October 18, 2006

Hello.

I feel like most all of you know exactly what's happening in my life due to" Castcom" (on thepiratequeen.com ). It's amazing how the audience members/fans/and our famillies are all addicted. Even the design team, dressers, technical crew, etc...are getting stopped on the streets of Chicago being recognized from our little video diary. They are not used to the attention and although they "Hmmmm and Hahhhh", I know they secretly love it :-)

Chicago has been wonderful. I feel like I've experienced every season since I've been here...86 degrees to snowfall. I now understand the jokes about Chicago weather...still not that funny, but I understand them :-)

The Cadillac Theatre is absolutely beautiful and has been a perfect home for THE PIRATE QUEEN. The audiences have been really welcoming and telling. We are so grateful to be working in front of an audience... even when you have pages of new lyrics and the first time you sing them through with the orchestra is in front of 2300 people. Ah! the joys of building a big, fat Broadway Musical. Everyday brings something new and I couldn't be more tired, but more inspired. This is what I always wanted and wished for, to create. And when you are really deep..."in the middle of it"... there's nothing else like it!

So, on that note: May you all feel the rush of not knowing what lyric comes next. May you all make huge mistakes in front of thousands of people and laugh hysterically after you step off stage. May you have to make up lines because your wig is caught in another actor's costume and neither one of you can seem to get free. I truly wish these moments for you. Live theatre...there's nothing like it!

Much joy and be well,
Stephanie J.

August 12, 2006

Hey all!

Perhaps you've noticed, my webpage has had a "facelift"...and I LOVE IT! You should check out the photo page. We've included A LOT of new pics including some fun behind the scenes and personal photos (taken by yours truly...Well, I guess I didn't actually take the pictures since I'm in them, but it was my camera and that has to count for something ;-)

THE PIRATE QUEEN rehearsals are just amazing. I look forward to going to work everyday and taking on the life of this complicated, physical and demanding part. The entire team and cast are so passionate and excited about this project. There is a really great buzz in the rehearsal studio. It feels like we are all part of something extrordinary! Only 3 weeks left here in NYC and then we head to Chicago for a lifetime of tech and the world premiere! Busy, Busy, Busy.

And on that note...because of my crazy schedule these past several months and in the months ahead, the recording of my solo CD has been put on a slight "pause". This album is something I want just right and not rushed or compromised. I hope you can all understand my position. I promise to get back into the studio when I have the time to commit to making it something I'm really proud of.

Thanks again for visiting the NEW site and I hope you enjoy all the changes!

June 14, 2006

It's been about 5 years since I last updated this page...please forgive me. Since I last posted, I've traveled quite a bit. I was able to spend time in CA. And then headed to Chicago to start promotions for THE PIRATE QUEEN. Tickets sales were fantastic and I think Chicago is going to welcome us with open arms. The city is almost as excited as I am for the show to be up and running.

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.

Let's see...I'll be living at Birdland this next month. On June 19th, I'll be singing a duet with David Burnham for his one man show and then on June 26th AND 27th, I'll be back with my show...BLOCK PARTY! I know many of you have already made your reservations and I can't tell you how much your support means to me. It will certainly be a fun and memorable night thanks to you!

In July, I fly to Ireland to work with the orchestra for THE PIRATE QUEEN. I'll be in Dublin for about 5 days and will have the opportunity to really collaborate with the creative and production staff. I'm sure it will be a grand trip. When I get back, I hope to jump back into the studio and try to record as many tunes as possible before starting rehearsals with the full PQ cast.

There's the low down...I'll be a crazy woman for the next couple months, but all will be worth it in the end. As the Irish would say, "I'm blessed with work".

April 22, 2006

Well what do you know?! I am an Outstanding Lead Actress (in a non-resident musical) according to the Helen Hayes Awards. It was really a classy evening and
a wonderful celebration of theatre. I felt so honored to stand up there and represent the touring company of WICKED! I'm still so proud of our production and the great talents of the cast and crew. I thank you all for your well wishes and congratulations! I won't lie... I LOVED IT!!!

However, what excited me more than the Helen Hayes Award was the success of our auction! You were all soooo generous and a special thanks goes out to "a donor" ( you know who you are) who was willing to double what we raised. It was such a gift and you renewed my faith in unexpected joys. THANK YOU!

I'm performing in a reading called "In This House". It's part of the Preludes New Musicals In Concert Series.

Preludes New Musicals in Concert presents "IN THIS HOUSE"; Music by Mike Reid; Lyrics by Sarah Schlesinger; book by Sarah Schlesiner & Mike Reid & Jonathan Bernstein; Featuring George Lee Andrews, Stephanie J. Block, Mary Beth Peil and Charlie Pollock!

3 PERFORMANCES ONLY! April 26, 27, 28
Peter Norton Symphony Space (Leonard NimoyThalia Theatre)
2537 Broadway@ 95th W. in Manhattan
(212) 864-5400
* Tickets are $26.00
http://www.symphonyspace.org/

Much Joy,
Stephanie J.

March 26, 2006

Hey all! I have a few personal WICKED momentos that I am auctioning off for charity. As most of you know, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www.jdrf.org) is very close to my heart. ALL proceeds will be sent there in memory of Andy Smithey. Thanks so much for you interest and being a part of this worthwhile and FUN auction. Letting the bidding begin!

http://www.free-forum.com/bulletinboard/index.php?mforum=stephanie

Much joy,
Stephanie J.

March 16, 2006

So..as you may have heard and/or read...IT'S OFFICIAL! I am contracted to play the role of Grania O'Malley in "The Pirate Queen". It has been several months of auditioning, flying to Ireland to work on the music and contract negotiations...but my name is now on the dotted line and I can announce my good news. Trust me, it's not easy keeping a secret of this magnitude...especially when you're so excited. And I AM SO excited!!!

Grania O'Mally was an Irish Clan chieftan and Pirate in the 1500-1600's. She's strong, firey and passionate. She is a true legendary figure and I am honored to bring such an extraordinary woman to life on stage.

Rehearsals begin in July and I believe my schedule starts with combat and double-sword fight training. I hope to look like Jennifer Garner by the time the show reaches Chicago:) The entire cast has not be announced, so that I am not at liberty to share. But the music is incredible and there is one song, "Because I Am A Wife", that has me belting like I've never belted before!

I'll post more as I know more. Until then, LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!

Much joy and strength,
Stephanie J.

January 20, 2006

My one woman show, "All Smiles", will be back at Birdland on Monday, June 26th AND Tuesday, June 27th. I will sing some of my favorite tunes and there will also be a few new songs added to the show! Tickets will be $35.00 with $10.00 food/drink minimum. I'm hoping to see some familiar faces for support and some new fans/friends in the audience. Call Birdland for reservations (212) 581-3080 make sure to specify what night you would like to come....

See you at Birdland!
Stephanie J. Block

January 15, 2006

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,  talented, fabulous?...You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so others won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God (that is within us).It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine,we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others"
-Marianne Williamson from her book
"A Return To Love:Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles."
quoted by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inauguration Speech
 
In 2006, I hope you all face your fears and serve the world!

Much joy,
Stephanie J.