The Musical Theater of Stephen Schwartz

May 12, 2014
Laird (Wicked: A Music Biography) has crafted a scholarly yet accessible review of composer/lyricist Schwartz's work. While sentences like "The choral writing is in four parts with a few passing tones" will only resonate with readers who have studied music, there is still lots here for fans of musical theatre--and even a few tidbits for Disney and Dreamworks fans who are fond of the musical scores of Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt. Laird's most insightful coverage is of Schwartz's work on Godspell and Pippin, composer's earliest successes. Interviews with Schwartz reveal both insider secrets and fun trivia, including that Godspell's most famous song, "Day by Day," is modeled on Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "What the World Needs Now." When it comes to Wicked, arguably Schwartz's biggest hit, the author affords less attention, referring readers to his prior book, Wicked: A Musical Biography (2011). Many points rely heavily on Carol de Giere's biography of Schwartz, Defying Gravity, to the extent that readers might wish they had picked up that volume instead.

Starred review from May 15, 2014

Seated next to Stephen Sondheim in the front row of the American musical theater pantheon is the prolific and prodigiously talented composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (b. 1948). Throughout a career spanning four decades that includes such hits as Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, Schwartz has been honored with multiple Tony nominations, three Grammys, and three Academy Awards. Musical theater scholar Laird (musicology, Univ. of Kansas) has written an in-depth study focusing on Schwartz's projects and music. Acknowledging Carol de Giere's biographical contributions in her 2008 book, Defying Gravity, the author concentrates on the music and musical styles of Schwartz's theater and film work. Arranged chronologically, the title begins with an introduction to Schwartz with individual chapters on Godspell; his collaboration with Leonard Bernstein on Bernstein's Mass; Broadway and off-Broadway shows Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, Working, Rags, and Children of Eden; Schwartz's work on animated features for Disney and DreamWorks; then the success of the musical Wicked; his opera, Seance on a Wet Afternoon, and works outside Broadway and Hollywood. VERDICT Laird offers a definitive musical analysis of Schwartz's incredible career to date. A trenchant investigation that is both erudite and accessible, this book is an essential acquisition for all academic, professional, and large public library collections. Bravo, author Laird.--Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX

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