Laura Johnson
Life and Arts Editor
Stephen Schwartz is famous. But, it is not until hearing his list of credentials that one even begins to comprehend how famous he truly is. Writing the tunes for the likes of musicals, such as “Pippen,” “Godspell” and, most recently, “Wicked” — along with scores for countless animated classics, such as “The Prince of Egypt,” “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Enchanted” — Schwartz is an incredibly accomplished musician.
This Sunday at 2 p.m., Schwartz, accompanied by singers Debbie Gravitte and Scott Coulter, will bring to the Smothers Theatre stage an element that can only be described as gravity defying in his show, “Defying Gravity.”
Gravitte, who is a Tony-winner for her work as lead actress in 1990s “Jerome Robbin’s Broadway,” said she is so happy to work with such a brilliant writer.
“It all started when he called me out of the blue, and, because he was a fan — at least I hope he was — and he asked me to sing in this show he was putting together,” Gravitte said. “ Of course I was going to do it. I was actually the first person to perform ‘Defying Gravity’ before ‘Wicked’ was put on Broadway. It’s interesting to see the difference in attendance for this show once ‘Wicked’ came out.”
The show consists of Schwartz playing and singing a few songs himself, and then Gravitte and Coulter will come in to sing a few numbers together.
“Although there is so much to choose from, we basically cover his career, “ Gravitte
said. “We wrap up the show with a big medley at the end.”
Senior Jordan Jarvis, a musical theater major, said he will not only be attending the show, but was also chosen to sing for the Master class Schwartz is holding Monday.
“This is the biggest deal ever,” Jarvis said. “I mean, he kinda wrote ‘Wicked.’ I got to know a lot of his stuff after ‘Wicked,’ and I’m so excited about this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be singing in front of him. I’m freaking out inside.”
Junior Jillian Lawson, along with seeing the show said she will also be singing for the Schwartz Master class.
“Stephen Schwartz is so obviously influential,” Lawson said. “For theatre nerds, he is such a great person to have come here. Plus, I love Disney. I’m honored to be singing for him, but also terrified.”
Rebecca Carson, who is the Center for the Arts managing director, said that selecting Schwartz to be part of the performance this year was an easy decision.
“We are always looking for those performers from around the world who are doing something great for the artistic world, “ Carson said. “And he is definitely doing great things. I’ve absolutely loved a lot of the work he’s done in the past few years. To see the show as he tells us the history behind his pieces, it’s really true genius.”
For many, Broadway gets lost in translation — as no one actually sings his or her feeling out loud, while everyone around them knows the choreography and accompanying harmonies automatically. However, the show “Wicked” has been able to reach where other musicals have faltered. Now in its fifth year on Broadway, along with just wrapping up a version in Los Angeles, audiences cannot seem to get enough of “Wicked.” It is truly a musical for this generation.
What makes Schwartz different is his way of interpreting humanity into a song. As Gravitte said, “ He has an incredible ability that is accessible to anyone. He is brilliant at writing for different voices. Hard to believe that all these songs he has written came from the same man.”
Tickets are still available at Smothers Box Office. They cost $10 with student I.D.
09-25-2008
