Defying Gravity: How Stephen Schwartz’s Genius Turned Wicked Into a Broadway Sensation

The new biography Defying Gravity is drawing national attention after CBS released a detailed excerpt tracing how composer Stephen Schwartz discovered the idea that would become the megahit Broadway musical Wicked.
The book, authored by Carol de Giere, explores Schwartz’s creative journey and reveals the moment inspiration struck in 1996 while he was in Hawaii.
The excerpt, published Sunday, shows where and how Schwartz encountered Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked, ultimately reshaping his Broadway future.
The preview arrives just ahead of Schwartz’s appearance on CBS Sunday Morning.
The biography offers new insight into why Defying Gravity—as both a book and a signature song—remains central to his legacy.

Origins of a Landmark Musical

The excerpt from Defying Gravity outlines the unlikely path that led Schwartz toward Wicked. Despite major success scoring films such as Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Schwartz had not planned to return to Broadway in the mid-1990s.

That changed during a trip to Maui, where a casual conversation about Gregory Maguire’s novel sparked an immediate creative vision. Schwartz instantly recognized the narrative potential of retelling The Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s perspective—a concept he later described as “the best idea for a musical I had ever heard.”

According to the biography, Schwartz quickly pursued the rights, convinced the story was “quintessentially an idea for me.” His early notes show he already envisioned the beginning, ending, and emotional arc of Elphaba, setting the foundation for Broadway’s long-running hit.

Quotes and Reactions

Schwartz’s reaction, as quoted in Defying Gravity, was immediate and visceral:
“All the hairs on my arms stood on end.”

He also noted the autobiographical resonance of Elphaba’s journey:
“Anyone who grew up feeling a dissonance between who they are inside and the world around them will identify with Elphaba.”

Author Carol de Giere highlights how Schwartz’s earlier works—Godspell, Children of Eden, The Prince of Egypt—already demonstrated his affinity for reimagining familiar stories from new perspectives.

Influence on Broadway’s Landscape

The insights in Defying Gravity underscore how rare creative instincts shaped one of Broadway’s most successful productions. Schwartz’s decision to adapt Wicked not only revived his theatrical career but also transformed modern musical theater.

The show’s themes of identity, empathy, and perspective helped define 21st-century Broadway, while its score—including “Defying Gravity”—became a cultural phenomenon.

The biography’s new details are expected to widen public interest in the upcoming Wicked film adaptations and reinforce the musical’s multi-generational impact.

Upcoming Appearances and Releases

Stephen Schwartz will discuss the biography and his career trajectory in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning on November 16.
Meanwhile, Defying Gravity is now available in expanded print and digital editions through Applause Books.

Additional coverage is expected throughout awards season as anticipation builds for future Wicked film content and anniversary celebrations.

Sources

• CBS News

• Applause Books

• Official Stephen Schwartz publications

• Author Carol de Giere website