Playwright Lloyd J. Schwartz
Lloyd J. Schwartz is a prolific writer, director, and producer whose impactful career spans iconic television to acclaimed theatrical productions. While many know his work from classic TV, he takes immense pride in his significant contributions to live theater, where his passion for compelling narratives truly shines.
A Master Storyteller
A Legacy Born in Entertainment
Raised in a show-business family, Lloyd's journey began early. He and his father, Sherwood Schwartz, formed a unique father-son producing team in television, a rarity in the industry. Lloyd started as a writer for series like Love: American Style and Alice, even performing as part of a comedy team while at UCLA. His early career also saw him as a dialogue coach for It’s About Time and Gilligan’s Island.
Youngest Network Producer
At just 25, Lloyd became the youngest producer in network television while working on the iconic series The Brady Bunch, a show where he moved from dialogue coach to associate producer, then producer, during its five-year run.
Charting a Course in Television
Beyond the Bradys, Lloyd's influence in television grew. He co-created and produced Big John, Little John for NBC with his father. He then served as a network executive at ABC, overseeing a powerhouse lineup including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, What’s Happening!!, and Three’s Company. He later produced What’s Happening!! and co-created Harper Valley P.T.A. for television with Sherwood. His career also included a tenure as head of comedy development at Paramount TV.
Expanding His TV Domain
Lloyd continued his "Brady" journey as executive producer and co-writer of The Brady Bunch in the White House on Fox. He received an Emmy nomination for Still Brady After All These Years, the 35th Anniversary special for TV Land. His diverse television work also includes writing the pilot for The Munsters Today and contributing as executive producer and writer for series such as The A-Team, Love Boat, and Baywatch.
A Prolific Force in Theatre
Despite his extensive television work, Lloyd's heart lies in theater. He has an impressive 34 produced plays to his name, earning him 16 Valley Theatre League awards.
Celebrated Historical Dramas
His historical works have garnered significant acclaim, including The Great Adventure, which explores the dynamic relationship between Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and An Evening with John Wilkes Booth.
Booth Play's Continued Success
The latter was re-introduced at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2017, where Lloyd directed it and received a producer’s award. He even developed An Evening with John Wilkes Booth into a miniseries, which CBS acquired as The Brothers Booth.
Award-Winning Musical Works
In 2008, A Very Brady Musical, co-written with Hope Juber, debuted at Theatre West. Directed by Lloyd and featuring words and music by Hope and Laurence Juber, this musical earned seven Valley Theatre Awards, including Best Production and Best Director, with plans for a future Las Vegas production.
"Independence": A Passion Project
In 2017, a single-page article on Dr. Mary Walker sparked Lloyd's imagination. Despite his usual aversion to one-person plays, he found Dr. Walker’s life dramatic, intense, and profoundly pertinent, convinced it could captivate an audience.
"Independence" Premieres
He wrote and directed the world premiere of "Independence" in Seneca Falls, New York—the birthplace of the women’s movement. This momentous event was part of the 100th-anniversary celebration of women gaining the right to vote in New York. INDEPENDENCE has since been performed at prestigious venues such as Princeton University and The National Civil War Museum and continues to tour and share Dr. Walker’s vital story.
Storybook Theatre
For over 35 years, Lloyd and his wife, Barbara, have co-founded The Storybook Theatre of Los Angeles. He has written, composed, and/or directed all 18 of their original productions. A Storybook Theatre play has been running continuously for over three decades at Theatre West, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Honoring Youth Contributions
Lloyd personally holds 20 Valley Theatre League Awards for these shows. Both he and Barbara have been recognized by the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the City of Los Angeles for their profound contributions to youth, and they received one of the inaugural Red Carpet Awards from Women in Theatre. In 2009, Los Angeles Magazine named Storybook Theatre the best children’s theatre in the city.
Bring "Independence" to Your Stage
Experience Lloyd J. Schwartz's critically acclaimed historic play, "Independence," live. This powerful production offers a unique opportunity to witness Dr. Mary Walker's extraordinary story unfold.