Artist/Author Comments
Are you the Artist/Author or record label/publisher add your comment about this item here.

FROM THE BACK COVER: , 12 December 2008

Publisher

"A wonderful read. And the Wicked section provides a comprehensive account of a thoroughly recondite and even mysterious event: the gestation and birth of a phenomenon."

—Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked (the novel), Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men

"Trying to reconstruct the writing process of a musical is nearly impossible. Carol de Giere has captured it."

—Winnie Holzman, bookwriter for Wicked (the musical)

"Stephen Schwartz is one of my favorite writers. His Godspell was the first professional production I ever saw and it inspired me to become a writer. In Defying Gravity, Carol de Giere pulls back the curtain and gives us a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of the musical theater`s greatest wizards. Enjoy!"

—Stephen Flaherty, Tony Award-winning composer of Ragtime, Seussical, and Once On This Island

"This is a loving, in-depth look at the career and process of one of our most important musical theater writers. I am happy to have it on my shelf."

—Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning lyricist of Ragtime ADDITIONAL PRAISE

"For all lovers of the works of Stephen Schwartz, this is essential reading. Thorough and well-written, it is most interesting on the complex collaborations behind his work and illuminates his particular genius for combining lyrical and melodic invention in the service of a good story." -- writer and director John Caird (Nicholas Nickleby, Les Miserables, Children of Eden)

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:

Review this product by clicking the 'Go' button

  De Giere`s book leaves you spellbound! , 19 May 2009

By Wicked Chris (New York, NY ) - Click here to find other reviews by this person

I have always loved the music, lyrics, and creative mind of Stephen Schwartz, writer of the scores for GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, Disney`s POCAHONTAS and HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE-DAME, and the mega-hit WICKED. In fact, WICKED fast became my favorite musical theatre piece. But how did this musical go from the page to the stage? How do musicals go from an idea to readings and workshops to full productions?

The answer to these and many other questions lies in Car...more I have always loved the music, lyrics, and creative mind of Stephen Schwartz, writer of the scores for GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, Disney`s POCAHONTAS and HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE-DAME, and the mega-hit WICKED. In fact, WICKED fast became my favorite musical theatre piece. But how did this musical go from the page to the stage? How do musicals go from an idea to readings and workshops to full productions?

The answer to these and many other questions lies in Carol De Giere`s wonderfully captivating DEFYING GRAVITY: THE CREATIVE CAREER OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ, FROM GODSPELL TO WICKED. If you`ve ever wondered about Schwartz`s personal life, its influence on his writing, and his creative process, this book is for you. Filled with stories, some extremely touching, many humorous, DEFYING GRAVITY offers a rather candid look at a brilliant composer...one who has experienced both triumph and failure, but one whose creative process has always been strong. You will learn some interesting details about his collaborators, his family, his friends, and his shows. Never boring, always engaging, and littered with many black-and-white photos (from Schwartz`s personal file as well as from productions of his shows), DEFYING GRAVITY is a treat for anyone who`s ever wondered about the creative journey of a musical theatre/film writer...or ANY creative person, for that matter.

In a way, DEFYING GRAVITY is a story anyone can relate to: De Giere dedicates her work to the creative spirit that inspires each and every one of us. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Schwartz, WICKED, musical theatre, or creating something out of nothing. Bravo, Ms. De Giere!