"...not just a he-did-this-then-he-did-this biography"
ARTICLE/REVIEW - The Journal News, Westchester County NY. The 'Wicked' Process, November 8, 2008, by Peter D. Kramer
Defying Gravity," which takes its name from the Act 1 closer in "Wicked," is not just a he-did-this-then-he-did-this biography: de Giere reconstructs the collaborative process that brought Schwartz's works to the Great White Way. There were turbulent roads ("The Baker's Wife" was particularly rocky) and there are many moments of inspiration. Along the way, de Giere sprinkles in insight from the composer-lyricist, peppering the narrative with archival photos and quotes from dozens of interviews.... The Journal News--"The 'Wicked' Process
"Then came "Wicked" and here's where author de Giere hits her stride."
ARTICLE/REVIEW - The Hour, November 9, 2008, by David Rosenberg
De Giere...illuminates not only Schwartz but the creative process. Working professionals, general readers and anyone who loves musicals will be enriched. Before "Wicked," Schwartz had four flops in a row....Then came "Wicked" and here's where author de Giere hits her stride. In more than 150 pages, she tells of the twisting path that brought Schwartz through the initial idea to determining plot and characters, to tryouts, conflicts, revisions and opening of the giant hit now in its fifth year. And, of course, we learn a great deal about writing songs. The Hour - Author/Composer "Defying Gravity" -- The Man Behind the Curtain
"consistently impressed..."
AMERICAN THEATER WEB - November 6 - Andy Propst
"...I've only gotten up to the point where Schwartz is about to begin work on the troubled musical The Baker's Wife, but I have been consistently impressed so far with De Giere's research, and the obvious access she's had to Schwartz...." LINK: (The book review is after the Wicked CD review) AmericanTheaterWeb
A DISNEY-FOCUSED REVIEW - October 1st - Jim Hill
Jim Hill, a popular Disney/Entertainment Industry Blogger, has posted a review at
He concludes:
if you're a Disney animation fan and/or a Broadway buff, there's lots of great stuff to be found in "Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked." Everything from photos of the notes that Schwartz took as he was getting ready to write "Colors of the Wind" (Here's a few words that rhyme with "Wind" that Stephen didn't wind up using: thinned, unpinned and chagrinned) as well as his initial story pass on the musical version of "Wicked" (Which is significantly different from the version that's appearing on Broadway right now).
So if you're up for reading a biography that's surprisingly plain spoken when it comes to discussing how some of your favorite films & shows actually came into being, then I urge you to pick up a copy of Carol de Giere's "Defying Gravity."
Septmeber 28, 2008, Danbury CT
RIDGEFIELD -- Carol de Giere was a freelance writer with a desire to learn how the creative process manifests itself in extremely talented people and how those people reach great heights of success.....Danbury News Times: Local writer captures the creative talent of composer Stephen Schwartz
September 25, 2008, Madison, WI
Sometimes timing is everything. For instance, Madison native Carol de Giere decided to try to write a book about the Broadway musical composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz right about the time Schwartz was plotting his Broadway comeback with "Wicked." ....Madison.com Article: Author Times Broadway Bio Perfectly
Official website for Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked (musical theatre biography)
(United States)
