Blue Lake Public Radio
300 E Crystal Lake Rd
Twin Lake, MI 49457

(231) 894-2616

© 2025 Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, All Rights Reserved
A service of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Something Wicked This Way Comes: The Classical Roots of a Broadway Hit

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler
Published November 20, 2025 at 6:16 PM EST

Tune in Friday afternoon as Foley features some of the classical works that were an influence on legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz—and were specifically an inspiration in the creation of his hit musical Wicked—part two of whose film version opens in theaters this weekend.

On a recent edition of CBS Sunday Morning, American theatre composer Stephen Schwartz—author of Godspell (1971), Pippin (1972), and Wicked (2003) amongst many others—reflected on how his early training in classical music has deeply informed his career and specifically his smash Broadway Wicked. As part two of the much-anticipated film version of the musical opens in theaters nationwide this weekend, we'll enjoy some of the classical works that served as inspiration, Friday afternoon on Classical Music With Foley Schuler. In the meantime, enjoy this excerpt from CBS Sunday Morning from that inspired this programming strand of our show, from their Facebook page:

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler
Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 4 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.
See stories by Foley Schuler