For a title referencing perhaps Stephen Schwartz’s best-known musical, and a troupe of nine singers comprised of past cast members, it’s surprising that only one Wicked song appears in this well-put-together online revue and celebration of Schwartz’s work. However, that is in no way a disappointment, with a fine selection of the composer and lyricist’s back catalogue from both stage and screen on offer: Pippin, Children of Eden, Pocahontas, Godspell and The Prince of Egypt all feature, and are performed with the level of passion and craft we expect to see from such musical theatre talent.
The audience is initially greeted by the very man himself, sat, of course, at a piano; a charming nod to the old televised format of musical revues we now find ourselves returning to in the absence of live performance. Schwartz’s career spans over four decades, and this whistle-stop tour of some of his more famous works is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with his work, as well as an enjoyable trip down memory lane for existing fans.
