Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked is a biography of a living composer-lyricist. Readers have a chance to meet Mr. Schwartz in person or attend concerts of his works. See event details below. To buy the book see the right hand column --->
Pippin: The revival of Pippin on Broadway opens on Broadway April 25th, 2013.
On Monday evening March 18, Stephen Schwartz and Friends will perform a concert of music ranging from Godspell to Wicked, from Pocahontas to Enchanted, just a few of the 20-plus Broadway and animated musicals Schwartz has written. The concert is part of a two-day visit that includes master classes at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. For ticket information go to www.wright.edu/celia/visiting-artists
Fans will gather in 2013 to celebrate Stephen Schwartz's 65th birthday and the 10th anniversary of his hit musical Wicked, with a program that highlights his compositions for movies, opera, television, and the Great White Way. The New York Pops with Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor.
Singers include Julia Murney and Jennifer Laura Thompson who starred in Wicked on tour and on Broadway, as well as Broadway stars Jeremy Jordon and Norm Lewis. Also performing are "Essential Voices USA" with Judith Clurman as Music Director and Conductor.
Location: Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage Tickets - Carnegie Hall The Wizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz
The spring concert, No Rest for the Wicked, will feature a much-anticipated evening of the music of award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, the mastermind behind the hit Broadway shows Wicked, Godspell, and many more. You can expect an evening of great music, including "For Good," "Defying Gravity," and many more. The chorus will also perform Schwartz's "Testimony" – a new choral work with lyrics drawn from the "It Gets Better" project. 14th Street Playhouse. Atlanta gay men's chorus concert
(NOTE: This concert offers Schwartz music. We don't know if he will be there.)
(NOTE: This concert offers Schwartz music. We don't know if he will be there.) The Omaha Symphony will be performing the Wizard and I – The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz, to be led by New York Pops conductor Steven Reineke. A cast of Broadway performers is due in for 2 wonderful nights of the best of Stephen Schwartz, including Julia Murney and Jennifer Laura Thompson who played Elphaba and Glinda respectively in Wicked. Also performer are Darius De Haas and
Christopher Johnstone.
Both performances take place at the Holland Performing Arts Center in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Tickets are available online at www.omahasymphony.org.
The National Symphony Orchestra Pops will pay tribute to the 10th anniversary of Wicked and the 65th birthday of composer Stephen Schwartz with concerts entitled TheWizard and I: The Musical Journey of Stephen Schwartz. It will feature the talents of former Wicked stars Jennifer Laura Thompson and Julia Murney. According to one source, on May 18th there will be pre-concert “Conversation with Stephen Schwartz” event from 5pm – 6:30 pm. ASCAP’s Michael Kerker will interviewing Stephen Schwartz on stage. Go www.kennedy-center.org
In this 20-mintue video clip, Schwartz answers questions about Godspell, Wicked, Wicked movie, and other topics. It includes references to Carol de Giere's biography, Defying Gravity. Schwartz conveys what it's like to have a career like his. Broadway.com Stephen Schwartz interview
Stephen Schwartz plans to return to Australia in 2013. Stephen Schwartz in Australia
Over the past year, I've posted various concerts and workshops that Stephen Schwartz has lead around the USA and world. Keep checking back here for future updates, or subscribe to the Schwartz Scene newsletter
The Schwartz Scene Youtube channel has "favorites" that are all Schwartz related, including Stephen talking about "For Good" at the Defying Gravity book launch in 2008
www.youtube.com/theschwartzscene/
News posted by Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked
JANUARY 2010 I'm pleased to report that the 6-page Epilogue chapter from the Stephen Schwartz biography, Defying Gravity, is now out-of-date. The epilogue includes highlights from my 2004 interview with Stephen, and a photograph of him under the list of names of Broadway greats honored as members of the "Theatre Hall of Fame." At that time, his name was not included. 
Six years later, at a ceremony at the Gershwin Theatre on January 25, 2010, Stephen Schwartz was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.
Established in 1971, the Theatre Hall of Fame inducts artists from all facets of the theater, including actors, playwrights, designers, directors and producers whose work on Broadway encompasses at least a quarter of a century.
The inductees must also have five Broadway credits to their name. Schwartz's include Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, the Magic Show, Working, Rags, Butterflies are Free, Fosse. Michael Cole took this photo of Stephen at the January 25 event at the Gershwin Theatre.
Now that Stephen has received his due honor, that chapter in the biography provides historical context. The other 500-plus pages of Defying Gravity are still relevant and full of creative stories. Read more about the book here. Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked
When Stephen Schwartz was interviewed on NY1, the Defying Gravity book is on display and is discussed during the interview. Stephen Schwartz on NY1 - career reflections
Playbillradio.com Podcast interview: Robert Viagas interview with Carol de Giere October 2008.
Playbill Podcast with Carol de Giere
Playbill Radio special guest is Carol de Giere, author of "Defying Gravity," a new biography of "Godspell" and "Wicked" composer Stephen Schwartz. She traces Schwartz' life from his childhood on Long Island through his amazing early successes, his mid-career challenges that almost made him leave the business, and his triumphant return to Broadway in recent years. She also tells how the book transformed her own life.
See Evan Schwartz's blog post about our wonderful Ozian event in Orange CT: From the author of Finding Oz
See the reviews about the book Defying Gravity - published reviews
please contact the author at carol@defyinggravitythebook.com
These events are also posted on http://www.booktour.com/author/carol_de_giere