Thursday, September 13, 2007

Amazing Broadway Performer: Stephanie J. Block

Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba was powerful.

Call me whatever you want, but I’m one of those Broadway fans who loves his Wicked CD. I think the songs are amazing, and I love following those characters’ journeys over and over again.

My first (and only) Elphaba was Stephanie J. Block who rocked the house. There’s no other way to put it. Elphaba is a multi-faceted character who has to sing some really difficult songs. I know some people say “Defying Gravity” is screaming, but I think that’s the challenge, to sing it with power and emotion without resorting to screaming. Stephanie J. Block’s “Defying Gravity,” as the cherry on top of a wonderful first act, pushed me into the lobby exhilarated and flying high myself the way a happy Broadway show should send you out.

With or without good reviews, I would have rushed out to see The Pirate Queen to see Stephanie J. Block. She brings such warmth and power to her characters, which is not an easy thing. In seeing her singing songs from The Pirate Queen, as in Wicked, she’s belting out at full voice, yet remaining true to character. I’m astonished at her talent.

I’d love to see Wicked again this winter just for the opportunity to witness this amazing performer pulling out all the stops. I’m thrilled for her (and the show) to have the chance to shine on Broadway with this role, which she makes amazing.

Website: http://www.stephaniejblock.com/



the Broadway Mouth
September 13, 2007

3 comments:

Patricia Jameson-Sammartano said...

She flies onto the Gershwin stage on Broadway on October 9th.

I'm amazed at her talent too, and perturbed by the most of the critics' reviews of The Pirate Queen. This was my review, for the Wild Geese Today: http://www.thewildgeese.com/pages/pi_queen.html

Jim Miles said...

I love your description of her having "epic vocal talents". Thanks for linking the review. I would have loved to have seen the show, but I will get the CD at some point to make up for it.

teezee said...

I saw Stephanie J Block in Wicked two months ago and also thought she was totally amazing. I'm seeing Wicked again next week, I can't wait. I really would have liked to see her in The Pirate Queen, she is my favorite actress/singer ever.