In February 2024, through a mail correspondence, we were privileged to converse with Stephen Schwartz, a luminary in the realm of musical theatre and film scoring. Known for his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies, Schwartz’s compositions have enchanted audiences worldwide, earning him a distinguished place in the annals of performing arts. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the creative world of Stephen Schwartz, shedding light on his motivations, his journey through music, and his thoughts on the future of musical storytelling.
Stephen Schwartz’s musical journey began in New York City, where he was born in 1948. From an early age, Schwartz exhibited a profound talent for music, eventually leading him to study piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while still in high school. His passion for theatre was ignited at Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with a degree in drama.
Emerging onto the Broadway scene in the early 1970s, Schwartz made an immediate impact with his debut project, “Godspell,” a musical that has since become a staple of theatre troupes everywhere. This success was quickly followed by other hits, including “Pippin” and “The Magic Show,” cementing Schwartz’s reputation as a gifted composer and lyricist.
In addition to his theatrical achievements, Schwartz has made significant contributions to film music. He collaborated with Disney on several projects, contributing to the soundtracks of “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “Enchanted,” among others. His work has earned him multiple Academy Awards, further attesting to his versatility and talent in composing for varied audiences.
Perhaps most notably, Schwartz’s “Wicked,” a reimagining of the “Wizard of Oz” story from the perspective of its witches, has achieved global acclaim. Since its premiere in 2003, “Wicked” has captivated millions with its powerful narrative and soaring scores, showcasing Schwartz’s unparalleled ability to weave complex stories with emotionally resonant music.
Interview with Stephen Schwartz
1. What gets you motivated to write new music? Do certain things inspire you?
These days, I’m almost always writing “on assignment” with deadlines. Having a deadline always inspires me!
2. You’ve composed songs that have become cultural touchstones, such as “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” and “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.” Was there a song that you knew was a hit as soon as you wrote it or perhaps one that fell flat despite your high expectations?
I never know in advance what’s going to be a hit. I’m just trying to write songs that help show the characters and tell the story.
3. You’ve worked for both stage and screen. Films often downplay their musical aspects during marketing, as seen with “The Color Purple.” Do you believe there should be a shift towards embracing musicals for what they are, with trailers and promotions highlighting the music as a central element of the storytelling?
Yes, 100%!
4. There are plenty of critics in your industry. How do you deal with negative press when it does arise?
I have learned never to read reviews unless I’m in the process of working on a show. Then I read them all in one sitting to see what I can learn to apply to the show-in-progress.
