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


Baayork Lee & More Join Pittsburgh CLO 2024 Summer of Musicals


Pittsburgh CLO has unveiled the Creative Teams for the 2024 Summer of Musicals. See the productions and learn how to purchase tickets.

WICKED Becomes 10th Longest-Running West End Show in British History


WICKED, the West End stage musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, will play its 6,762nd performance, becoming the 10th longest-running West End stage production in British history.

BLACK BOX Comes to QPAC in May


BLACK BOX is Queenslander Paul Hodge's ground-breaking new musical based on the extraordinary true story of David Warren, the Australian inventor who created the black box flight recorder that is now on every plane around the globe, and it will have its world premiere at QPAC's Cremorne Theatre this May.

Ari Axelrod Returns To Birdland With 'A Place For Us: A Celebration Of Jewish Broadway'


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the return of award-winning international artist Ari Axelrod with an encore performance of “A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” on Monday, May 13 at 7:00 PM.

Interview: Winnie Holzman and CHOICE at McCarter Theatre Center


Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing Winnie Holzman about her career and 'CHOICE' at McCarter Theatre Center.

Redhouse Presents A Celebration Of Community With GODSPELL


Join the Redhouse for a unique presentation of GODSPELL, a vibrant musical celebration of community. Experience the joy and unity of this timeless production.

Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards


The Dramatists Guild previously announced that playwright Christopher Durang will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s ceremony. He will be joined by two additional recipients, George C. Wolfe and Emily Mann.

TheatreWorks Reveals Lineup For 2024-25 Season of World and Regional Premieres, Commissions, and More


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has announced its 54th season—a lineup of works to be presented October 2024 through July 2025. Learn more about the full lineup here!

Emma Kingston Brings MY LOVE LETTER TO NY to 54 Below in June


54 Below will present West End’s Leading Lady Emma Kingston in My Love Letter to NY on Sunday, June 9 2024.

GODSPELL Comes to The Beverly Theatre Guild Next Month


The Beverly Theatre Guild has announced its spring musical, Godspell – 2012 Revival. Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell of Rogers Park, this production promises to be a not-to-miss rendering of the Broadway smash hit that originally debuted in 1971.

PIPPIN Comes to Eventide Theatre Company This Month


Eventide Theatre Company will present the fantastical musical Pippin. Directed by ETC Executive Artistic Director, Donna Wresinksi, this production will grace the Gertrude Lawrence stage at the Historic Dennis Union Church from April 25th-May 12th. 

Review: CELEBRATING BROADWAY'S LEADING LADIES at Auguste Théâtre


A Showstopping AMT Live Concert at Auguste Théâtre in Paris.

WICKED Film Unveils New Footage and Details at CinemaCon Presentation


On Wednesday, the highly anticipated film version of the Broadway musical Wicked, debuted new footage at a CinemaCon panel at Caesars Palace. According to reports, actors Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum were all in attendance and the presentation featured a newly recorded introduction by the Wizard himself. 

GODSPELL Comes to Players Circle Theater April 16th


Players Circle Theater is ready to raise the roof with their largest production to date, GODSPELL, running April 16th – May 12th, 2024. 

Lauren Samuels, Austen Danielle Bohmer & More to Join WICKED Tour


The national tour of Wicked is welcoming new cast members. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Broadway Podcast Network Launches New Site & Listening Platform, and More


Broadway Podcast Network is launching their new website and listening platform. Learn more!

WICKED Adds Additional Performances in Melbourne


Wicked has been playing to ecstatic full houses at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre since it opened on 2 March. Due to demand, new performances  for WICKED have been released for sale up until 28 July, with presales beginning today and general public tickets from 12 April.

Ken Page Will Perform at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood


Acclaimed film, television, and Broadway star Ken Page will bring his new show Right Here, Right Now to Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood for one show only on Wednesday, April 3, at 8:30pm, it was announced today by Chris Isaacson Presents and Catalina.

Review: CHILDREN OF EDEN at Stagecrafters is an Immersive Journey Through the Story of Genesis


Children of Eden is currently playing at Stagecrafters’ Baldwin Theatre through April 21st. Though the show has not had notable U.S. professional iterations (such as Off-Broadway) in the more than 30 years since its inception, this story has found eternal life in community theatres. In fact, Children of Eden is already a classic simply because of what it brings to communities worldwide – an introduction to the magical world of theatre. 

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 several awards, including the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards, 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, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Wicked, Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for Wicked, Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for The Baker's Wife, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Rags, Outstanding Director - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Working, Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Working, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Godspell, Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Pippin, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for Pippin, and Most Promising Composer at the 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." Schwartz won the Best Original Score at the BroadwayWorld Awards and the Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, and Most Promising Composer awards at the Drama Desk Awards for "Wicked" and "Godspell."

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