Updates from the world of Broadway and film composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz and biographer Carol de Giere — a fan newsletter.
1) Welcome from Carol
Did you know Stephen Schwartz performed in a “Tiny Desk Concert” as part of Wicked‘s grand 20th anniversary celebration? Find the link below for viewing.
You can now watch his The Prince of Egypt new stage musical at home. View the stunning live capture film of the huge London West End production, with its expanded Stephen Schwartz score.
Keep reading for more news, including a special Children of Eden concert. Expect some special news about Schwartz’s The Queen of Versailles musical, in our next issue.
For future updates please LIKE our Facebook – Schwartz Scene page where I post news periodically. You can also check Stephen’s official site StephenSchwartz.com news section for updates.
2) Stephen Schwartz Musicals News: The Prince of Egypt and Wicked
The Prince of Egypt: Live from the West End is Now Streaming
For the USA, go to https://www.uphe.com/tv/the-prince-of-egypt-the-musical
The live capture filmed version of The Prince of Egypt London stage musical is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The epic stage production directed by Scott Schwartz features a diverse original London cast and orchestra of more than 60 performers, an expansive Stephen Schwartz score, raved-about choreography, special effects, dazzling costumes, and a powerful story, with book penned by the original principal screenwriter Philip LaZebnik.
Although the live production closed in early 2022, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing the film December 5th on leading digital platforms, following its early arrival on BroadwayHD.
According to Filmedonstage.com the show was filmed in December 2021 a total of three times, with and without an audience, in order to capture close-ups and crane shots.
The Schwartz Scene has reported on the show’s development over the years, including the cast recording release (Fall 2020 issue). Stephen Schwartz said: “I’m so pleased with the way this album turned out. Especially exciting to me musically, thanks to my brilliant orchestrator August Eriksmoen, is the use of authentic Middle Eastern instruments. It gives a special flavor to this score that sets it apart from my other work.”
About the full film version, Stephen told The Schwartz Scene, “Unfortunately, recent events in the Middle East make The Prince of Egypt story seem extremely timely. And I think it’s inspiring and heartening to see such a diverse cast, coming from all different cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities, come together to tell a story that’s ultimately about developing empathy for people who are different from you.”
Wicked the Musical 20th Anniversary Well Celebrated
For a Broadway show to celebrate its twenty-year anniversary is extremely rare—only three other shows have run longer. The Stephen Schwartz musical Wicked opened on October 30, 2003, so as October 30, 2023 approached, the special two-decade milestone inspired a blast of celebrations.
An early event popped up online on September 21st: A 25-minute Wicked concert as part of NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concert” series. Alyssa Fox (who currently stars as Elphaba) and McKenzie Kurtz (the current Glinda), performed “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “I’m Not That Girl,” and “For Good.” Stephen Schwartz accompanied them on the piano and added his commentary.
In October, all the major Broadway sites published Wicked articles with photos or videos, as did entertainment publications.
The Drama Book Shop of New York City added to the 20th Anniversary spirit by selling copies of Wicked-related materials including my book, Defying Gravity.
The Wicked company prepared two special performances on Sunday, October 29th, following a block party: they ran a pink-themed matinee and a green-themed evening for fans to join, that featured special Playbills and a giftbag of keepsakes. (Anniversary Playbills can be purchased at http://The Playbill Store)
For the official anniversary performance on October 30th, Wicked cast alumni and fans packed the Gershwin Theatre. They were joined by novelist Gregory Maguire, creative team members, and musical writers Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman.
Schwartz told The Schwartz Scene, “It was like a big family reunion attended by fans. I saw people who had helped make the show that I hadn’t seen in twenty years. And the roar I heard in the theatre when Kristin and Idina came in together – that was one of the loudest sounds I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Wicked fans can find more links on our blog post “Long Live Wicked” https://www.theschwartzscene.com/2024/01/05/long-live-wicked/
3). More Stephen Schwartz News: Concert, Film, Essential Reading
Children of Eden concert at Lincoln Center February 18, 2024. Manhattan Concert Productions (MCP) has organized a rare New York City professional performance of this Stephen Schwartz – John Caird musical. Broadway veterans Tony Yazbeck (stage director) and Kimberly Grigsby (music director) will lead the chorus of 200 singers from across the United States, a star-studded cast and creative team, and the acclaimed New York City Chamber Orchestra. Learn more at https://www.lincolncenter.org/venue/david-geffen-hall/children-of-eden-in-concert
Wicked movie – A Rave Report from an Actor
The Wicked movie shut down about 10 days before final filming due to the actors strike. We are still waiting with anticipation for any fresh news. Jonathan Bailey recently spoke with E! News according to an article titled: “Jonathan Bailey’s Wicked Tease Will Have Fans Dancing Through Life.” He said about the musical, “It’s such a psychologically rich material… We know it as really exciting theater with an incredible score and amazing numbers, but when you put it on film, the reality of these characters and the nuances of their psychology, it’s just going to blow everyone’s mind.”
Defying Gravity 2nd edition – Signed copies are available.
Explore the career story of this remarkable artist, Stephen Schwartz. Defying Gravity 2nd Edition takes readers through the making of Wicked, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, Children of Eden, and other shows and movies. The book includes a series of “Creativity Notes” that reveal some of Schwartz’s creative strategies. https://caroldegiere.com/defying-gravity/
The Godspell Experience with a Foreword by Stephen Schwartz is a colorful account of Godspell’s creative journey. It includes a song-by-song section, and delightful comments from the show’s original cast members. Come sing—and read—about love! https://caroldegiere.com/the-godspell-experience/ Signed copies are available
Previous Issues of The Schwartz Scene
If you missed previous issues covering Schwartz’s comments about the Wicked movie and many other topics, please visit our Back issue archive.
### END
About this online fan newsletter: The Schwartz Scene is an independent publication written for musical theater and film enthusiasts who appreciate the work of American composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Although it does not formally represent Mr. Schwartz, Carol de Giere is in regular contact with the Schwartz office for updates and approval of his quotations. Send questions or comments by email to carol1 (at) caroldegiere (dot) com
Copyright 2024 by Carol de Giere. Journalists are asked to cite “The Schwartz Scene” newsletter if quoting, in brief, from this issue. Carol de Giere 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. Editor: Carol de Giere, 10 Library Place #909, Bethel CT 06801-0909.