As protests in opposition to his immigration insurance policies balloon nationwide, President Donald Trump is seeing considered one of his favourite musicals on Wednesday night time: “Les Misérables,” the story of an anti-government rebellion, abusive police and harsh imprisonment.
Trump goes to opening night time of the well-known musical’s one-month run at Washington, D.C.’s John F. Kennedy Middle for the Performing Arts, whose whole board of trustees he changed in February and had them identify him chairman.
“We’ve seen it many instances,” Trump stated upon arriving on the Kennedy Middle with first girl Melania Trump. “Like it. One in every of my favorites.”
When a reporter requested him which facet of the musical’s battle he most recognized with, Trump laughed and refused to reply.
“That’s powerful. You higher reply that one, honey,” he stated, gesturing to the primary girl. “I don’t know.”
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When one other reporter requested how he felt about reviews that a number of the “Les Misérables” solid could be boycotting the night time of his efficiency, Trump stated he “couldn’t care much less.”
“All I do is run the nation effectively,” he retorted.
Trump obtained a mixture of cheers and boos when he took his seat on the theater. His attendance comes after he deployed Nationwide Guard troops to face largely peaceable protesters in Los Angeles and introduced he was sending in Marines, regardless of pushback from native management.
“Les Misérables,” the musical based mostly on the 1862 novel of the identical identify, tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean after he emerges from a 19-year jail sentence for stealing a loaf of bread for his niece. A lot of the musical facilities round pupil demonstrations in opposition to the French monarchy.
One of many musical’s most recognizable songs ― “Do You Hear The Individuals Sing?” ― has an extended historical past as an anthem at pro-democracy demonstrations. It’s additionally an obvious favourite of Trump’s, as he played the song proper earlier than strolling onstage to announce his third presidential run in 2022.
A number of drag performers additionally attended the present Wednesday night time to protest Trump, who announced in February there could be “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA” on the Kennedy Middle going ahead. They obtained applause as they walked in to the theater, social media videos show.
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Vagenesis, whose authorities identify is Anderson Wells, was one of many deliberate attendees.
“Theater is meant to be a spot of group, a spot of storytelling, a spot of celebration, pleasure, catharsis and it needs to be open and accessible to all,” Vagenesis instructed NPR on Wednesday.
Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence equally brought about a stir when he went to see “Hamilton” shortly after successful the 2016 election. He was loudly booed when he arrived on the Manhattan theater. When Pence was attempting to exit the theater after the ultimate curtain name, actor Brandon Dixon, who was enjoying the a part of Aaron Burr, asked him to stay and delivered a message to him.
“We, sir, we’re the various America, who’re alarmed and anxious that your new administration is not going to shield us, our planet, our youngsters, our dad and mom or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,” Dixon stated.
“We really hope that this present has impressed you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us,” he continued.
