Exploring "Defying Gravity": The Life of Stephen Schwartz

In the biography "Defying Gravity," author Carol de Giere delves into the illustrious career of the award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, known for classics such as "Godspell," "Pippin," and "Wicked."

An Unexpected Journey to Oz

As the year 1996 began, Stephen Schwartz's plans for his next Broadway musical weren't even a thought in his mind. He was focused on his movie songcraft, reveling in the surprise of being an Oscar nominee. That March, clad in his elegant tuxedo, Stephen found himself on the red carpet. His dream had always been to create memorable stage musicals, but here he was, in the midst of Hollywood glamour.

When the Academy announced that he and Alan Menken had captured the Oscar for Best Original Score, it was a moment of triumph. Back home, Schwartz added his new gleaming award alongside his Grammys, pleased at how his career had soared.

Yet 1996 was just the start of more remarkable ventures. A feature he worked on premiered, and meetings with DreamWorks consumed much of his time. He was actively involved in developing a musical revue in Seattle, imagining it would be more suited for community productions rather than Broadway.

However, a serendipitous call from John Bucchino shifted everything. While working in Los Angeles, Schwartz was invited to Hawaii for a weekend. Eager for a break, he quickly agreed.

In Hawaii, an impromptu discussion with his friends led him to learn about Gregory Maguire's book that retold the Oz narrative from the Wicked Witch's perspective. This ignited a spark of creativity that would redirect Schwartz's future.

Upon his return, he was consumed by the idea of translating the novel into a Broadway phenomenon. He knew that this retelling was neither for film nor TV, but pure theatre. Determined to secure the rights, he reached out to his lawyer, realizing that someone might already be planning a Hollywood adaptation.

This venture was perfectly aligned with his artistic vision, having previously reimagined stories like "Godspell" and "Pippin." Maguire's story of Elphaba resonated deeply, offering a voice to characters seen in a fresh light. It was unmistakably a Schwartz project.

With a notebook in hand, Schwartz started jotting down ideas and lyrics. Maguire's complex novel, with its rich tapestry of characters and events, was daunting but thrilling to adapt for the stage.