'Defying Gravity' Documentary To Celebrate Stephen Schwartz

ASCAP 2019 Screen Music Awards - Show

Stephen Schwartz has given us some amazing and memorable works throughout his career. Now an all new documentary, Defying Gravity, will showcase his accomplishments.

Defying Gravity, a film from Spencer Proffer, Corey Brunish and Russell Miller will explore the work and creative journey of Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz is responsible for bringing us Wicked, Pippen, and Godspell on Broadway and on the big screen he's brought us the music in The Prince of Egypt, Pocahontas, and Enchanted.

From the official press release:

“Defying Gravity: From Godspell to Wicked, A Musical Journey”will commence production in early 2021. It will profile the vast body of Schwartz’s work, both his landmark successes and noble failures, while examining his writing process and inspirations and highlighting the power of music to transform and influence lives.Carol de Giere, acclaimed author of the biography Defying Gravity(named for Schwartz’ classic song from Wicked and also the title of the documentary), will serve as a consultant to the producers. She will share the product of eight years of research and collaboration with Stephen to inform the film.

Producer Spencer Proffer said:

Stephen is a hugely talented composer and lyricist who embodies a Renaissance spirit. Equally enchanting is his humility and eagerness to reveal that the path to his success has been dotted with disappointments and sometimes failures. It’s a rich field to explore, delving into the artistry behind show tunes we’ve all hummed out loud and in our heads for decades.