The Schwartz Scene Newsletter 39 – Summer 2010
1. Summer 2010 News and Intro from Carol de Giere
Carol de Giere, The Schwartz Scene editor
If you would like to meet Stephen Schwartz, and live anywhere near Chicago, New York City, Kalamazoo Michigan, Pittsburgh, Montreal, or Los Angeles, be sure to check below for the concert and event schedule.
You’ll also find a link to a video clip from his recent Australia trip, in the “All Good Gifts” column below.
Stephen Schwartz hasn’t had time to write an update for this issue but has promised one in the fall following his trip to Helsinki, Finland for the new Wicked production there. It will be the first time he’ll see a production that uses a different set of designers and director. So we can look forward to that report. Stay tuned.
Also in the next issue, I’ll be reporting on the results of the StephenSchwartz.com website Forum update. The new archives will include hundreds of answers from Stephen Schwartz on a variety of musical topics.
Meanwhile, check below for the lastest.
Carol de Giere, August 3, 2010
Schwartz Scene Editor and the author of Defying Gravity, the Stephen Schwartz biography
(The Schwartz Scene is protected by copyright. Do not paste the contents into your blog, emails, social networking pages, websites, or print it out for others without permission. Contact me at carol@musicalschwartz.com with “Question” or “Comment” in the email subject heading. The Schwartz Scene, Copyright (c) 2010 by Carol de Giere, is from the Stephen Schwartz fan site MusicalSchwartz.com)
2. THE SPARK OF CREATION: Stephen Schwartz News
Stephen Schwartz
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ EVENTS 2010 – 2011
August 6 Kalamazoo, Michigan – Stephen Schwartz talk
Stephen Schwartz will be in Kalamazoo, Michigan by arrangement with the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Schwartz will participate in a question-and- answer session that is free and open to the public. Carol de Giere’s Stephen Schwartz biography Defying Gravity will be on sale, and Mr. Schwartz will be autographing copies after the talk. When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6, Where: Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 329 S. Park St., Cost: Free, but tickets are required., http://kazoocivic.com/
CHICAGO – AUGUST 2010
THE JOHNNY MERCER SONGWRITERS PROJECT: A CELEBRATION OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ. Saturday, August 7, Pick Staiger Concert Hall Stephen Schwartz concert and Q/A with Schwartz
The evening will feature performances from Mr. Schwartz’s landmark shows by Broadway star Shoshana Bean (Wicked), Tony-nominated composer/lyricist Craig Carnelia, Grammy Award-nominated composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa, Grammy Award-winning Nashville singer/songwriter Lari White and talented young songwriters from the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project. Mr. Schwartz will be on hand to share a few songs himself, and to honor the legacy of Johnny Mercer and the Great American Songbook – past, present and future! Carol de Giere’s biography Defying Gravity will be on sale in the lobby.
Sept 13 – The Magical Music of Stephen Schwartz – Westport CT
The Westport Country Playhouse will honor Academy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated composer Stephen Schwartz Sept. 13 as part of its 2010 gala. The Magical Music of Stephen Schwartz, presented at 6 PM, will celebrate the composer-lyricist’s writing for theatre and film. Stephen Schwartz will be present at this event that includes cocktails, dinner, a champagne reception and silent auction. Joe Calarco will direct the performances.
“We’re so happy to crown our long association with Stephen Schwartz with this celebration of his distinguished and productive career,” said Westport artistic director Mark Lamos in a statement. “Many people don’t know that his big break was the original song he wrote for the Playhouse’s 1969 production of Butterflies are Free, which was only the beginning of his historic contributions to the American stage. From Godspell to Wicked, Stephen has given literally millions of musical theater lovers so much pleasure over the years. And his shows have lit up the Playhouse stage on many occasions. He’s a consummate artist and a true gentleman, and we’re glad to welcome him home.” For tickets, phone (203) 227-5137 ext. 122. Note – this is a major fundraising event and so the tickets are priced high.
Opera Preview – September 19, 2010, 3:00 pm, Mt. Kisco, NY in Westchester County
An Afternoon with Stephen Schwartz: The composer previews his new opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon prior to its New York Premiere. Songs from the opera will be performed, followed by an audience Q&A with the composer.
Tickets $25, $20 (for Friends of Copland House), $10 (students with ID). Info: (914) 788-4659 or office@coplandhouse.org Coplandhouse.org news page
Montreal Workshop – October 30 (Samedi 30 octobre 2010)
Stephen Schwartz will offer a workshop for performers in Montreal, offering feedback. Since 1971, Stephen Schwartz has been involved with professional theatre auditions and hiring decisions as a member of creative teams for musicals. This is an opportunity to work closely with one of the leading musical theatre superstars of our time. Masterclass – Montreal
February 4, 2011 – LOS ANGELES AREA: San Bernadino, CA Stephen Schwartz in Concert
Stephen Schwartz and Friends concert is scheduled for 8:00 at the California Theatre for the Performing Arts Stephen Schwartz in concert
April 19 – May 1, 2011, Seance on a Wet Afternoon opera NYC premiere
Lauren Flanigan will star in the New York premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Séance on a Wet Afternoon as part of the New York City Opera’s 2010 – 2011 season. The opera focuses on Myra Foster (Flanigan), a trance medium who involves her passive husband (to be played by Kim Josephson) in a plot to kidnap the daughter of a neighboring family. The composer’s son, Scott Schwartz, will direct, while George Mahanan conducts, sets are by Heidi Ettinger, costumes by Alejo Vietti and lighting by David Lander. Stephen Schwartz opera Seance on a Wet Afternoon
April 21, 2011, New York City, Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz
The NYC opera is hosting a special concert featuring Kristin Chenoweth and Raúl Esparza. NY Opera concert
AUSTRALIA TRIP REPORT
See “All Good Gifts” column below for Australia trip notes and a video.
3. FATHERS AND SONS: Update for director Scott Schwartz (Stephen’s Son)
From Scott Schwartz (repeated from the last issue): I’m very excited about a couple of upcoming projects in the fall at excellent regional theaters. I will be directing Neil Simon’s BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and BROADWAY BOUND in rep at the Old Globe in San Diego. Performances begin in late September and run through mid-November. After that, I will direct Craig Lucas’ RECKLESS for DENVER THEATER CENTER. Also, my production of BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS, a new musical about Ginger Rogers, is finishing up its successful run at the Asolo Rep in Florida. It will next be seen at Arizona Theater Company in Septermber and October, and then at San Jose Rep around Thanksgiving.
4. ALL GOOD GIFTS - Articles and news
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ IN AUSTRALIA
Stephen Schwartz with Australian fan Daniela Taddeo
A message from Song Summit participant Daniela Taddeo: The 2010 Song Summit held in Sydney, Australia provided a selected group of songwriters the opportunity to have their songs critiqued by Stephan Schwartz. As a performer and aspiring songwriter I feel honored and privileged to have met him and learn from a true musical genius. He is a kind man who is humble with his accomplishments and this was reinforced when I saw him perform at the 2010 Adelaide Cabaret Festival which showcased his repertoire and musical journey. His infectious personality matched his grand talent, I could of listened to him all night. Stephan, you are an inspiration thank-you for all that you have given and continue to give.
Here are some press reports related to Stephen Schwartz’s summer 2010 trip to Hobart, Sydney, and Adelaide Australia.
- For a video clip and story of Stephen Schwartz and his programs in Hobart, Australia go Stephen Schwartz in Hobart – Australia – Video clip link is on the right on that page.
- For a video clip of Australian cabaret artist David Campbell in NYC working with Stephen Schwartz on a song, go to You Tube – David Campbell on Broadway
- Sydney Morning Herald writer Bruce Hallett has quoted from and mentioned Defying Gravity in his article of May 18, 2010. Stephen Schwartz article – Sydney
Publication Alert:
Several books coming out this fall may be of interest to Schwartz fans.
Patti Lupone Memoir
Patti LuPone: A Memoir
Peter Filichia’s Broadway Musicals: The Biggest Hit and the Biggest Flop of the Season – 1959 to 2009
I asked Peter if he included Stephen’s shows. He confirmed that he did. For the biggest hits: “PIPPIN is the 1972-1973 choice, THE MAGIC SHOW the 1973-1974 choice, and WICKED the 2003-2004 choice.”
5. THANK GOODNESS FOR WICKED – Wicked news from around the world
Wicked souvenir items
Find the perfect Wicked gift or stay warm this fall with a Wicked track jacket. MusicalSchwartz.com Wicked shop
Wicked on Broadway
Wicked is still selling out every night on Broadway, even as it approaches the 7 year anniversary in October.
Mandy Gonzalez
Mandy Gonzalez won the 2010 Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Female Replacement for her role as Elphaba. Katie Rose Clark is now playing Glinda, following almost two years in the role on the Wicked Tour. See Wicked on Broadway
Playbill.com has run an article on “Swings” that focuses on Wicked. Wicked – Swings – the people who are prepared to step into a role at a moment’s notice if someone gets sick or for any other reason can’t perform. The article includes a photo of Brian Wanee and Lindsay Janisse, who, between them, covers more than 15 different roles in the hit musical.
Wicked‘s first Glinda
Promises Promises CD with Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes
I had a chance to see Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes in Promises, Promises on Broadway. What a treat!
If you happen to be a fan of Kristin’s voice, you might enjoy the Promises, Promise cast album Promises, Promises cast album with Kristin Chenoweth
Wicked on Tour
The Wicked tour dates are pretty much the same as announced in the Spring issue. Jackie Burns took over as Elphaba on July 8, for the first tour and Vicki Noon plays the green girl in the second tour.
Wicked Tour Locations announced to date:
* Milwaukee, WI
* Columbus, OH
* Minneapolis, MN
* Boston, MA
* Madison, WI
* Memphis, TN
* Toronto, ON, CANADA
* Little Rock, AK
* Tulsa, OK
* Chicago, IL
* Kalamazoo, MI
* Indianapolis, IN
2011
* Chicago, IL
* Tucson, AZ
* Appleton, WI
* Albuquerque, NM
* San Antonio, TX
* Costa Mesa, CA
* Ft. Lauderdale, FL
* Eugene, OR
* Buffalo, NY
* Spokane, WA
* Omaha, NE
* Washington, D.C.
We regularly update the Wicked tours and cast pages on MusicalSchwartz.com with new cities. Please see Wicked Tours schedule and tickets
Casts lists: www.musicalschwartz.com/wicked-tour-cast.htm
Wicked San Francisco
Good Bye Wicked. When it closes on Septmeber 5, 2010, the production will have played 660 performances and 12 previews. Last chance for tickets: www.musicalschwartz.com/wicked-sf.htm
Wicked International
Australia: Wicked is still playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, but will be moving in 2011 to Brisbane and then Adelaide. See www.wickedthemusical.com.au/
London: Wicked London will celebrate another anniversary in September. For more about Wicked in London, see our site at www.wickedwestend.co.uk/
Germany: Wicked for Germany has moved to a new city, Oberhausen. The revised website is at: Wicked in Germany
Finland: Website in Finnish – some photos
News from Gregory Maguire – Author of the novel Wicked
Gregory Maguire has written a play that is part of a production running in Boston through 8/14/2010. Note – it’s not recommended for audiences 14 and under.
Company One, Roberts Studio Theatre
“…Looking for a sweet, soothing tale to carry you away toward dreamland? Look somewhere else. These stories originally by the Brothers Grimm have been remixed, re-imagined and given a fresh Boston twist!…”
From the last issue (if you missed it) June 1, 2010 news from Gregory Maguire:
“I am slowly retiring from the number of public events I had grown used to attending. This is primarily to focus on the fourth and (I believe) final book in the Wicked Years sequence. The working title of the final novel is OUT OF OZ, and all I can say about it before it is released in, I hope, the fall of 2011, is that it opens with Lady Glinda under house arrest….”
6. DEFYING GRAVITY
FAVORITE DISCOVERY
from Carol de Giere: One of my favorite discoveries while writing Defying Gravity was the egg carton analogy. I still remember sitting in a diner across from Stephen Schwartz when he shared this image as a way to represent a type of thinking. I used it in a Creativity Note in the Wicked section of the book. It helps explain how he could write the initial outline for the musical Wicked based on Gregory Maguire’s 405 page novel. See page 285 for details! And also see the book’s “Extras” section for the complete original outline by Stephen Schwartz.
Learn more about Defying Gravity at www.DefyingGravityTheBook.com/
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Editor: Carol de Giere, P.O. Box 510, Georgetown, CT 06829
The Schwartz Scene is an independent publication from MusicalSchwartz.com and does not formally represent Stephen Schwartz.
To send comments or questions: mailto:carol@musicalschwartz.com.
Copyright 2010 by Carol de Giere. MusicalSchwartz.com has exclusive rights, unless otherwise specified, for all materials included in the newsletter. Permission must be secured in writing before any part of it may be reprinted, except for the printing of one copy for the subscriber’s private use.
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