Maria Eberline as Elphaba?

Most Wicked understudys are very good no matter where. I know the first time she went on she was sposed to be "ok" but the last time she went on I heard nothing but good things, specially about her voice. and im sure now that she knows, she will be practicing, so no worries :)

I've talked to two people who've seen Maria go on as Elphie. Both said she was very good.

Someone emailed Steph about why she's not doing matinees, and this is the answer they got:

"I usually do perform matinees. I will not, however, be performing Wed. matinees while in Chicago.
I had quite a serious accident in Toronto and returned to the show a little too early (probably a lot too early) and now I'm having to take off some shows to rehabilitate. I only miss matinees because that is when I can work with my doctors and therapists...it has nothing to do with matinee shows being less important. Unfortunately, doctors' offices aren't open at 9pm. I'm working hard at fully recovering so that I can return to the show on a full schedule...I'm doing the very best I can!

I am sorry. I know you will still enjoy the show and I hope to sing for you someday in the future."

I guess she's still recovering...

Updated On: 5/29/05 at 04:06 PM

Well, all I know is that at my job, if I only come in 70 percent of the time, they will either replace me permanently or replace me untill I am able to give 100%.

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"She's injured...Donna Murphy wasn't..get over yourself."

Donna had the flu and severe vocal strain. She had a doctor's note for every absence.

I heard Maria was pretty good but started off kinda weak in the first act.

"and Princeton shouldn't be acting like if he was in the same situation he would be better"

Darling,
Don't put words into my mouth. I think it's great that she's trying to do the show as much as possible, but perhaps there should be a replacement until she can take over full time. How does "I'd be fired for not showing up at work all the time" translate into "I could be a better Elphaba than Stephanie Block?"

PS...don't swear at me either. Thanks!

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What Block should do is not perform at all until she is ready to assume an 8 performances a week schedule, and let either Green or Eberline play the role until then. That would end the guessing game.

I have to agree with Princeton here. I mean, it's a little strange that she should be receiving a full paycheck (unless she isn't, which no one here would know) for doing half a job. Even if she gives 100% during the performances she IS in, it doesn't excuse her from not being there at least once a week. Just doesn't add up. However, if I could get a full paycheck for working a fraction of the time, bring it on.

-Vincent

Stephanie's paycheck is between her and whoever pays her. It's none of our business. For the last time, it's not her fault that she got hurt and isn't able to do 8 shows a week. She shouldn't be penalized for it. End of story.

Then again, she's not the first and won't be the last to not perform 8 times a week. Patti LuPone (Evita), Dustin Hoffman (Death of a Salesman), and Uta Hagen (Virginia Woolf) all never performed 8 shows a week. Nowadays, it is rare, but it still happens from time to time.

However, I stand by my statement that Stephanie should not perform at all until she is fully recovered.

LucilleandLeoFrank..
I completely agree with you. She should heal, not hurt herself further, and let some other actress have a shot at playing the role, and will be on at all performances. If she is going to skip matinees, then there should be a pay cut, and the actress who performs those shows should be listed in the playbill a la the Christine Daae alternate in "Phantom of the Opera." It's just not fair to tie up a role and a full paycheck when you're not up to it.

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