The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, a national monument to culture and performance, finds itself embroiled in controversy following the cancellation of the touring production of Finn, a children’s musical. This decision, made under the recently appointed leadership at the Kennedy Center, has sparked outrage and accusations of political motivations overshadowing artistic merit. Finn, a Kennedy Center-produced musical, tells the heartwarming story of a young shark who “wants to let out his inner fish,” celebrated for its themes of acceptance and self-discovery.
The creators of Finn, Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond, voiced their disappointment and concern on the musical’s Instagram page. They stated, “We didn’t ask for this joy bomb of a show to be a part of the resistance, but here we are,” suggesting a deeper issue beyond mere financial considerations. Their statement hints at a clash of values, emphasizing the musical’s “universal message of love and acceptance” and questioning if “sparkly boys” – a likely reference to inclusive representation within the show – are the source of the controversy.
In response to the growing backlash, a spokesperson for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts released a concise statement to Deadline, attributing the cancellation solely to “a purely financial decision.” However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given the musical’s acclaimed premiere run at the Kennedy Center from November to December.
The Acclaim and Premise of ‘Finn’ at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center’s own website lauded Finn as “hilarious and heartwarming,” detailing the narrative as “chronicl[ing] the coming-of-age journey of Finn, a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard. As Finn faces the challenges of growing up and following his heart, the musical takes us on a magical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure.” This description highlights the positive and enriching themes intended for young audiences.
Finn‘s initial run at the John F. Kennedy Center was not only a critical success, earning a nomination for the prestigious Helen Hayes Award, but also resonated strongly with audiences, garnering “rave reviews”. This positive reception was a key factor in the Kennedy Center’s initial decision to plan a tour, aiming to bring this celebrated production to a wider audience. Actors’ Equity, the labor union representing stage actors and stage managers, has condemned the tour cancellation, calling it “beyond appalling” and “disturbing,” further fueling the controversy surrounding the John F. Kennedy Center’s decision.
Rising Dissent and Broader Implications for the Kennedy Center
The creators of Finn further elaborated on their dismay, stating, “Dimond & Kooman & Nee are sad to announce that the Kennedy Center tour of our musical Finn was officially cancelled yesterday. 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. Please repost, and follow us at @Finnmusical as we look to be loud in response to this administration’s desire to silence us.” This passionate statement underscores their belief that the cancellation is not just a financial matter but a reflection of a broader ideological shift at the John F. Kennedy Center.
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Further emphasizing the themes of inclusivity, the Kennedy Center’s study guide describes Finn as “A young shark who just wants to be his true self. He loves sparkles and bright colors despite being a shark,” and Seasil, a supporting character, as wanting to “shake up the regal tang tradition and do a different dance for the jubilee.” These character descriptions highlight the musical’s core message of embracing individuality and challenging traditional norms, which may be at odds with the new direction at the John F. Kennedy Center.
Actors’ Equity released a formal statement expressing their outrage: “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.” This statement directly challenges the Kennedy Center’s commitment to representing diverse American culture under its new leadership.
The union’s statement continues, “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.” This strong stance from Actors’ Equity signals a potential protracted conflict and raises serious questions about the future artistic direction of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The cancellation of the Finn tour at the John F. Kennedy Center has ignited a debate that extends beyond a single musical production. It raises critical questions about artistic freedom, representation, and the role of institutions like the John F. Kennedy Center in fostering diverse and inclusive cultural experiences. As the creators of Finn and Actors’ Equity vow to resist this decision, the situation at the John F. Kennedy Center remains a developing story with significant implications for the performing arts community and the center’s future programming.
