Stephen Schwartz documentary film ‘Defying Gravity: From Godspell to Wicked’ in the works

A new documentary film will explore the work of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz.

Schwartz’s works include Broadway and West End shows such as Pippn and Wicked.

His long list of credits also include musical films such as The Prince of Egypt, Enchanted and Pocahontas.

Variety report that a film, entitled Defying Gravity: From Godspell to Wicked, A Musical Journey, will share the highs and lows of Schwartz’s career.

John Scheinfeld will direct and write the film which will be filmed in 2021 and produced by Spencer Proffer, Corey Brunish and Russell Miller. Schwartz’s biographer Carol de Giere will work on the film as a consultant.

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.”

de Giere added: “Spencer Proffer and his talented team’s passion for this project is bound to lead to a high-quality documentary. By focusing on the artistry of Stephen Schwartz, who is so articulate about his creative process and collaborative experiences, they will be able to capture some of the strategies that audiences can apply to their own creative efforts.

“‘Defying Gravity’ as a documentary will also draw us into key moments in American musical theater history and will be treasured by musical enthusiasts for years to come.”