WILLIAMSBURG— For William & Mary students who are starring in the production of Godspell this weekend, the dream workshop took place. Stephen Schwartz, original composer and lyricist for the Broadway version of Godspell, came to town to get them ready for their one night only show.
Schwartz, who is best known for this work as the musician and lyricist behind Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, was brought to the region by one of his very own Glinda’s, Tiffany Haas, who performed on Broadway and national tours of Wicked. She is now working as an instructor at William & Mary and wanted to find a way to give her students a chance to work with one of Broadway’s most well-known composers.
“I always love working with students. I like college towns. I enjoy being in a college environment. When Tiffany called and told me that they were doing Godspell down here at William & Mary and meet with the kids. My schedule allowed it but it was an absolute no brainer because I truly love being around the students,” Schwartz said.
During the masterclass, Schwartz watched a few parts of the show, offering notes on the performance. He also hosted a Q&A with students where they had the opportunity to ask all their burning questions from Schwartz’s favorite song he ever composed to how his brain works when it comes to the art of composing music.
“There’s a lot of talent here, but I also love how intelligent they are,” Schwartz said. “There is a lot of enthusiasm in the cast, and they are truly an impressive group of young people.”
Ahead of his masterclass on Friday, Schwartz also took part in an intimate evening concert where he was interviewed by Haas, played some of his most well-loved songs, and shared special behind the scenes moments of some of the biggest memories of his life.
Haas and Schwartz also had a special moment at the end of the show, performing Wicked’s For Good together. According to Haas, it was a moment she dreamt of since she was 13 years old.
“I couldn’t even respond when he brought up the idea of singing that song together. The words are so wonderful and you can’t help but sing that song and not mean what you’re saying. Getting to sing that song with him, someone that has been so kind to me and believed in me, and to be able to stand onstage together and to sing that together, it was a really beautiful moment,” Haas said.
Haas also added that her life has come full circle throughout this whole experience with Schwartz.
“The circles have been going on before even bringing Stephen here,” Haas said. “I’m originally from this area, I had a big dream, and a lot of grit. I moved to New York, pounded the pavement, got 72 ‘nos’ and ended up making it on Broadway in what happens to be one of the biggest Broadway shows of our time. It’s just wild and I can’t even believe it myself. I’ve now finished the loop of one of the many circles and looking back, I never thought I would move back home, and being able to teach young people who have these same passions is so incredibly fulfilling.”
The fully renovated Phi Betta Kappa hall, which has been open for just two seasons, tries to bring in artists and musicians that can help inspire both the William & Mary student population and the greater Williamsburg community.
“Through the William & Mary Presents! series, the Office of the Arts brings acclaimed artists to campus and the community. We provide direct and meaningful educational experiences for our arts students, and students throughout the region through masterclasses and workshops. The opportunity for students to connect with and learn from arts luminaries is extraordinary and can be life changing. These exchanges are essential to the growth and development of any young artist,” Eric Despard, Executive & Artistic Director of the Arts, said.
Godspell will open for one night only tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free and can be found on the William & Mary box office page.