It was a busy weekend leading up to Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, and events that began Saturday morning included a celebration with Stephen Schwartz.
Schwartz, who has spent the past 20 years with “Wicked” as the show’s composer and lyricist, was in town to invite a select audience of about 70 people, including Jimmy Jam, Theda Garrett and “Wicked” producer Marc Platt, to a greatest hits concert at the Steinway Piano in Beverly Hills.
The performance featured two original Oscar-nominated songs: “The Girl in the Bubble” by Ariana Grande and “No Place Like Home” by Cynthia Erivo. The event was hosted by “Wicked: For Good” director Jon M. Chu.
He opened with a rendition of “Colors of the Wind” from the Disney film “Pocahontas,” followed by the Oscar-winning original song “When You Believe,” performed by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
Chu appeared on stage and talked about the writing process for “No Place Like Home,” which Elphaba sings early in the film. It occurs when the animals of Oz begin to leave and go underground due to the wizard’s increasing powers. Elphaba must also come to terms with the sacrifice she is making by leaving Oz forever.
While explaining the song’s themes of belonging and the meaning of home, Schwartz pointed out how the song seems to reflect the current political divisions in America today.
Schwartz told Chu, “Elphaba has made this great sacrifice, and she must leave Oz forever. She must be thought of forever as a conquered, exiled villain. She must essentially sacrifice herself to save Oz itself.”
The creative freedom of making two films was that they were able to explore the true cost of sacrifice, something that could only be hinted at in a Broadway show. “We thought it was important to have a moment where she sees how much she loves her home and how much she loves Oz, even if it’s not a particularly hospitable or welcoming place for her.” After discussions with the creative team, the idea was born to represent how oppressed the animals are. Schwartz explained, “Many of them feel like they have to run away. Elphaba tries to convince them not to do that and stay and fight for their home. And one of them says to her, ‘Why are you doing this? Why would you want to stay here when no one here will be happy until you die?'”
At this moment, Elphaba is forced to make a decision, ultimately choosing to remain for her country.
This song was written several years ago, but the political divide was felt even then. “Are we going to be at each other’s throats, and there will always be great rifts, and Americans are going to hate their fellow man because of their ideology? What is our responsibility for that?” He continues, “It’s much safer to just keep your head down and move on with your life. Do nothing, say nothing. Maybe that’s the wise choice, but for Elphaba that’s not a choice she can make.”
When writing the lyrics, he said that “No Place Like Home” was an obvious title and that it was important to capture the philosophical idea about the responsibility of saving a home. This also reflects Elphaba’s struggle to understand why she cares when she is hated.
Schwartz also revealed that Marc Platt, who produced both the film and the Broadway musical, told him that Oz was more than just a place: “It’s an idea. It’s a promise. And that’s what came out in the songs. I think that’s what America is too. America isn’t just a place, it’s an idea.”
The composer went on to discuss the process behind “The Girl in a Bubble,” explaining that it is a metaphor for Grande’s character. Schwartz called it the “Glinda becomes real” moment. He continued, “She threw away all the finesse she had as a character, as the popular girl and as the good Glinda who floats in this bubble and sings to people on the soprano.”
In the movie, Glinda sees her reflection in mirrors and bubbles. Schwartz explained, “You keep fooling yourself as you watch this movie. You think you’re seeing Glinda, but then you realize you’re just seeing Glinda’s reflection.”
Towards the end of the performance, Mr. Chu tapped his Steinway piano and said, “This machine is for killing fascists,” to loud applause.
Watch the performance below.
