Defying Gravity

From his writing of EGodspellE's score at age 23 through the making of the megahit musical EWickedE and beyond EDefying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz fromE Godspell EtoE Wicked takes readers into the world of the legendary Broadway and film composer-lyricist. In this authorized biography drawing from her interviews with Schwartz and his collaborators author Carol de Giere focuses on the behind-the-scenes stories for Schwartz's hits and disappointing flops. Readers will find colorful anecdotes and insights for his licensed musicals EChildren of EdenE EPippin E EWorkingE and others. EDefying GravityE also includes Hollywood stories beginning with a new foreword by composer Alan Menken.THThis updated and revised second edition delves into Stephen Schwartz's creative process for the new stage musicals EThe Hunchback of Notre DameE EThe Prince of EgyptE and other shows. It provides additional insights on Schwartz's early work with Leonard Bernstein and his more recent international work on EWickedE. It offers additional Creative Notes a a popular feature of the first edition a with comments from Schwartz about overcoming creative blocks collaboration and the artistic life.