Stephen Schwartz

Verdict: Jew

I · O · K Score

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We've gotten a bunch of requests to profile Stephen Schwartz, and it makes sense: he is the man behind "Wicked" (the musical), and who doesn't love that one?

But he is also the man behind "Godspell". Yeah, that's a bit of a drop-off.

(Before the theater nerds descend on us: according to the all-knowing(?) Wikipedia, "Godspell" was originally written by some guy named John-Michael Tebelak, but as far as Broadway is concerned — music: Stephen Schwartz; lyrics: Stephen Schwartz. Can we move on?)

Now, as Jews, we obviously have not seen a production of "Godspell", but apparently it's based on the Gospel of Matthew and features Jesus ("Jesus Christ Superstar" was not enough for you, Broadway?) in a starring role. Why on earth was a Jew like Schwartz asked to helm this, we have no idea. Silly goyim.

That being said, "Godspell" was Schwartz's big Broadway breakthrough. Without that, there is probably no "Wicked" (the musical). And who doesn't love that one?

Filed May 15, 2026 · musicians-and-singers