The rumor which at this point may be truth is that Stephanie Block and not lea may be taking over as elphaba. She is engaged to sabastian arcelus who plays fiyero. So if that comes to fruition then he will be staying as well. Kendra(Glinda) and Jayne Houdyshell(Morible) are leaving to join the company of The receptionist at city center. First preview is 10/12..I believe.
I saw Stephanie in the show here in Denver last year. I really didn't care for her performance. I may have gone on an off night because a lot of people really liked her.
I thought Stephanie was the best Elphaba. However, it seems like that might be a step backwards for her at this point....but maybe it's important to her to work with Sebastian.
Stephanie had the weirdest singing voice I've ever heard in my life. And, I've heard that if Stephanie goes to Broadway it'll only be for two or three months. Maybe just long enough for Lea to finish her contract at Spring Awakening? :shudders:
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
I thought Stephanie overacted like hell ("OHHHHHHHHHHH NEEEESSSAAAA!!!!! PPLLLLEAAAAASEEE FORGIIIIVE MEEEEE!"), but that's just my opinion.
Updated On: 8/6/07 at 09:54 PM
She didn't overact when I saw her. She just seemed to be walking through the show. I saw her the day after her birthday. Maybe she was out late and tired!
Not a fan of Stephanie's.
Her singing sounded rough. Had a unique that annoyed me a lot.
One of my least favorites in the role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
God, I hope Stephanie doesn't go back to Wicked. I am entirely pulling for 9 to 5.
MICHELE. ONE "L."
Love Stephanie as Elphaba, and I think the Lea Michele is wonderful. However, since I saw Stephanie on tour, so I would only return to Wicked for Lea. I would personally rather her stay at Spring Awakening though. She is wonderful in SA.
I'm thinking they will go with Steph.
She did originate the role, (in workshop) they don't need any names, the show is making more money than GOD. look at the Grosses.
And NINE TO FIVE is at least a year away.
I would go back to see her.
Updated On: 8/7/07 at 11:53 PM
Stephanie is a pretty smart girl, so for those of you worried that she would be taking a step back, don't be. She has great agents and 9 to 5 won't start rehersals until April. (If she gets it of course). She'll be a newlywed doing a role, she has done before, with her husband. How great can life get?
I love how the thread's titled Lea "Michelle" (and, really, people, is it so hard to remember that there's one L?) but everyone's talking about Stephanie J. Block. Does anybody even know what the J stands for?
Tiny Dancer - agreed.
What the J stands for and why she added it to her name.
If they are able to reach a deal with Stephanie, it is only going to be a limited contract through the holidays.
I'm unable to watch the video now. What's the reason for the J?
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
If that's what she wants to do, good for her. I'm not worried about her taking a step back- it is a leading role on Broadway- I just really don't want to see the show again. And I keep forgetting 9 to 5 is so far away. I'm just so excited about it.
Millie- She added the J because in the midwest there's a well known preacher named Stephanie Block and I guess she was getting a lot of emails asking her about her sermons and stuff lol, and so she added the J
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
Doesn't it stand for Jeannette? or Janet? Something like that?
You're both close. It's Janette
Updated On: 8/7/07 at 11:43 AM
Stephanie pretty much confirmed herself in her recent Broadway Bullett podcast interview that she is in contract negotiations to come into the show for a limited time (she says "there are talks going on right now" because she has "some time available.")
Her and Sebastian will take a two week vacation shortly after she begins her run for their wedding and honeymoon (something she also alludes to.)
I have been told she will be there, as I said earlier, through the holidays. Lea Michele (who ran into some difficulties getting out of her contract early at "Spring Awakening") is still on board to assume the role after that, as she becomes free in November.
Understudy Joined: 7/23/03
Well Elphaba was written for Stephanie, so it figures she will be coming to NYC.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/20/06
I'd be happy to just keep Julia Murney in the role...
I'd be excited either way, although Lea Michele as Elphaba might not work, a lot of of the Glindas they rotate through their companies don't look THAT young...
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