Stephen Schwartz Takes Action Following North Carolina Law

The Oscar-winning composer penned an email regarding the state's discriminatory act.

Oscar-winning composer Stephen Schwartz has responded to North Carolina's recent passing of the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which will bar transgender citizens from using public bathrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex.

In an email obtained by Playbill.com, Schwartz writes, “To my fellow theatre writers and producers: As you no doubt know, the state of North Carolina has recently passed a reprehensible and discriminatory law. I feel that it is very important that any state that passes such a law suffer economic and cultural consequences, partly because it is deserved and partly to discourage other states from following suit.

“Therefore, I and my collaborators are acting to deny the right to any theatre or organization based in North Carolina to produce any of our shows. We have informed our licensing organizations and touring producers of this, and I'm happy to say have met with compliance and approval from them.

“In the 1970's, I, along with many other writers and artists, participated in a similar action against apartheid in South Africa, and as you know, this eventually proved to be very effective.

“If you are in agreement, you may want to join me in refusing to license our properties to, or permit productions of our work by, theaters and organizations in North Carolina until this heinous legislation is repealed.

"Thank you for considering this, Stephen Schwartz”

Schwartz penned the scores for Wicked, Pippin, The Baker's Wife, The Magic Show and more.