Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Authorized Biography: Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked (Applause Theatre and Cinema Books, by Carol de Giere) www.DefyingGravityTheBook.com
Stephen Schwartz was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as a producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre.
His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.
In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein's MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN, and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.
He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER'S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's WORKING, to which he contributed four songs, and which he also adapted and directed, winning the Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS "American Playhouse" series.
Next came songs for a one-act musical for children, CAPTAIN LOUIE, and a children's book, THE PERFECT PEACH. He then wrote music for three of the songs in the Off-Broadway revue, PERSONALS, lyrics to Charles Strouse's music for RAGS, and music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN.
He then began working in film, collaborating with composer Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".
Mr. Schwartz provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, GEPPETTO, seen on The Wonderful World of Disney. Recently, he released two CDs on which he sings new songs, entitled RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.
Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway.
Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and serves on the ASCAP board; he is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild.
From: Photo Flash: Stephen Schwartz, Elaine Paige, and More at Opening Night of THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
From: Photo Flash: Stephen Schwartz Honored at ASCAP Awards; Megan Hilty Performs 'Corner of the Sky'
From: Photo Flash: Stephen Schwartz Honored at ASCAP Awards; Megan Hilty Performs 'Corner of the Sky'
From: Photo Flash: Stephen Schwartz Honored at ASCAP Awards; Megan Hilty Performs 'Corner of the Sky'
From: Photo Flash: Stephen Schwartz Honored at ASCAP Awards; Megan Hilty Performs 'Corner of the Sky'
From: Photo Flash: Stars Come Out for WHEN YOU BELIEVE Stephen Schwartz Tribute
Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz, Wicked
Stephen Schwartz, The Baker's Wife
Stephen Schwartz, Rags
Stephen Schwartz, Working
Stephen Schwartz, Working
Stephen Schwartz, Working
Stephen Schwartz, Godspell
Stephen Schwartz, Pippin
Stephen Schwartz, Pippin
Stephen Schwartz, Godspell
Stephen Schwartz's 70s musical Pippin makes a triumphant return with a note perfect casting at Drury Lane's concert version, with Fosse-inspired choreography and costumes given a disco pride vibe. Alex Newell's vocals do not disappoint, Jac Yarrow is a fine lead, while Patricia Hodge is a poignant Berthe.
Brilliant acting mixed in with a powder keg of singing, dancing, and orchestration stuns its audience.
54 Below will present The Songs of Oliver Houser on May 1, 2024 at 9:30pm, a one-night-only concert by one of musical theatre’s most compelling new voices.
Discover the major revival of THE BAKER'S WIFE, a classic by Stephen Schwartz and Joseph Stein, announced by the Menier Chocolate Factory. Don't miss this theatrical masterpiece.
Get the latest scoop on the upcoming performances at 54 Below. From Broadway veterans to rising stars, experience the magic of live entertainment this coming month.
Broadway icon Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the blockbuster hit Wicked, hit the stage with songstress Melissa Errico for a very special performance at 54 Below.
Pittsburgh CLO has unveiled the Creative Teams for the 2024 Summer of Musicals. See the productions and learn how to purchase tickets.
WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, will play its 6,762nd performance, becoming the 10th longest-running West End stage production in British history.
BLACK BOX is Queenslander Paul Hodge's ground-breaking new musical based on the extraordinary true story of David Warren, the Australian inventor who created the black box flight recorder that is now on every plane around the globe, and it will have its world premiere at QPAC's Cremorne Theatre this May.
BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the return of award-winning international artist Ari Axelrod with an encore performance of “A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” on Monday, May 13 at 7:00 PM.
Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Winnie Holzman about her career and 'CHOICE' at McCarter Theatre Center.
Join the Redhouse for a unique presentation of GODSPELL, a vibrant musical celebration of community. Experience the joy and unity of this timeless production.
The Dramatists Guild previously announced that playwright Christopher Durang will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s ceremony. He will be joined by two additional recipients, George C. Wolfe and Emily Mann.
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 54th season—a lineup of works to be presented October 2024 through July 2025. Learn more about the full lineup here!
54 Below will present West End’s Leading Lady Emma Kingston in My Love Letter to NY on Sunday, June 9 2024.
The Beverly Theatre Guild has announced its spring musical, Godspell – 2012 Revival. Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell of Rogers Park, this production promises to be a not-to-miss rendering of the Broadway smash hit that originally debuted in 1971.
Eventide Theatre Company will present the fantastical musical Pippin. Directed by ETC Executive Artistic Director, Donna Wresinksi, this production will grace the Gertrude Lawrence stage at the Historic Dennis Union Church from April 25th-May 12th.
A Showstopping AMT Live Concert at Auguste Théâtre in Paris.
On Wednesday, the highly anticipated film version of the Broadway musical Wicked, debuted new footage at a CinemaCon panel at Caesars Palace. According to reports, actors Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum were all in attendance and the presentation featured a newly recorded introduction by the Wizard himself.
Stephen Schwartz has written 23 shows including An Evening with Stephen Schwartz (Composer/Lyricist), Personals (Composer), Butterflies Are Free (Composer/Lyricist), Godspell (Composer), Mass (Bookwriter), Pippin (Composer), The Magic Show (Composer/Lyricist), The Baker's Wife (Composer/Lyricist), Working (Adaptation), Endless Delights (Composer/Lyricist), Magic to Do (Composer/Lyricist), A...My Name Is Alice (Material), Rags (Lyricist), Children of Eden (Composer/Lyricist), Rags:Children of the Wind (Lyricist), Fosse (Lyricist), Wicked (Composer), Captain Louie (Composer/Lyricist), Reluctant Pilgrim (Composer/Lyricist), Snapshots (Composer/Lyricist), Disney's Geppetto and Son (Composer/Lyricist), Having It Almost (Composer/Lyricist), Prince of Egypt (Music and Lyrics).
Stephen Schwartz has been nominated for several awards, including the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards, The Audience Award for Most Popular Show at the Olivier Awards for Wicked, Best Original Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Wicked, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Wicked, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Wicked, Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Wicked, Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for The Baker's Wife, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Rags, Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Working, Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Godspell, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Pippin, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Pippin, and Most Promising Composer at the Drama Desk Awards for Godspell.
Stephen Schwartz has won the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards. He also received The Audience Award for Most Popular Show at the Olivier Awards for "Wicked." Schwartz won the Best Original Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards and the Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, and Most Promising Composer awards at the Drama Desk Awards for "Wicked" and "Godspell."
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