News posted by Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked
I'm pleased to report that the 6-page Epilogue chapter from the Stephen Schwartz biography, Defying Gravity, is now out-of-date.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
Maryland in January 2010
Stephen Schwartz will be in Rockville, Maryland, Jan. 15th and 16th at the Musical Theatre Center for performances of a revue, "The Stephen Schwartz Project." www.musicaltheatercenter.org/
Oklahoma City in February 2010
Celebrated composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz will host a “talk-back” after the 2pm matinee performance of SNAPSHOTS, A Musical Scrapbook on February 6th at Lyric Theatre. This event is free of charge, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call (405) 524-9312. To read about the production go to: Snapshots in OK
Los Angeles in February 2010
Stephen Schwartz will direct the ASCAP musical theatre workshops in LA in February. The sessions are open to musical theatre writers (composers, lyricists, librettists for stage and film musicals). DATES: Feb 2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 19. For details see www.musicalschwartz.com/ascap.htm
PHOTO from a previous SECRETS OF OZ presentation: from left to right author Carol de Giere, singer Lara Janine, author Evan Schwartz, singer Carole Demas.
Ridgefield authors Evan I. Schwartz and Carol de Giere reveal "Secrets of Oz: From Baum's Oz Classics to Wicked—Stories from Behind the Curtain,” on Thursday, February 25, 7:00 pm at the Ridgefield Library. They will offer stories about the inventive geniuses who brought the land of Oz to life in novels, stage and screen, sharing the stage with singers Carole Demas and Lara Janine who will take the audience down the yellow brick memory lane.
Evan Schwartz will discuss his book Finding Oz: How L. Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story and show photos from Baum’s life. Carol de Giere, author of Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked, will explore the making of the hit musical Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz from the days before Dorothy dropped in. She will play video clips for a behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway production.
The Oz-themed evening concludes with a "Musical Oz Revue" featuring selections from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Vocalists Carole Demas (the original "Sandy" in Grease on Broadway and co-star of TV's The Magic Garden) and Lara Janine, (who starred as "Elphaba" in Wicked at Universal Studios in Japan) will perform. Broadway pianist Sue Anderson is the music director.
Finding Oz and Defying Gravity will be for sale at the event and a booksigning will follow the musical portion of the evening. The authors’ websites offer more information about the books: www.FindingOz.com and www.DefyingGravityTheBook.com
Thursday, February 25, 7:00 pm
Ridgefield Library, Dayton Program Room
Free. Reservations are recommended but not required. 203-438-2282
Friday, March 5, Stephen Schwartz and Friends in Concert - New Canaan CTStephen Schwartz, Grammy Award, Academy Award and Drama Desk Award winning superstar composer and lyricist, (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell & Disney Movies) will perform a concert with his friend and Broadway Tony Winner Debbie Gravitte and Broadway & Concert Singer and Actor Scott Coulter to benefit this regional theater company. Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Also meet Stephen, Scott, and Debbie at a special post concert reception. Biographer Carol de Giere will also be there selling copies of Defying Gravity autographed by Schwartz. (photo by Maryann Lopinto)
“From Godspell to Wicked: The Creativity of Stephen Schwartz”
Carol de Giere will present “From Godspell to Wicked: The Creativity of Stephen Schwartz” on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 6:30 pm., at the Torrington Library. Ms. de Giere authored a creative biography of Broadway and film songwriter Stephen Schwartz, titled, Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz. Stephen Schwartz rose to success at the age of twenty-three in 1971 when he wrote the score for Godspell. His Broadway blockbusters include Pippin, The Magic Show and Wicked. He also wrote lyrics for three Disney movies (Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted) as well as songs for DreamWorks’ The Prince of Egypt.
During her presentation, de Giere will share stories as well as show a behind-the-scenes video clip about the making of Wicked. Copies of her book will be available for purchase after the talk.
Location: Torrington Library, 12 Daycoeton Place, Torrington, Ct
See Evan Schwartz's blog post about our wonderful Ozian event in Orange CT: From the author of Finding Oz
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.
Carol de Giere podcast with Stu Levitan
A Danbury News Times reporter interviewed Stephen Schwartz and Carol de Giere for a story in May 2009. Musical Maker Stephen Schwartz
See also all 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
Official website for Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked (musical theatre biography)
OR BUY IT LOCALLY
Your local bookseller will be able to order the book from their usual wholesaler. ISBN: 978-1557837455. Retail $24.95 US price.
(United States)