Review: THE WIZARD AND I: LIZ CALLAWAY SINGS STEPHEN SCHWARTZ at Feinstein's At The Nikko

The Wizard and I: Liz Callaway Sings Stephen Schwartz

Feinstein’s at the Nikko

9 May 2026

A longtime friendship with the wizard himself composer Stephen Schwartz provides the incentive for Liz Callaway’s latest project – a touring concert and newly released CD. A seasoned musical cabaret superstar and Broadway actor, Callaway was drawn to the music of Schwartz after a role in Pippin back in 1992. With a natural gift of storytelling and a voice that makes young newcomers envious, Callaway is one of the finest interpreters of Schwartz’s universally acclaimed catalog.

Opening with “The Spark of Creation” from 1991’s Children of Eden Callaway sings “The spark of creation is blazing in my blood” which applies perfectly to both her and Schwartz. Intertwining personal remembrances of her meeting and developing friendship and collaboration with Stephen, Callaway would perform many of his most popular numbers as well as some lesser-known chestnuts. “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin is a classic song of optimism and yearning, as is the title track of the new CD “The Wizard and I,” Elphaba’s pondering of her new empowered future.

Callaway has an astonishing lyrical mezzo-soprano voice with exceptional breath control. Her articulation and tone are studied by her peers and appreciated by her fans. Watching her work through “Beautiful City” from Godspell or “I’m Not That Girl” from Wicked is like witnessing a master class in song stylism. We cabaret geeks love a good backstory, and Callaway delivered the goods. Some lesser-known highlights included “Cold Enough to Snow” a melancholy song about lost love from the 1993 film Life with Mickey, “West End Avenue” from 1974’s The Magic Show, and “Fearless” written by Schwartz as a gift for Callaway.

Of course, Liz couldn’t get away without singing her signature tune, one she can proudly claim as the definitive version of “Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife. Using a fairytale metaphor as a device for the singer to choose between a young lover or staying with her kind husband, Liz builds on the escalating song rhythm. Starting with its gentle tempo, Liz sells the story dramatically, building the powerfully belted climax that sends shivers up the spine. Whether with a 50-piece orchestra or the tight trio at Feinstein’s, Callaway owns the song completely. Her encore of “For Good,” the beautiful statement of friendship from Wicked perfectly encapsulated the entire evening.