Spring 2019 updates from composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz and biographer Carol de Giere.
1) Welcome from Carol
PHOTO: From a Talkback in February 2019, Stephen Schwartz makes a funny remark about the early days in the 1970s when he started developing the musical Working.
Over a rare relaxed lunch on April 22, I caught up with Stephen Schwartz to gather news for this issue. I especially wanted to learn his responses to the FX TV series Fosse/Verdon that includes material about his Pippin work with Bob Fosse. Readers will find a link below to his comments.
I had last seen Stephen in February when we were part of a Talkback after an innovative production of Working. Below I’ve included a link to the YouTube video of that Talkback.
This Spring 2019 issue also includes news of Stephen’s recent work in the UK on Rags, a comment about Notre Dame Cathedral, an award in his name, upcoming galas (including an event with Idina Menzel and Megan Hilty), an article on lyrics, and more.
In my own news, my Stephen Schwartz biography Defying Gravity is now available as an ebook through the usual sources like Amazon for Kindle (that can be read on most mobile devices) and Google Play. Many of the ebook photos are in color.
The paperback, released last October, continues to sell online through Amazon and other sellers, and at Barnes & Noble stores. Stephen autographed another batch of copies so those are available from me for gifts or personal collections. Defying Gravity Updated Edition
FOR FUTURE ISSUES AND NEWS
Please “LIKE” and/or visit The Schwartz Scene on Facebook to be informed of future issues and other news.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSchwartzScene/ (For those on Twitter but not Facebook, the issue link will usually get posted on Stephen Schwartz’s feed @composerstephen )
2. STEPHEN SCHWARTZ UPDATE
Fosse/Verdon: For Stephen Schwartz, listening to Sam Rockwell’s voice as he plays Bob Fosse in FX’s Fosse/Verdon TV miniseries is a form of déjà vu…. READ THE INTERVIEW
MORE NEWS
PHOTO: Carol de Giere interviews Stephen Schwartz at an Indian restaurant, April 22, 2019.
Since our last update (Holiday 2018 issue), Stephen has been working on the new musical version of The Prince of Egypt (more news about that in the next issue), a revised version of Rags, and consulting on several productions of Working including the upcoming production at Encores in New York City. He also juggles movie work, most of which he can’t talk about.
The week before we met for lunch, Notre Dame Cathedral was the focus of everyone’s shocked attention as it burned. The building serves as the primary setting for the Menken/Schwartz musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame. On April 15th, when the reports started coming in from Paris, Stephen was in a meeting in New York City but kept noticing calls to his cell phone from Alan Menken. When his meeting was over, he called Alan who said, “Turn on the news: Notre Dame is on fire.” Later, along with everyone else, they were relieved to learn that some of the older structure had been saved. Schwartz noted in our conversation, “It’s one of the major monuments on earth. That would be tragic to lose.”
3. All Good Gifts: More Updates, Articles, & Events
WORKING TALKBACK
Stephen Schwartz is rarely recorded at a “Talkback.” The YouTube video of the Working Talkback, which I helped moderate, captures Stephen’s comments from Feb 24, 2019. It followed a matinee performance of the musical Working at ACT of Connecticut where Stephen serves on the artistic advisory board. The Talkback also includes original Broadway cast member Robin Lamont. Stephen and Robin share stories of meetings with Studs Terkel and James Taylor. Also speaking are cast members and artistic director Daniel Levine who describe the new material collected for this special production. Read more in Peter Filichia’s article about Working updates Working-with-real-workers
SCHWARTZ IN THE UK FOR RAGS
PHOTO by Grant Archer: Stephen Schwartz was at the center of a gala fundraiser for a new production of Rags, produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre and Matthew Hopton.
Previously Schwartz and colleagues had devoted time to finalizing Rags for a production in Manchester, UK. This is the new version that originated last year at Goodspeed Musicals. Katy Lipson commented later about the UK production, “It was huge honour working with Stephen Schwartz on a new version of Rags at our small, independent theatre in Manchester. I’ve always been passionate about the show but to have the opportunity to work alongside Stephen on a definitive version was something none of us nor I will ever forget! Rags was a huge success in Manchester and we hope it has a future in London next year.”
The writers are expecting the new version will become available for licensing at some point in the not-too-distant future. (For a review of the Manchester production see Thereviewshub.com/rags-the-musical-hope-mill-manchester/)
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AWARD
Last year producers Marc Platt, Nancy Rose, David Stone, and the Board of
Dramatists Guild Foundation created an award in honor of Schwartz and presented it at his 70th birthday celebration. This year on March 18th, Schwartz and the DGF presented the inaugural Stephen Schwartz Award to Oliver Houser. The annual award aims to nurture the work of a promising young musical theatre composer. PHOTO: Oliver Houser and Stephen Schwartz.
COMPOSER ARTICLE
Matthew Sklar, composer for the current Broadway musical The Prom and earlier Broadway shows The Wedding Singer and Elf, has often turned to Stephen Schwartz’s work for inspiration. Read the stories on our blog at Matthew-sklar-and-the-stephen-schwartz-connection-for-broadway/
LYRICS WRITING – LEARNING FROM OSCAR
Stephen Schwartz listened to a lot of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals while he was teaching himself about musical theatre as a child. During this 2019 interview, Stephen reflected on some key lessons. Enjoy “Wicked Meets Cinderella and other Rodgers and Hammerstein Musicals –An Interview with Stephen Schwartz”
https://www.musicalwriters.com/writing-tips/stephen-schwartz-and-rodgers-and-hammerstein/
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 13 – A benefit for the music education programs of The ASCAP Foundation: “Tita Cahn & Paul Williams invite you to an intimate evening featuring a special performance by Stephen Schwartz.” https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-song-tickets-58126213068
May 16 – The Wallis Gala honoring Stephen Schwartz: Featuring Idina Menzel, Megan Hilty, and Special Guest Artists and benefiting the artistic, educational and outreach programs of The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Artsttp://thewallis.org/show-info.php?id=455
May 18 – 19 ASCAP workshops. (This event is sold out but try the wait list.) http://thewallis.org/show-info.php?id=239
PODCASTS
You can find an interview with me about The Godspell Experience and the show by clicking on any of the following links: iTunes, Google Play/Android and the RDU on Stage Landing Page (Episode 14).
ASK ME ABOUT AUTOGRAPHED ITEMS
I always have some autographed items ready to ship for those who would like to give a gift of something signed by Stephen Schwartz or keep something for themselves. Ask me about signed copies of The Godspell Experience, Defying Gravity, Wicked sheet music (1 copy), and a few assorted items. Visit CONTACT at caroldegiere.com
BACK ISSUES – FIND THE ARCHIVES:The Schwartz Scene Back Issue Archives
###
About The Schwartz Scene
The Schwartz Scene is an independent publication written for musical theater enthusiasts who appreciate the work of American composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz. It does not formally represent composer Stephen Schwartz, although the editor, Carol de Giere, is in regular contact with Stephen Schwartz for updates. Send questions or comments to Carol through CaroldeGiere.com contact page.
Copyright 2019 by Carol de Giere. Carol de Giere has exclusive rights, unless otherwise specified, for all materials included in the newsletter. Permission must be secured in writing before any part of it may be reprinted, except for the printing of one copy for the subscriber’s private use. Editor: Carol de Giere, 10 Library Place #909, Bethel CT 06801-0909.
