Wicked: Defying Gravity: The Illustrated Lyrics

by Stephen Schwartz

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Theatre, Witches, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Stephen Schwartz was born in New York City on March 6, 1948. He studied piano and composition at the Juilliard School of Music while in high school and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a B.F.A. in Drama. Upon coming back to live in New York City, he went to work as a producer for RCA Records, but shortly thereafter began to work in the Broadway theatre.

His first major credit was the title song for the play BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE; the song was eventually used in the movie version as well.

In 1971, he wrote the music and new lyrics for GODSPELL, for which he won several awards including two Grammys. This was followed by the English texts, in collaboration with Leonard Bernstein, for Bernstein's MASS, which opened the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The following year, he wrote the music and lyrics for PIPPIN and two years later, THE MAGIC SHOW. At one point, GODSPELL, PIPPIN, and THE MAGIC SHOW were all running on Broadway simultaneously.

He next wrote the music and lyrics for THE BAKER'S WIFE, followed by a musical version of Studs Terkel's WORKING, to which he contributed four songs, and which he also adapted and directed, winning the Drama Desk Award as best director. He also co-directed the television production, which was presented as part of the PBS "American Playhouse" series.

Next came songs for a one-act musical for children, CAPTAIN LOUIE, and a children's book, THE PERFECT PEACH. He then wrote music for three of the songs in the Off-Broadway revue, PERSONALS, lyrics to Charles Strouse's music for RAGS, and music and lyrics for CHILDREN OF EDEN.

He then began working in film, collaborating with composer Alan Menken on the scores for the Disney animated features POCAHONTAS, for which he received two Academy Awards and another Grammy, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. He also provided songs for DreamWorks' first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, for which he won another Academy Award for the song "When You Believe".

Mr. Schwartz provided music and lyrics for the original television musical, GEPPETTO, seen on The Wonderful World of Disney. Recently, he released two CDs on which he sings new songs, entitled RELUCTANT PILGRIM and UNCHARTED TERRITORY.

Mr. Schwartz's most recent musical, WICKED, opened in the fall of 2003 and is currently running on Broadway.

Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation, he runs musical theatre workshops in New York and Los Angeles, and serves on the ASCAP board; he is also a member of the Council of the Dramatists' Guild.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so wanted to adore this but felt a little disconnect between the tiny words in the corner of the page and the character illustrations which were half Wizard of Oz-ish and half Wicked the movie - even then, the scenes depicted did not match the power or heartfelt message within the song Defying Gravity for Elphaba in that moment. Would have preferred more finesse or storytelling around the literal lyrics being illustrated and bringing the words to life from the page.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am kind of a sucker for the illustrated lyric books and this one was no exception. Such a powerful song from the musical set to beautiful pictures. Perfect for fans of the musical, and to share with the little dreamers in your life.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite song and I’ve wanted this to exist for years. It’s an illustration of the scene from the movie but the art style didn’t align with the film, or the Broadway show, in my opinion, and that took away from it for me.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. I love that the drawings look like the movie characters. But I wanted it to include more of the story. I hope we get a longer book later.

[Cora-Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little illustrated lyrics book of defying gravity.

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated lyrics to one of the best songs from one of the best musicals. 10/10

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

My little girl who is three, yet belts defying gravity at the top of her lungs, got this for Christmas (because I bought it because I wanted it). We are both obsessed

[Hayley Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone deserves the chance to fly!

Delightful illustrations, would highly recommend for Wicked fans of all ages!
A book that I would love to read to my future kids one day <3

[Temperance Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the book I was singing the song!

[Ashli · Rating 2 out of 5]

what was the point in making this?

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun for my Wicked loving students.

[sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

no notes

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty illustrations of the movie version of Wicked.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Mind_ofa_reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult I loved it, and the artwork is so beautiful but I don't think it's realy for kids or realy enjoyable for them unless they are super fans which is unlikely.