Stephen Schwartz Reflects on Golden Globe Nominations and Future 'Wicked' Project
Renowned composer Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on "Wicked," received a delightful surprise when he was informed of his two Golden Globe nominations. The nominations, for the original songs "No Place Like Home" and "The Girl in the Bubble," were a welcome recognition of his talent. Schwartz expressed his gratitude, particularly for the opportunity to collaborate with director Jon M. Chu, even though Chu was not nominated.
The success of "Wicked: For Good" has sparked discussions about a potential sequel. Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, the Broadway musical's book writer and a co-writer on the film, are indeed working on another project set in the world of Oz. This idea predates the release of the first two films, but the positive reception of the films has given it new momentum.
Despite his current projects, including the musical "The Queen of Versailles" and a revival of "The Baker's Wife" Off-Broadway, Schwartz plans to take a break. However, he has a new stage project in the works for next year, keeping him creatively busy.
Schwartz attributes the enduring popularity of "Wicked" to the intense friendship at its core. He believes the story resonates with audiences, offering a feel-good exploration of friendship. The composer also revealed that he wrote the new songs with the voices of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in mind, crafting "The Girl in the Bubble" as an internal reflection for Grande and "No Place Like Home" as a powerful statement on personal responsibility and societal issues.
The Golden Globe nominations have brought attention to Schwartz's work, including his collaboration with Mark Sonnenblick on the K-Pop song "Golden," which has received critical acclaim. As Schwartz navigates his nominations and future projects, he remains focused on his craft, inspired by the world of Oz and its enduring appeal.
