Stephen Schwartz

Also Credited As: Steve Schwartz

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Stephen Schwartz BIO

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.

Stephen Schwartz Photos

Stephen Schwartz STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1976
Performer

Stephen Schwartz Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Original Music
 
[San Diego, CA (Regional), 2014]
Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Music and Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Additional Material
 
[Broadway, 1978]
Director
 
[West End, 1972]
Musical Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1971]
Musical Director
Musical Director
 
[Regional (US), 1970]
Musical Director

Writing

Music and Lyrics
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Adaptation

Stephen Schwartz Movies

Pocahontas
[ 1995 ] songs
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
[ 1996 ] songs
The Prince of Egypt
[ 1998 ] original songs
Enchanted
[ 2007 ] songs
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Aspiring Composer and Lyricist #17
Disenchanted
[ 2022 ] lyricist
Wicked
[ 2024 ] music and lyrics by

Stephen Schwartz Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2015 - Isabelle Stevenson Award

Stephen Schwartz


winner
Olivier Awards - 2010 - The Audience Award for Most Popular Show

Stephen Schwartz, Wicked


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Original Score

Stephen Schwartz, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Music

Stephen Schwartz, Wicked

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Schwartz, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lyrics

Stephen Schwartz, Wicked

Olivier Awards - 1990 - Musical of the Year

Stephen Schwartz, The Baker's Wife

Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Schwartz, Rags

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Stephen Schwartz, Working

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical

Stephen Schwartz, Working

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Schwartz, Working

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Schwartz, Godspell

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Stephen Schwartz, Pippin

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Stephen Schwartz, Pippin


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1971 - Most Promising Composer

Stephen Schwartz, Godspell

Stephen Schwartz Videos

Stephen Schwartz News


WICKED Movie Features Live Vocals From Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo: 'F*ck Pre-Records'

In a new preview of the Wicked movie, director Jon M. Chu reveals that leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opted to sing live while filming the movie. Since Erivo is doing her own stunts in the film, she actually carries out the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity,' singing high Fs while flying into the Western sky. Find out more about the film!

The Studio Theatre Announces Season 9

Significant Productions has announced their 9th season at The Studio, entitled 'Longing to Belong.' Learn more about the lineup here!

Plays for New Audiences Reveals New Titles Now Available

Plays for New Audiences, the script licensing division for the Tony Award-winning® Children’s Theatre Company, has announced new titles now available for licensing.

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company Announces THE 2024 LAGNIAPPE SERIES

Discover the 2024 Lagniappe Series by the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company.

Kristin Chenoweth Says the WICKED Movie Will 'Blow Everyone Away'

Kristin Chenoweth is sharing her thoughts after seeing 'a little bit' of the Wicked movie. When speaking about her good friend Ariana Grande taking over the role of Glinda, Chenoweth has always 'wanted this to happen.' Chenoweth has not confirmed if she and co-star Idina Menzel are making cameos in the new movie, she says that she's 'very proud.'

Meet the Cast of LEMPICKA, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Performances begin tonight, March 19, at the Longacre Theatre for Lempicka, the new musical celebrating the true story of renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka.  Meet the cast of Lempicka here!

Review: WICKED - Musical Magic At Bass Concert Hall

There’s a reason why WICKED has become one of the most beloved musicals in the history of theatre, it is quite simply fantastic in every aspect.

Stagecrafters to Present CHILDREN OF EDEN Beginning This Month

Stagecrafters has announced the upcoming production of Children of Eden, a timeless musical masterpiece that explores the timeless themes of family, love, and forgiveness, presented from March 29th to April 21st.

Video: Kristin Chenoweth Performs 'Caviar Dreams' From THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES

Last weekend, Kristin Chenoweth performed at NJPAC in New Jersey, where she debuted the new song 'Caviar Dreams' from the upcoming musical The Queen of Versailles. Check out the video here!

Patricia Hodge, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal, Zizi Strallen, and Jac Yarrow Will Lead 50th Anniversary Concert of PIPPIN

The latest stars have been announced to join Tony Award-winning Broadway star of Shucked, Grammy nominated Alex Newell, in the upcoming 50th anniversary concert production of PIPPIN, with the score performed by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

WICKED 'Munchkinland' National Tour Celebrates 15 Years On the Road!

BroadwayWorld is wishing a hearty-- in Oz-speak-- Congratulotions to the 'Munchkinland' touring cast of Wicked. The production is currently celebrating its 15th anniversary of making magic across North America.  

Judd Apatow to Produce GODSPELL Documentary About Legendary Toronto Production

Judd Apatow is producing a new documentary about the making of the star-studded original Toronto production of Godspell. The documentary will follow the original cast, which includes Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Paul Shaffer, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas.

WEST SIDE STORY, GYSPY & More Set for OFC Creations Theatre 2024-25 Season

OFC Creations Theatre has revealed its 2024-25 season, featuring six professional musical productions directed by Eric Vaughn Johnson. See the lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

WICKED Will Play Lyric Theatre, QPAC in September

The producers of the Broadway blockbuster WICKED have announced that the musical phenomenon will fly into the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in September this year.

Review: WICKED at Regent Theatre

What did our critic think of WICKED at Regent Theatre?

WICKED National Tour To Hold Virtual Call for the Role of 'Fiyero'

A virtual open call for the role of 'Fiyero' has been announced for the National Touring Company of the blockbuster musical WICKED.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

York Theatre Company to Present Liz Callaway In Gala Concert THEIR STORY GOES ON: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE YORK

Join The York Theatre Company for a one-night-only Spring Gala Concert featuring Liz Callaway. Experience 'Their Story Goes On: A Musical Celebration of The York' on Monday, April 15.

Production Teams Set for The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company 2024 Season

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has revealed the production teams for its 2024 season. Learn more about the season!

Review: GMHC CABARET BENEFIT HONORING ALAN MENKEN Brings Music & Memories at Joe's Pub

A star-studded night honoring composer Alan Menken was exciting, energizing and sentimental as he received an award named for collaborator Howard Ashman. From 'The Little Mermaid' to 'Little Shop of Horrors,' Ashman left no small legacy in his work with Menken. The evening benefited GMHC's work for communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Stephen Schwartz FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Stephen Schwartz written?

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).

What awards has Stephen Schwartz been nominated for?

Stephen Schwartz has been nominated for multiple awards, including the Isabelle Stevenson Award (Tony Awards), The Audience Award for Most Popular Show (Olivier Awards) for Wicked, Best Original Score (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for The Baker's Wife, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Rags, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Working, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Godspell, Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Pippin, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Pippin, and Most Promising Composer (Drama Desk Awards) for Godspell.

What awards has Stephen Schwartz won?

Stephen Schwartz has won 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, Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Wicked, and Most Promising Composer at the Drama Desk Awards for Godspell.

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