The Tiny Desk concert featuring Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed composer and lyricist of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, provided a unique insight into his creative process with the quip, "Tell the truth, and make it rhyme." Wicked, celebrating its 20th year on Broadway, is a beloved musical based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, exploring the friendship between the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, has been a massive success, winning multiple Tony Awards and breaking box office records worldwide. The original Broadway production starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth received critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for its cast album. With over 7,000 performances, Wicked has become the fourth-longest running show on Broadway, surpassing even Cats.

The success of Wicked led to productions around the globe, including a long-running West End show and record-breaking runs in cities like London, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In 2016, Wicked became the third Broadway show to surpass $1 billion in total revenue, following The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King. The musical's popularity continues to soar, with plans for a two-part film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in the lead roles set to be released in 2024 and 2025.

The Tiny Desk concert with Stephen Schwartz offered fans a special glimpse into the magic behind Wicked's timeless score and enduring appeal, showcasing the power of storytelling and music in the world of Broadway.