The latest fall out form the Kennedy Center hostile takeover is a children’s musical.
Last week the Kennedy Center cancelled a tour of “Finn” – a children’s musical. The Center had commissioned and premiered the musical last year where it sold out. “Finn” is about “a young shark who realizes he may relate more to smaller, more gentler fishes”.
Creators of the musical – Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond – have released a statement via social media saying, “while not a surprise given the events of the last week, it is a heartbreak. But we will not be silenced. And we will not abandon the kids we wrote this show for. They are already under attack from every side. We didn’t ask for this joy bomb of a show to be a part of the resistance, but here we are.”
Speaking with the Washington Post, the creators noted that the musical, “could be read as a metaphor for the LGBTQ+ experience”. They noted, “at its heart it has a universal message of love and acceptance. The fact that that extends to sparkly boys seems to be controversial.”
With a note of defiance, the creators said, “today we resist, and ask you to join us. We will find a way to get Finn out to the audiences who need it most. Follow us @finnmusical so you’re ready to help us get loud.”
The Kennedy Center stated that the cancellation was done purely for financial reasons.
The Actor’ Equity (actors and stage managers union) spoke on the cancellation of “Finn” saying, “we are outraged at the news that The Kennedy Center has canceled the upcoming tour of “Finn”, a musical for young audiences that just concluded an acclaimed run at the theatre. Since its founding, the Kennedy Center has represented the full breadth of American culture; It is disturbing to see the new leadership of this institution move so swiftly to suppress viewpoints they do not agree with. And it is beyond appalling that the art they find so dangerous is a joyful children’s musical encouraging young people to be true to themselves and follow their dreams. Actors’ Equity Association stands with the company of this production and is watching developments carefully. The union intends to fully enforce our contracts with The Kennedy Center. Equity reminds its members that if they experience any difficulty with their contracts at the Kennedy Center, they should reach out to their business reps immediately.”
In the wake of the takeover, President Deborah Rutter and chairman of the board David M. Rubenstein have been fired; musicians Ben Folds, Shonda Rhimes, and Renee Fleming have resigned as artistic advisors; and Issa Rae and Low Cut Connie have cancelled a sold out performances.