which made Usha laugh. But the VP then responded to his own tweet, writing, "That's apparently a different thing called 'Sweeney Todd.'" The joke didn't go down well with users on X, where critics hit out at the VP as well as Trump. One wrote, "Could you be any more unaware? Americans are being evacuated for war and our highest elected officials are watching plays." "I don't get what this tweet was supposed to accomplish?" one asked, while another said, "This is so cringe." Someone else wrote, "Your wife is the only person who thinks you're funny." One added, "Usha was laughing AT you. Not with you." A person said, "Les Miserables…a story of someone imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Maybe you'll understand the plight of the lower class after seeing the show, JD. But your date, POTUS, is unable to comprehend things like that." One more said, "So the country appears to be melting down and ur off to a show. Sounds like the priorities are where they should be." Last night it was Trump's first time attending a show at the Kennedy Center since his election - and he was booed and cheered as he took his seat alongside Melania Trump. Near the end of the intermission, someone loudly cursed his name, drawing applause. Several drag queens were in the crowd, their presence a protest against Trump's complaints that the Kennedy Center had hosted too many drag shows in the past. Despite the condemnation, the event had a MAGA-does-Broadway feel as it was attended by Ric Grenell, the Trump-appointed interim leader of the Kennedy Center, as well as the VP and his wife. Trump walked the red carpet with the First Lady when they arrived at the theater, which he's been remaking in his image while excising what he describes as liberal ideology. "We want to bring it back, and we want to bring it back better than ever," Trump said. The Republican President has a particular affection for Les Miserables, the sprawling musical set in 19th-century France, and has occasionally played its songs at his events. One of them, Do You Hear the People Sing?, is a revolutionary rallying cry inspired by the 1832 rebellion against the French King. The three-hour production featured singing and dancing, with the sounds of explosions and gunfire filling the theater as protesters and soldiers clashed on stage. For Trump's critics, it was an unnerving echo of what's unfolding in Los Angeles, where Trump has deployed National Guard troops in response to protests over his deportation policies. "Someone explain the plot to him," California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, wrote on social media. Terry Gee, a bartender, bought his ticket for the show in November and didn't mind Trump's presence. It was his sixth time seeing Les Miserables and he said, "I'm going to enjoy the show regardless." Attendee Hannah Watkins only learned that Trump would be there when the Kennedy Center distributed information about extra security and she searched online to see what was happening. "I've seen a lot of famous people so far, which is exciting," said the nurse, who had claimed a spot near the VIP entrance with her mother. "Honestly, we just like 'Les Mis' and are excited to be here."
