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Stephen Schwartz

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politics10 days ago

Stephen Schwartz and Others Withdraw from Kennedy Center Events Over Name Change

Stephen Schwartz, composer of 'Wicked,' has withdrawn from a Kennedy Center event in protest of the Trump administration's takeover and renaming of the venue, citing concerns over the center's shift from its original mission of apolitical artistic expression. Despite conflicting reports about his scheduled involvement, the controversy has led to multiple artist cancellations and legal challenges against the venue's renaming.

via NBC News|
#artistic-expression#kennedy-center#politics
news12 days ago

Stephen Schwartz Withdraws from Kennedy Center 2026 Lineup Amid Controversy

Stephen Schwartz, the renowned composer of musicals like 'Wicked,' has withdrawn from a scheduled appearance at the Kennedy Center in 2026, citing concerns over the venue's political direction and its departure from its original apolitical mission. Despite being advertised, Schwartz clarified he was never contracted and has not heard any updates since February 2025, leading him to assume the event was canceled. The Kennedy Center has denied any contractual agreement with Schwartz. His withdrawal adds to a list of artists pulling out amid recent political changes at the venue.

via Variety|
#artistic-expression#cancellation#kennedy-center
entertainment1 year ago

Exploring the Magic and Legacy of 'Wicked' on Screen and Stage

The film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked' is being split into two movies, with Part 2 set for release on November 21, 2025. Composer Stephen Schwartz explained that the decision was made to avoid cutting important content and to maintain the impact of the show-stopping number 'Defying Gravity,' which naturally concludes the first part. The split allows for a more complete and satisfying adaptation, with changes intended to enhance the story and characters.

via Just Jared|
#entertainment#jon-m-chu#movie-adaptation
entertainment1 year ago

Exploring 'Wicked': From Early Struggles to Cinematic Magic

Before becoming a Broadway sensation, the musical 'Wicked' underwent significant changes during its initial run in San Francisco in 2003. Despite mixed reviews and a lengthy runtime, the show evolved through audience feedback and creative team adjustments, leading to its eventual success. The musical, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, explores the backstory of the witches from 'The Wizard of Oz' and has become a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $5 billion. The upcoming movie adaptation is expected to be a box office hit.

via The San Francisco Standard|
#broadway#entertainment#musical
entertainment1 year ago

Wicked's Cinematic Split: A Gravity-Defying Decision?

Director Jon M. Chu decided early on to split the film adaptation of "Wicked" into two movies to avoid a five-hour runtime and to preserve key elements like the song "Defying Gravity," which is crucial for the story's structure. Despite some controversy and criticism over the decision, Chu stands by it, emphasizing the importance of the song's climactic role. "Wicked" is now playing in theaters, allowing audiences to judge the adaptation for themselves.

via The A.V. Club|
#defying-gravity#entertainment#jon-m-chu
entertainment2 years ago

"Wicked" Film Production Almost Complete Before Strike Disruption

Production of the film adaptation of the musical "Wicked" was shut down with just 10 days of shooting left due to the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA. Composer Stephen Schwartz expressed frustration but also solidarity with the unions. Director Jon M. Chu confirmed the production was close to completion and assured that the film's release date would not be affected. Schwartz praised the meticulous production design and attention to detail on the set, and also praised the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

via Variety|
#entertainment#film-production#jon-m-chu