Stephen Schwartz on Glee, Godspell and Wicked's Worldwide Appeal

When Stephen Schwartz, composer of Broadway's long-running mega-hit Wicked and the soon-to-be-revived Godspell says that Glee is good for musical theater, you better believe Glee is good for musical theater. That is exactly what Schwartz told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a recent interview.

"I think Glee has been great for musical theater and for kids who are interested in musical theater and singing because it has made it somehow seem less uncool even while supposedly being about the uncool kids in school," Schwartz told the paper, “Shows like Glee and American Idol have been a big boost to the whole idea of young people pursuing a singing career or a career in music, and that's been great.”

Schwartz himself is tapping into the show’s talented cast for the upcoming revival of Godspell. Telly Leung, who can be seen on Glee as part of The Warblers, is a cast member, and Schwartz told the paper he was delighted with the casting of both Leung and Weeds star Hunter Parrish in the role of Jesus.

While the composer-lyricist is readying this latest revival you’d think he might let Wicked, still running after nearly eight years on Broadway and two national touring companies going strong, continue like the well-oiled musical machine they are. But the busy Schwartz, who also serves as president of the Dramatists Guild, says he keeps a hand in the show, especially international productions. He’s seen the show in Finland and Denmark recently, and next up is The Netherlands. "[Librettist Winnie Holzman] and I get involved because we want to make sure the translation is as accurate as possible, that it conveys the ideas of the show," he said.