Roslyn Heights native and legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz’s trophy case consists of three Oscars, three Grammys, four Drama Desk awards, a Golden Globe and the Richard Rodgers’ Award for Excellence in Musical Theater.
Until Sunday night, it did not include a Tony.
Schwartz, whose credits include “Pippin,” “Godspell” and “Wicked” as well as a slew of motion pictures, was the recipient of the 2015 Isabelle Stevenson award, presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the theater community through humanitarian, social service or charitable efforts.
“I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to gain enough of a reputation to be able to use it to advance causes I care about and to try to ease the way for others who aspire to be in this often challening profession,” said Schwartz, 67, in his acceptance speech.
A 1964 Mineola High School graduate, Schwartz received the award “for his commitment to serving artists and fostering new talent,” namely through his presidency of the Dramatists Guild and work with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Foundation.
Schwartz, who has worked on 18 major stage productions, wrote lyrics for “Pocahontas” (1995), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) and Enchanted (2007). He also composed original songs for the 1998 animated feature “The Prince of Egypt.”
First presented during the 2009 Tony Awards, previous winners of the Isabelle Stevenson Award include David Hyde Pierce, Eve Ensler, Larry Kramer and Rosie O’Donnell.
“While it’s a little strange to receive an award for activities that seek no recognition, I’m proud to join the previous Isabelle Stevenson Award recipients, whom I so admire for the great contributions they’ve made to our community and to our society,” Schwartz said.
