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Defying Gravity News and Events

Author Appearances and Book Signings

Meet the author, and/or, in some locations, meet Stephen Schwartz. Enjoy your autographed copy of the book.

  • Southern California: Los Angeles

    • Monday November 24, 2008
      UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with STEPHEN SCHWARTZ - an Actors Fund benefit concert and reception. Stephen would most likely sign books after the show (bring your own copies). Ticket info on Actorsfund site

  • Northern California: San Francisco Bay Area

  • New York City

    • October 30, 5:30 pm - THIS IS OVER BUT AUTOGRAPHED COPIES ARE AVAILBLE WHILE THEY LAST
      "Stephen Schwartz at the piano and in conversation--The New York City book launch for Defying Gravity. - Well over 200 people attended this event at the Barnes and Noble at Lincoln triangle. Stephen Schwartz and Carol de Giere signed about 20 copies of the book for the Barnes and Noble store stock.
    • November 6th - and February 5th 2009
      Drama Book Shop. 250 West 40th Street, New York City. 6 - 8 pm RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
      [Program for Feb 5th is subject to change but will probably be this:]
      Author Carol de Giere will be joined by Peggy Gordon of the original Godspell cast to share anecdotes from the new book Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked. Also scheduled to appear is Alex Lacamoire, who worked on both Godspell (2001 tour orchestrations) and Wicked (music arrangements), and recently shared a Tony-award win for Best Orchestrations for In The Heights. Carole Demas, who originated the title role in The Baker's Wife for the first part of the pre-Broadway tour, will sing "Meadowlark" from the show, accompanied by Ian Herman. Lisamarie Testasecca will sing a piece from Wicked. There will be a question-answer session and signing. To make a reservation see details on this page. Audience Rewards

  • Westchester County -

    • November 12th,
      White Plains, NY
      White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave, auditorium. 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
      "From Godspell to Wicked: The Creative Genius of Stephen Schwartz." Join author Carol de Giere and friends for an exciting celebration of the acclaimed Broadway and Hollywood songwriter, winner of 3 Academy Awards and 4 Grammy Awards. Singer Carole Demas, star of the original production of Stephen Schwartz's The Baker's Wife as well as the first "Sandy" for the Broadway production of Grease, will perform songs from the Schwartz repertoire. Broadway veteran Ian Herman will accompany Demas on piano. Copies of de Giere's Defying Gravity will be available for sale and signing.

  • Connecticut

    • November 13 - Ridgefield Connecticut
    • Copies autographed by Stephen Schwartz will be sold at this event.

    • A "Wicked" Creative Talent—Stephen Schwartz—is the Focus of Nov. 13 Library Event

      At the Ridgefield Library author talk on November 13th at 7 pm, fans of Wicked, Godspell, or other Stephen Schwartz musicals will be able to pick up autographed copies of the new career biography Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked. Mr. Schwartz, famed for his hit Broadway musicals and Academy Award-winning film songs, has already signed books that will be sold at the event.

      Ridgefielder Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity, explored Schwartz's creative process over the eight years she worked on the book, and will share some of his strategies in her talk at the library. She believes his tips can help anyone working on a creative project.

      At the November 13th talk, she will be joined by Steve Boockvor, also of Ridgefield, who performed in the original cast of the musical Working, one of Schwartz's Broadway efforts. Boockvor's Broadway career also included A Chorus Line, Annie, Follies, and others.

      Boockvor and de Giere will share behind-the-scenes stories for the making of Broadway shows, including Wicked, and answer questions from the audience. Ms. de Giere will personally sign books after the talk.

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    • November 18, 7 pm. Author Carol de Giere will present and sign copies of Defying Gravity. She will offer behind-the-scenes stories for the making of Wicked and other Stephen Schwartz-related musicals, as well as share some of his creative strategies. Barnes and Noble Rittenhouse, 1805 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

  • Providence, Rhode Island

    • November 20, 7 pm.
      Borders Books, 142 Providence Place. Carol de Giere will be present for a discussion and signing of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked.

  • Madison, Wisconsin

    • On Saturday, November 29th, Madison native Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity will be signing books and answering questions between 1:00 and 2:00 pm at Barnes and Noble at West Towne Mall, 7433 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI.

      She will also be a guest on Stu Levitan's Sunday Journal on Madison radio station 92.1 on November 23rd. http://www.themic921.com/pages/SundayJournal.html. Ms. de Giere's new book Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from "Godspell" to "Wicked" offers readers a colorful journey through the world of musical songwriter Schwartz whose scores for Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, Wicked and others, have captivated audiences on Broadway and around the world.

  • Winter/Spring 2009

  • Washington, DC.

    • February 9th. Check back for details.

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    • January
      One presentation with Stephen Schwartz. Date to be announced.

  • Florida

    • February/March
      "Stephen Schwartz and Friends" will be performing in Florida February 25–March 1. I plan to tour Florida at that time.

Stephen Schwartz and Friends Concerts

At "Stephen Schwartz and Friends" concerts, Stephen Schwartz may be able to sign copies of the book after the performance. For "Stephen Schwartz and Friends" information see: www.theschwartzscene.com/blog/

Fall 2008

Latest articles about the book: The Journal News, Westchester County, NY: The 'Wicked' process | The Hour (Norwalk CT) Author/Composer Defying Gravity - The Man Behind the Curtain

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.

For questions or further information

please contact the author at carol@defyinggravitythebook.com

These events are also posted on http://www.booktour.com/author/carol_de_giere

Official website for Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked (musical theatre biography)

Buy it online:

(United States)