Composer Stephen Schwartz Following NC Boycott

Along with the numerous companies that are taking action against North Carolina’s new anti-LGBTQ law, famous Oscar winning composer, Stephen Schwartz, is also taking a public stance.  Schwartz has stated that he will not allow any of his composed works, including Pippin and Wicked, among many others, be performed at any theatre or organization based in North Carolina.  In urging other composers, individuals, and companies to follow his actions, Schwartz says that “it is very important that any state that passes such a law suffer economic and cultural consequences.”  These consequences, according to Schwartz, are partly because North Carolina deserves to be punished and, but also to discourage other states from making similar laws by showing them the detrimental economic and cultural implications of mandating inequality.   

The cultural and economic influence of Stephen Schwartz’s productions are significant and both the creative and business communities of North Carolina will suffer from this loss.  However, the stance Schwartz is making is both significant and important.  He will not allow his shows to be performed in North Carolina until the law is repealed.  We, as citizens, and Schwartz as an artistic leader, must take action and not stop doing so until justice for all individuals is safely provided.  NC’s new law is wildly homophobic and promotes segregation.  How can individuals feel safe living in a state that does not feel safe having them there?  They simply cannot.  I think it is particularly interesting for business money from the entertainment industry, such as Schwartz’s productions, to be taken from North Carolina.  With the theatrical industry having a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights it makes sense that such a famous composer would remove his shows from North Carolina to make a public statement.  However, on the other hand, it could also be argued that many people performing in and putting on those shows in North Carolina likely do not agree with HB2 and are now out of jobs and careers, without a means to support themselves.  I think it is immensely necessary and powerful for Stephen Schwartz to have banned his productions from being put on in North Carolina to take a stance, but I do think it is interesting to note there are people who may agree with him, but are out of a job because of it.