Our insurance practice is noted by Chambers USA as having “ extensive knowledge of the reinsurance industry, skilled handling of arbitrations and other disputes and a developing focus on direct insurance matters.” Clients stated, “ They are high-quality, excellent lawyers and leave no stone unturned” and also admire “ the team approach: You are not hiring just an individual, you are hiring a team.” Several lawyers from the firm are highlighted as notable practitioners in these areas, including Peter Chaffetz, Steve Schwartz, Charles Scibetta and Cecilia Moss for Insurance, and David Lindsey, James Hosking, Aníbal Sabater, and Yasmine Lahlou for International Arbitration. Then I read them all in one sitting to see what I can learn to apply to the show-in-progress.May 2018 – Chambers USA has released its 2018 rankings, and Chaffetz Lindsey has again been recognized in the areas of International Arbitration (Nationwide) and Insurance (Dispute Resolution in New York). I have learned never to read reviews unless I’m in the process of working on a show. How do you deal with negative press when it does arise? There are plenty of critics in your industry. Films often downplay their musical aspects during marketing, as seen with “The Color Purple.” Do you believe there should be a shift towards embracing musicals for what they are, with trailers and promotions highlighting the music as a central element of the storytelling?

I’m just trying to write songs that help show the characters and tell the story. I never know in advance what’s going to be a hit. You’ve composed songs that have become cultural touchstones, such as “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” and “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.” Was there a song that you knew was a hit as soon as you wrote it or perhaps one that fell flat despite your high expectations? These days, I’m almost always writing “on assignment” with deadlines. What gets you motivated to write new music? Do certain things inspire you? NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Stephen Schwartz attends the “Wicked” celebration of 20 Years on broadway on Octoin New York City. Since its premiere in 2003, “Wicked” has captivated millions with its powerful narrative and soaring scores, showcasing Schwartz’s unparalleled ability to weave complex stories with emotionally resonant music. Perhaps most notably, Schwartz’s “Wicked,” a reimagining of the “Wizard of Oz” story from the perspective of its witches, has achieved global acclaim. His work has earned him multiple Academy Awards, further attesting to his versatility and talent in composing for varied audiences. He collaborated with Disney on several projects, contributing to the soundtracks of “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “Enchanted,” among others. In addition to his theatrical achievements, Schwartz has made significant contributions to film music. This success was quickly followed by other hits, including “Pippin” and “The Magic Show,” cementing Schwartz’s reputation as a gifted composer and lyricist.

His passion for theatre was ignited at Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated with a degree in drama.Įmerging onto the Broadway scene in the early 1970s, Schwartz made an immediate impact with his debut project, “Godspell,” a musical that has since become a staple of theatre troupes everywhere. From an early age, Schwartz exhibited a profound talent for music, eventually leading him to study piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while still in high school. Stephen Schwartz’s musical journey began in New York City, where he was born in 1948.

This interview offers a rare glimpse into the creative world of Stephen Schwartz, shedding light on his motivations, his journey through music, and his thoughts on the future of musical storytelling. Known for his evocative lyrics and memorable melodies, Schwartz’s compositions have enchanted audiences worldwide, earning him a distinguished place in the annals of performing arts. In February 2024, through a mail correspondence, we were privileged to converse with Stephen Schwartz, a luminary in the realm of musical theatre and film scoring.

Steven c schwartz chaffetz