The Schwartz Scene Blog

His name now appears in gold on the wall of Broadway’s Gershwin Theatre, where Wicked has played since 2003. Composer Stephen Schwartz was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame on January 25, 2010. (Photo by Michael Cole.)

Schwartz formulated his dream of writing musical scores when he was a nine-year-old child watching a Broadway show for the first time. After writing four original shows in college, he had expectations for a successful career. He naturally hoped that his contribution would be acknowledged by his peers. He missed out on Tony Awards, and his work was often dismissed by critics.

This recent induction is a rare honor that Schwartz greatly appreciates. It is reserved for those with five Broadway credits to their name, whose work on Broadway encompasses at least a quarter of a century, and who are chosen by the membership for the Hall of Fame. For more about his Broadway shows, see
Godspell
The Magic Show
Pippin
Rags
Wicked
Working

Friday, March 5, Stephen Schwartz and Friends in Concert - New Canaan CT

Stephen Schwartz, Grammy Award, Academy Award and Drama Desk Award winning superstar composer and lyricist,  (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell & Disney Movies) will perform a concert with his friend and Broadway Tony Winner Debbie Gravitte and Broadway & Concert Singer and Actor Scott Coulter to benefit this regional theater company. Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Also meet Stephen, Scott, and Debbie at a special post concert reception. Schwartz Biographer Carol de Giere will also be there selling copies of Defying Gravity autographed by Schwartz. (photo by Maryann Lopinto)

Snapshots

Celebrated composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz will host a “talk-back” after the 2pm matinee performance of SNAPSHOTS, A Musical Scrapbook on February 6th at Lyric Theatre.  This event is free of charge, but reservations are required.  To reserve a seat, call (405) 524-9312.   To read about the production go to: Snapshots in OK  or read more about Snapshots at

Snapshots

Newsletter

To stay updated on Schwartz’s activities and career, and on the forthcoming Broadway revival of Godspell, subscribe to The Schwartz Scene newsletter. 

Stephen Schwartz, songwriter for Wicked, Godspell, and other musicals, helped launch the new book Defying Gravity at Barnes and Noble in October 2008. Photo by Terence de Giere

Meet Stephen in Los Angeles - Star-filled Event Monday November 24th, 2008

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, an Actor’s Fund benefit event in the lobby of the Pantages Theatre with an opportunity to meet and mingle. Starring: Stephen Schwartz, Jason Alexander, Susan Eagan, Jason Graae, Debbie Gravitte,Karen Morrow, Hila Plitmann, plus a few surprises!

Moderated by Michael A Kerker, Musical Director Georgia Stitt

7:30 pm Cocktail reception
8:30 pm Performance
Post show dessert reception with the performers

Tickets: $125 per person

www.actorsfund.org/performances/current/musicalmondays_10-2008

Schwartz Opera Reading November 21 and 22, 2008 in New York

New Yorkers get early listen of first opera by Stephen Schwartz, Séance on a Wet Afternoon American Opera Projects hosts New York workshop November 21 & 22. Opera Santa Barbara to present world premiere in 2009.

After each performance, audience members who make an additional donation of $100 dollars will be given the opportunity to attend a reception with the composer and cast of Séance on a Wet Afternoon. Find out more about the opera and any opera events on www.musicalschwartz.com/schwartz-opera.htm

Defying Gravity events coming up in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC

I’ve been lucky to have Stephen Schwartz contribute songs and stories as part of book signing events with me in Los Angeles and New York for my new book Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked. I’m currently planning 2009 events for San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC. These will also include a chance to say hello to Stephen and hear him play some of his tunes. To stay current, please consider subscribing to The Schwartz Scene newsletter or check here or the events page on www.defyinggravitythebook.com/

Defying Gravity autographed copies for holiday gifts

I’m selling a limited number of autographed copies of this first authorized career biography of Schwartz signed by both of Stephen Schwartz and myself (as author). Did you know that the book also includes over 200 photographs and illustrations, such as handwritten music from “The Wicked Witch of The East” song from Wicked, a new music for a segment of Godspell, and more? Please write to carol@defyinggravitythebook.com if you’re interested and visit the “About the Book” section of the book site: www.defyinggravitythebook.com/ to learn more.

Enjoy a delightful evening with songwriter Stephen Schwartz and his talented friends in “Stephen Schwartz & Friends” concerts. Hear songs from Godspell, Wicked, Pippin, and other musicals played and sung by the composer-lyricist. He shares the stage with Broadway performers Debbie Gravitte or Liz Callaway, and award-winning cabaret singer Scott Coulter. (Photo by Maryann Lopinto)

• September 25th — The Overture Center, Madison, WI (with Stephen, Debbie and Scott) Madison tickets and details
  
• September 26th — The Wilson Center, Brookfield, WI [Milwaukee area] (with Stephen, Debbie and Scott) Milwaukee tickets and details
  
• September 28th — Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA (with Stephen, Debbie and Scott) Pepperdine Tickets and Details
  
• October 2nd-5th — Orange County Performing Arts Center, Orange County, CA (with Stephen, Debbie, Liz and Scott) Tickets and details
  
• November 6th-9th — Broadway by the Bay, San Mateo, CA (with Stephen, Debbie, Liz and Scott) Tickets and details
  
• November 11th — World Theater at CSU Monterey Bay, Monterey Bay, CA (with Stephen, Debbie and Scott) Monterey Tickets and Details
  
• February 25th — The Naples Philharmonic, Naples, FL (with Stephen, Debbie, Liz and Scott) Tickets and details
  
• February 26th — Bay Arts Alliance, Panama City, FL (with Stephen, Debbie and Scott) Bay Arts Alliance: Stephen Schwartz and Friends, Panama City
• March 1st — Van Wetzl Performing Arts Center, Sarasota, FL (with Stephen, Liz and Scott)Stephen Schwartz and Friends in Sarasota: www.VanWezel.org

If you haven’t heard Stephen sing, check out his albums Reluctant Pilgrim and Uncharted Territory

MORE NEWS
I haven’t been posting on the blog because I’ve been finishing my book. It is being published by Applause Theatre and Cinema Books with a “September” release date. Read all about Stephen Schwartz’s career and the making of each of his musicals in Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked.
Please visit the official book site at http://www.defyinggravitythebook.com/