Stephen Schwartz Headshot

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


Review: Thank Goodness for WICKED at Mirvish's Princess of Wales Theatre

The North American tour of the hit Broadway Musical WICKED has finally returned to Toronto and whether you have seen it before or are experiencing it for the first time, this current cast has something very special to offer!
Review: Norm Lewis Brings a Touch of Broadway to 54 Below

This reviewer left the theater this night with the phenomenal music still humming in my head. The show continues its run on June 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 54 Below with different guests each night, including Marc Shaiman, Alice Ripley, Will Swenson, Seth Rudetsky, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Nova Payton and Kimberly Akimbo’s Olivia Hardy.
CASTING CALL: GODSPELL busca a Judas y a Nick

GODSPELL, producido por el Teatro del SOHO Caixabank y estrenado en Málaga a finales de 2022, se estrenará en Barcelona el próximo mes de septiembre y ha abierto audiciones para encontrar a los personajes de Judas y Nick.
Video: Get A First Look At KINKY BOOTS at ACT of Connecticut

Get a first look at Kinky Boots at ACT of Connecticut, now on stage through June 16th, 2024.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 7, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 7, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review: THE BAKER'S WIFE Is Full of Flavor at Ridgefield Theater Barn

This thoroughly enchanting production, replete with two strong leads and a 14-piece orchestra, triumphs in its simplicity of story brought alive with an easy-on-the-ears, tuneful Schwartz score
Stephen Schwartz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, And More To Join Norm Lewis' Summer Show

Join Norm Lewis for a spectacular summer show featuring special guests Melba Moore, Stephen Schwartz, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and more at 54 Below.
West End Performers Will Sing the Music of Stephen Schwartz on New 'SCHWARTZ SONGS' Album

SCHWARTZ SONGS, an album of new recordings of Stephen Schwartz's much-loved songs, will be released this month. The opening track, 'DEFYING GRAVITY,' is performed by four of the West End's leading ladies who have all played ‘Elphaba' in Wicked in the West End and will be released as a single on 21 June.
Review: Jimmie Herrod's Beautiful COLOR & LIGHT at 54 Below

Last Friday, May 24, the audience at 54 Below was treated to the beautiful, dulcet tones of America’s Got Talent finalist, Jimmie Herrod with COLOR & LIGHT. This reviewer loved seeing just how much Herrod was enjoying himself on stage. He performed with such ease and grace and communicated so effortlessly with his bandmates. It was a joy to watch!
Student Blog: 8 Musical Theatre Songs That GIVE Spring Vibes

[March 2024]---- Hello again readers! As the semester rolls into the springtime (yay), I'm thinking about all the theatre songs that give STRONG spring vibes in my opinion. My playlists and musical tastes definitely change when the seasons do, so I'm trying to get myself out of the dreary state of winter and into a bright springtime era. Without further ado, let's list them!
Full Cast Set For THE BAKER'S WIFE at The Menier Chocolate Factory

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced full casting for Gordon Greenberg’s production of The Baker’s Wife – with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Joseph Stein. Learnm ore about the cast here!
What We Know So Far About THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Musical

Did you know that The Queen of Versailles will soon hold court on stage? The new musical is getting ready for an out-of-town run this summer before heading to Broadway. What do you need to know about the new musical? Let's study up!
Bebe Neuwirth, Huey Lewis, Jeremy Jordan, and More Set for 2024 Broadway Teachers Workshop

Celebrating its 24th year, the Broadway Teachers Workshop is an enormously popular three-day series of interactive workshops and seminars with prominent Broadway artists, tickets to four (4) hit shows, and post-show discussions with cast and crew.
Get an Advanced Look at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's 21st Annual New Works Festival

Hundreds of lovers of new theatre will gather this August for an advance look at tomorrow’s hits at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s 21st Annual New Works Festival.
Review: A... MY NAME IS STILL ALICE Brings Back the 90s at Front Porch Theatricals

It's the best episode of 90s SNL that you never saw.
Student Blog: A 'Wicked' Double Act

Being a twin is such a blessing, but it does come with the potential for comparison.  I would say, though, our experience in all of these areas has been perfectly complimentary which allowed each of us to find our own niche.
Bradley Jaden to Perform For One Night In Trieste This Month

Bradley Jaden will kick off his international tour 'Bradley Jaden Live in Concert' in Trieste, with guest stars Lucy Jones and Luca Gaudiano. The tour will also visit London, New York, and Budapest.
Laia Prats, Raúl Ortiz y Noemí Gallego acompañarán a la Orquesta Larios Pop del Soho en concierto

La Noche en Blanco tendrá lugar mañana 18 de mayo a las 20:30h en la Plaza de la Marina de Málaga.
Spotlight: KRISTIN CHENOWETH at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Kristin Chenoweth with the Atlanta Symphony is now on sale!
Photos: First Look At Church of the Master Worship Arts' GODSPELL

Church of the Master Worship Arts is mounting its first community theatre production, Godspell. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the gospel of Matthew dances across the stage with a rousing score by the renowned Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz. We are honored to welcome actors from all over central Ohio to build this beautiful city. 

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 various 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. He also received 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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