An Evening with Stephen Schwartz: Recent Episodes
ARTSEDGE: The Kennedy Center's Arts Education Network
From his time at Juilliard to his grand success on Broadway, follow the path of Stephen Schwartz, the composer/lyricist of such legendary works as Godspell, Pippin, and his most recent Broadway hit, Wicked (which was at the Kennedy Center in 2005). Excerpted from the PerformancePlus event moderated by Michael Kerker, ASCAP Director of Musical Theater, this series invites you into the world of one of the American theater's most talented artists.
Stephen explains how he learned of the book, Wicked by Gregory Maguire, his quest to convert it to a musical and collaboration with librettist, Winne Holzman.
In this insightful selection, Schwartz takes you through the genesis, adaptations, and final version of this Wicked hit song.
In this selection, Schwartz discusses the influences that Leonard Bernstein had on him, beginning with their collaboration in 1971 on the Mass that opened the Kennedy Center.
Stephen Schwartz discusses how he began working with Disney and elaborates on the differences between writing for the theater and writing for the movies.