2021’s Triumphs of Stephen Schwartz
2021’s Triumphs of Stephen Schwartz
Another year has come and gone, and as we celebrate the things that mean the most to us, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our beloved MTI authors and their accomplishments throughout this year: Stephen Schwartz. Join us as we look back into 2021 and highlight some major triumphs for Schwartz and his works.
Working - Localized Version is now available for licensing
Based on the best-selling book by Stud Terkel, Working - Localized Version centers around the lives of those we might interact with every day, but often take for granted. Adapted for the stage by Nina Faso and Stephen Schwartz, this musical pays homage to those who make our world a better place. This year, theatre companies across America are now able to pay tribute to their own heroes who inspire them day to day. In this localized version of the Tony-nominated hit musical, theatre companies now can make their productions more personal by including interviews from local workers in their communities.
Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook to stream on BroadwayHD
Beginning December 22, BroadwayHD is exclusively streaming Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook. The musical which includes over 20 of Schwartz’s songs from shows such as The Baker’s Wife, Children of Eden, Pippin, and many more was produced this year by ACT of CT. Director Daniel C. Levine and musical director Bryan Perri collaborated with Schwartz himself to bring this work to the screen. In an exclusive with Variety, Schwartz expressed his excitement that BroadwayHD viewers will get an opportunity to enjoy this production.
Pippin in London
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— CharingCrossTheatre (@CharingCrossThr) September 14, 2021
Watch the trailer for PIPPIN, now playing at Charing Cross Theatre until 3 October 2021!@OnPippinhttps://t.co/tZj0raOwZ7 pic.twitter.com/09qO9hIeVY
Across the pond, Charing Cross Theatre brought a new and reimaging production of Pippin to London. With 8 cast members and an inspiring team of creatives, the show was met with rave reviews and sold out audiences. With a run originally set for June 30th to August 14th, the show was extended not once but twice to October 3rd with Stephen Schwartz himself announcing the final extension and endorsing the production.
Godspell JR. in Central Park
On a warm day in Central Park, a group of young performers from Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre in Fairhope, Alabama put on a performance of Godspell JR. for their family, friends, and a community of New Yorkers. Schwartz himself signed off on the production after director Erin Langley reached out to him and MTI for special permission. The production was a huge success, with parents and student performers gushing about how special the opportunity was to perform some of the most iconic discography Schwartz has composed. Read more.
Children of Eden in Chicago
This year, Stephen Schwartz announced that a production of Children of Eden starring Norm Lewis, Deborah Cox, and a various assortment of stars will premiere at Chicago’s Arcada Theatre in 2022. We cannot wait for more updates and information on what’s to come!
Godspell Turns 50
On May 17th, 1971, Godspell opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre off-Broadway – the rest was history. This year, the iconic production that celebrates love, life, and giving to others celebrated its 50th anniversary. For 50 years Godspell has been able to make an impact on so many, and MTI could not be prouder that we have been able to assist in this journey along the way. Here’s to 50 more years!
Snapshots World Premiere Cast Recording Nominated For A Grammy
Award-winning music deserves to be recognized far and wide, and that case is no different with ACT of CT’s Snapshots. With seasoned performers singing Schwartz’s iconic numbers under the direction of Schwartz himself, it is no surprise that their world premiere cast album garnered a Grammy nomination. We wish everyone involved with Snapshots good luck as they head into the Grammy’s next year.
Godspell Is Now Available to License Worldwide
With only a few weeks left in 2021, MTI has announced that the Off-Broadway version of Godspell, the 2012 Broadway revival version, and Godspell JR. are now all available for licensing! This iconic retelling of the stories and parables told by Jesus Christ and his disciples will now be available to share with the world. Starting on January 1, 2022, people all around world will “learn their lessons well”.
We would also be remiss if we did not mention Stephen Schwartz’s accomplishments in his new works and in Hollywood. This year Wicked, one of Schwartz’s most iconic pieces found their director in Jon M. Chu as well as their two leading ladies – casting Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Filming is set to begin in 2022.
In addition to the beginning of a new chapter in Hollywood, Schwartz also had additional success across the pond. The Prince of Egypt, currently playing on The West End was able to reopen this year after theatre began its return from the Covid-19 pandemic. The show will continue its run until February 2022, and has received a 2021 Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.
Stephen Schwartz continues to make a tremendous impact through his works, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in 2022. “All Good Gifts” await you in the new year, Stephen!
