Stephen Schwartz News

Two-time Tony Award nominee André De Shields, who created the title role in the hit Broadway musical THE WIZ, has just returned from Chittenango, New York where he was a Special Guest of Honor at the 34th Annual OZ-Stravaganza weekend. This village, just outside Syracuse, New York, is the birthplace of L. Frank Baum who is best known for writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which became the classic 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland. Check out photos from the event below!

Two-time Tony Award nominee André De Shields, who created the title role in the hit Broadway musical THE WIZ, has just returned from Chittenango, New York where he was a Special Guest of Honor at the 34th Annual OZ-Stravaganza weekend! This lovely village just outside Syracuse, New York is the birthplace of L. Frank Baum who is best known for writing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which became the classic 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland.

Ben Schwartz ('House of Lies,' 'Parks and Recreation") Linus Roache (Batman Begins, Priest), Johanna Day (Tony nominee for Proof) and Pete Simpson (Blue Man Group) all descended on SILENCE! The Musical on May 31st to catch leading man David Garrison's last performance prior to his vacation. Tony Award winner Shuler Hensley is currently filling in as Dr. Hannibal Lecter through June 24th.

Berkeley Playhouse closes its 2011-12 main stage season with a delicious adaptation of ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Berkeley Playhouse founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy helms this musical treat, based on Roald Dahl's stylish children's story about the world famous candy man, starring noted Bay Area singer/songwriter, musician, and recording artist Vernon Bush in the title role. ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY plays July 14 through August 19 at the Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

BWW has confirmed that the cast, crew and investors were informed pre-show this evening that GODSPELL will play its final performance on Broadway on June 24th, 2012 at Circle in the Square Theatre.

Today in 1977, Pippin closed at the Minskoff Theatre, after having played 1944 performances. Pippin is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse, who directed the original Broadway production, also contributed to the libretto. The musical uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. The original cast included: Eric Berry, Jill Clayburgh, Leland Palmer, Irene Ryan, Ben Vereen, and John Rubinstein.

CAPTAIN LOUIE plays the Roxy Regional Theatre, beginning Friday, June 22, at 6pm.

This family-friendly musical is based on the beloved children's story The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats, who wrote and illustrated more than two dozen children's books during his lifetime, including the Caldecott Medal award-winning The Snowy Day. The child of struggling immigrant parents in the 1920s, Keats was known for populating his books with characters of different ethnicities, introducing multiculturalism into mainstream American children's literature.

Alan Menken and Jack Feldman are this year's recipients of the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) Written for Theatre for NEWSIES. An eight-time Oscar winner, this is Menken's first Tony Award. Click below to hear from the maestro and partner Jack Feldman on his newest achievement.

Alan Menkin and Jack Feldman are this year's recipients of the Tony Award for Best Original Score(Music and Lyrics) Written for Theatre for NEWSIES.

Liberty Showcase Theatre will present the musical GODSPELL by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, directed by Ted McCadden and Jay Althouse, and choreographed by Doug Kotula, July 20 through July 29, 2012.

Revolve Productions will present PIECES by Chris Phillips at the 16th New York International Fringe Festival August 10-26, 2012. The new play is directed by Brian Zimmer. The venue as well as dates for the five performances along with the multi-talent cast will be announced soon. The drama is from Los Angeles.

Chris Isaacson has announced that Upright Cabaret's AMERICAN ICON Series ends another stunning season with VIVA LAS VEGAS - a presentation of personality and pop that honors the flashiest performers of all time: Elvis, Cher and Elton John. Joining the group of all-star performers will be Patrick Cassidy.

Today, June 8, GODSPELL will play a special added matinee performance at 3 p.m.

As BroadwayWorld previously reoprted, Hugh Jackman will return to Broadway during the 2013/2014 season starring as America's greatest showman in HOUDINI, an original musical, with a libretto by Academy Award and six-time Emmy Award winner Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin recently revealed some details on the show to the NY Times. He commented: 'Work on Houdini has been underway for a while, with Stephen Schwartz and I meeting regularly - either in New York or L.A. - to map out the show we're doing (also not a biography), move index cards around a board, listen to first drafts of songs and read first drafts of scenes.'

On June 1st, Broadway favorite Shuler Hensley opened as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Off-Broadway's smash hit SILENCE! The Musical for four weeks only through June 24th, filling in for the vacationing David Garrison.

The company of the second North American tour of WICKED will welcome Jeanna de Waal as Glinda on Wednesday, June 27 in E. Lansing, MI.

Those who closely follow Broadway Grosses have been keeping an eye on GODSPELL's numbers as of late and wondering what the future held for the musical, which was recently announced for a performance on Sunday night's Tonys. Lead producer Ken Davenport has shed some light on the show's health in a new blog entry noting that after a slew of recent promotions ranging from 'Pay Your Age' to the 'Cast of 2032' and a Fan Appreciation Day: