In this exclusive interview with Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz for the DCPA’s NewsCenter, the theatre legend talks with Senior Arts Journalist John Moore about the ongoing need to empower girls and women.

“Turn on the TV or go online, and there is story after story of the difficulties women and girls face just trying to be on an equal level in our world,” says Schwartz. “Worldwide, this is a major issue.” 

Schwartz says he relates most to the character of Elphaba in Wicked, and embraces the idea that we all have the green girl inside of us. He also tells how Wicked never happens – or at least not Schwartz’s involvement in it – without a nudge from the folk singer Holly Near.

Schwartz also addresses Denver’s place in Wicked lore as the production’s most visited city in the world. 

Video by David Lenk and John Moore. 

Wicked: Show information
June 3-July 5
Buell Theatre
Tickets: 303-893-4100, 800-641-1222 or  BUY ONLINE
Accessibility performance: 2 p.m., June 27

Our recent NewsCenter coverage of Wicked:
Wicked witches stirring up an evening of cabaret on June 15
Daily Wicked lottery makes $25 tickets available to lucky winners
Video, photos: Wicked arrives in Denver: Load-In Day
Interview with the two stars on the show’s ‘Popular’ appeal
Wicked a show for the green girl in all of us
Wicked has bonded mothers and daughters for a decade in Denver