This year marks Clifford Schwartz’s 12th year with Disney Theatrical Group. His most recent production, Disney’s Aladdin the Musical, had its world premiere in Seattle in July 2011; his next project, Peter and the Starcatcher, will open on Broadway this season.
While with Disney Theatrical, Schwartz has supervised eight worldwide productions of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida and three worldwide productions of Disney’s Tarzan. On Broadway, Schwartz has been the production stage manager for Disney Theatrical productions of The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Aida and, currently, Mary Poppins.
Prior to Disney, Schwartz stage managed some of Broadway’s most acclaimed productions including Chicago, Big, Guys and Dolls (1992), Lend Me a Tenor (1990), Grease! (1996), Honky Tonk Nights, A Christmas Carol and the infamous Moose Murders.
In Philadelphia, prior to attending Temple University, Schwartz worked five seasons at the John B. Kelly Playhouse in the Park, located in Fairmount Park. It was at this summer theater that Schwartz honed his skills, starting as an apprentice and ultimately becoming one of the stage managers. While studying at the School of Communications and Theater, Schwartz worked various professional theater productions at the Forrest and Shubert theaters, including the pre-Broadway or national tours of several shows.
Schwartz’s Temple credits include stage manager for As You Like It (1978) at the Center City campus, a performer in Jean Genet’s The Balcony at Tomlinson (1978) at The Walnut Street Theater, and director for Adaptation at Randall Theater (1980).
Of all the productions Schwartz has participated in over the years, he is most proud of his co-production with his lovely wife Carol – his two daughters, Alexandra and Marissa. This is for you girls! Schwartz offers special thanks to his big sister, Deb, who said to him in 1973, “Do you want to work at a summer theater with a friend of mine?”