Stephanie J. Block as Elphaba in Wicked

Stephanie J. Block

Stephanie J. Block has joined the Broadway company of the Stephen Schwartz musical Wicked in the role of that green-faced witch (as of October, 2007). For her earlier performance as Elphaba for the Wicked Tour March 2005 - March 2006, she received the Helen Hayes award for her performance.

"Block not only has a voice that can belt a song to the stratosphere, but she acts with a pleasing reality that grounds the evening. It's a star performance without star affectation, well worth watching." --Richard Ouzounian - Toronto Star

Hear Stephanie J. Block: CDs

Hear her on The Pirate Queen The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Hear her on the cast album for The Boy from Oz (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

About her forthcoming solo album: Stephenie wrote in her website news from June 2006: "I have begun recording 'the album'. Stephen Schwartz and I went into the studio last week and laid down "Making Good". Stephen is at the piano and it was a thrill to sing with him again. There's something really magical about a composer playing his/her own music. I am so grateful for him entrusting his (as he puts it) "murdered darling" in the care of my voice." However there doesn't seem to be any sign of it being available yet.

Stephanie J. Block Bio

In addition to The Pirate Queen and The Boy From Oz on Broadway, and Wicked on Tour, Stephenie's regional theatre credits include: Funny Girl, Crazy For You (2002 L.A. Ovation Award nominee), Oliver! (2001 Critics' Table Award, Best Actress), James Joyce's The Dead (Ahmanson and Kennedy Center), The Grass Harp (Pasadena Playhouse), Bells Are Ringing (Reprise!) and I Love a Piano (Denver Center). She is a proud member of Los Angeles' Musical Theatre Guild. Her voice can be heard on numerous commercial jingles as the singing voice of Barbie.

FUTURE: Stephenie will be in 9 to 5. Here's the NYTimes announcement: The Grammy-Award-winning singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has another job, writing the music and lyrics for a new stage version of “9 to 5,” based on the 1980 movie starring Ms. Parton, left, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dabney Coleman...Joe Mantello is slated to direct the production, which is to have its premiere at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles next fall....Previews are scheduled to begin Sept. 3. The main roles have been cast: Allison Janney of the TV series “The West Wing,” Stephanie J. Block (“The Pirate Queen,” “Wicked”) and Megan Hilty (“Wicked”) as the three co-workers who take control of the office from their egotistical boss, Franklin Hart Jr., to be played by Marc Kudisch.

Her website is www.stephaniejblock.com/ - It includes audio clips from her demos, etc. so you can hear her beautiful voice.

Fan site: http://www.sjb-fans.com/

Articles and Interviews

December 2007: Andrew Gans of Playbill.com interviewed Stephanie Block about her role in Wicked and more. Stephanie Block interview - Diva talk
"Sitting down with Elphaba: Stephanie J. Block shines with or without the green makeup" Chicago Tribune article May 15, 2005

Stephanie J. Block Buster
By Shawn McCarthy

Every musical theatre fan has his or her list of 'Favorite Moments' from shows or performances. In February of 2002, my personal list of such moments found a new entry at a special tribute night for Stephen Schwartz held at the Pasadena Playhouse. This loving tribute, produced by the Musical Theatre Guild and ASCAP, hosted by the exuberant and consistently witty Jason Alexander, was a veritable feast of Schwartz songs culled from his numerous shows and films. Various stage luminaries made appearances including Liz Callaway, John Rubinstein Teri Ralston and Alexander himself, amongst others.

However, my new 'Favorite Moment' came toward the end of the evening when it was announced we were going to be treated to a brand new song from a then-in-progress musical called WICKED. While I had heard of the musical, the song "Defying Gravity" and its singer Stephanie J. Block was, of course, uncharted territory for this Schwartz fan. Our congenial host then informed us that the on-stage band, didn't know the number. "Does anyone know this song?" pleaded Alexander. With that, the honoree of the evening quickly made his way up on to the stage and with a warm reception from the packed house, took his place at the piano. A spotlight then caught a striking, dark-haired women stage left, as the composer began playing the song's fetching opening vamp.

Ms. Block proceeded to sing this incredible song about defiance and personal liberation. The combination of Stephanie's powerful but graceful voice, the mesmerizing song and the passion with which its composer accompanied her, provided the crowd with a goose-bump-raising thrill ride. By the time we reached the song's climatic conclusion – "…no wizard that there is or was, is ever going to bring me down!" – the place went wild, with cheers, whistles and heartfelt applause. I too applauded and cheered, smiling broadly and quite moved by this moment that I knew had made The List. I, for one, am delighted Ms. Block is Elphaba for the tour and can only hope audiences will experience the same visceral thrill I did that night in California.

Broadway World interview 2004

Stephanie as Elphaba:
Article on the Wicked stars - June 17 - U Redlands

More on Wicked

Wicked index page - access to over 30 Wicked-related web pages

Wicked shop has poster, Shiz University t-shirts etc.

Wicked Sheet Music:

It's popular! Enjoy the highly praised Wicked Sheet Music if you want to sing "Defying Gravity," and other Wicked songs. Now your choir can sing "For Good" - See choral music on our sheet music page.

Read more about Wicked's Score and Cast Album

Sing along: Wicked karaoke CDs (opens to our new sister site www.musicalsingers.com