New Stephen Schwartz Musical! (no haters)

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 5:59pm

Hey! Wanted to let you know about a FANTASTIC new Schwartz musical that's currently in development at The York Theater Company. Below is the description from the website.

The official website is: www.changedforgoodmusical.com

Myspace page: www.myspace.com/changedforgoodmusical

Sign up for the newsletter: [e-mail]

Description/History:
In an ironic parallel to Stephen Schwartz’s first off-Broadway musical “Godspell”, “Changed For Good” originated in 2006 as creator Ashley Griffin’s senior thesis project at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Inspired by the incredible dichotomy between Schwartz’s critical, and audience reception, “Changed For Good” explores the life changing power of theater, and the role of faith and imagination in contemporary society. A genre busting musical most simply defined as an “irreverent revue” it utilizes a truly original structure based on everything from Bill Irwin’s “New Vaudeville” to more traditional narrative driven musical theater forms. The show features music by Stephen Schwartz, including both unknown works, and more well known material.

The first workshop of “Changed For Good” opened April 7th, 2006 at NYU (see First Workshop Production Credits in “Who’s Who”) where it caught
the eye of several producers. The show was brought to the attention of James Morgan, Artistic Director of the York Theater Company who welcomed the project with open arms. “Changed For Good” is currently in development at The York.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:01pm

He really likes that phrase, no?

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:04pm

As corny as the title may sound, it's actually extremly appropriate to the show, and has implications outside of "Wicked". The show is in some ways a commentary on our society, so the title has a double meaning.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:04pm

What about biters?

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:09pm

Biters?

[B3TA07]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:11pm

Am I the only one who hates the comma in "...critical, and audience..."

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:13pm

Chomp!

[jv92]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:16pm

Can't he just be happy with the audience reception? Wicked's going to run for at least another six years and will probably put his his grandchildren, their children, their children and their children...you get my point through college. Pippin and Godspell have made him enough money and will continue to. And it's not like he's been critically panned by every critic in the world. He and his shows have gotten possitive press. Pippin and Godspell got good reviews and even Wicked got its fair share of possitive reviews.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:37pm

The show actually didn't start with him. He came on board much later in the development. And the show actually criticizes him as much as it celebrates the effect he's had.

[BroadwaySinger2]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:43pm

Another Schwartz Musical? Is there any screaming?

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:46pm

Ok, first of all, I said no haters. Second of all, I have a good standing on these boards, so you can trust me when I say it's a really good, and original piece. It's not a typical Schwartz show since it didn't originate with him.

[ljay889]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 6:58pm

Okay, the "no haters" thing really needs to end. So you want everyone to come in here and glorify Schwartz? Please, this is a message board, we all have our own opinions, and some of us don't like Schwartz.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:06pm

No, I just posted this to pass along information. Not to praise, and not to hate.

[BroadwaySinger2]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:11pm

And message boards are used to take the facts, and discuss opinions regarding them.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:25pm

I agree! :)

Check out the info on the website - it might provide more info in terms of a discussion. :)

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:34pm

It's not horrible, but I'm not impressed by it.

[BroadwaySinger2]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:35pm

Elphie - I was DISagreeing with you. If you agree with me, you're contradicting yourself.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:37pm

I like Schwartz but do not agree with those who think Wicked is his greatest achievement.

He is a very talented composer

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:40pm

His best is either Godspell or Pippin...just sayin'.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:41pm

Pippin & Bakers Wife

Magic Show - entertaining but no great shakes which is the same as Wicked

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 7:43pm

That's why this show is cool. It brings up all opinions. Irreverant is the key word. But I have to say, it is very moving too.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 8:09pm

Bump

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 8:17pm

Is there really that huge a gulf between Schwartz's critical and audience receptions??? I hardly thought, critic wise, he was the next ALW or anything

[Elphie3]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 8:24pm

Actually, he's never gotten a good review. His shows have, but not him.

[[e-mail]]

Posted: 4/22/07 at 8:33pm

Idk, parts of his scores are very good. He's best when he writes as Schwartz, and not as Menken. His lyrics are best when he's Schwartz, not Tim Rice. Just my take.

I'm pretty sure the synthy sound isn't helping him with the critics either.