Stephanie J. Block begins performances in ANYTHING GOES today- Page 3

[zepka102]

Posted: 11/8/11 at 8:01pm

I enjoyed both of the Friendship numbers, but I felt bad. Saturday night it seemed like the energy from the audience was missing during that number, maybe because people were still warming up to Stephanie and weren't happy about Joel being out. I felt the reaction could have been bigger, Stephanie and Robert deserved it! But they did very well and had some great humor to theirs.

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 11/8/11 at 11:11pm

I had no plans to see her cause I was beyond bitter that Tari wasn't going to be covering for Sutton but Stephanie killed it. I was so impressed with everything about her performance.

[gfaustswa]

Posted: 11/8/11 at 11:24pm

Saw her in her first performance last Friday night. She hit the ball out of the park. Superb!

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/9/11 at 9:37am

The "Friendship" number on Sunday with Stephanie and Joel was great!

Actually, the whole play was great - with Sutton or Stephanie. A fun evening!

I was questioning why the understudy didn't take over why Sutton was out, but since it was a planned outage, and lasted a few weeks, I assume they wanted a strong replacement. I think they got one!

[FallintoLight]

Posted: 11/9/11 at 9:17pm

Having the worst time posting a picture. I thought I knew how but apparently not, so instead I'll just give you the link.

This is a photo of what is now outside the theatre.






Stephanie in Anything Goes Updated On: 11/9/11 at 09:17 PM

[EvanK]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 4:16pm

Just thought id say.. there are some cough, videos, cough.. on some site... and her last note in AG is absolutely incredible.

That is all.

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 6:20pm

Wow! I love the vocal, SJB really nails it.

[ohjustjake]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 6:31pm

EvanK - THANK YOU for pointing that out. She is incredible!

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 11/13/11 at 9:14pm

I saw it last night- Stephanie is fantastic! I personally preferred her performance to that of Sutton.

Also, she's now in the playbill.

Updated On: 11/13/11 at 09:14 PM

[nealb1]

Posted: 11/18/11 at 10:28pm

I saw the show on Thursday night, and she was fantastic! Loved every second of it and she was just outstanding!

[ACL2006]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 12:11am

FYI, she's also doing the show on Nov. 23(both shows) as well as the Macy's parade on the 24th. I have wonder why Foster didn't just extend her hiatus through Thanksgiving weekend and return on Nov. 29 instead and take her vacation that week to maybe spend time with family.

[kathy selden]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 12:13am

Saw it Thursday - great seats second row from TKTS - everyone was spot on. Last saw her in the the forgetable 'Pirate Queen' but she did a great job in this musical. Missed Sutton, but everyone else + orchestra was amazing too,

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 12:46am

I saw the show tonight and Stephanie was really fantastic. Vocally she was completely on-point (which I expected), and her acting and dancing were great as well. I definitely preferred her in the role over Sutton, I'd love to see her take over if the show extends past Sutton's contract. She had great chemistry with Joel Grey and Colin Donnell, and she looked like she was having the time of her life.

And yes, her last note in "Anything Goes" is phenomenal.

[kadu335]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 1:00am

I was also there tonight!

At first I was a little upset that Sutton would still be out of the show tonight, but then I was completelly satisfied by Stephanie's performance... she was really good! It was a great night.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 1:15am

I saw it the other night and was so so so impressed. I prefer her to Sutton, although she was lacking a bit in the dance department, everything else she did more than made up for it.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 1:17am

As a big Block fan, I was excited when she was announced for this gig, and she totally exceeded my expectaions.
As stated above she looks like a million bucks in Marty's costumes and a flattering wig(s), dances like a dream, lands the gags and understands the style and nuances of the period score.
Her vocals and fun with the lyrics are spot on, but for me the mose impressive is her adaption to the show and Material.
She was dazzling and touching as Liza, Heroic and majestic as The Pirate Queen's ship sank, spunky and belty in 9 to 5 and wacky and funny in VERA...
Here she steps into a TONY winner's tap shoes and makes the role her own.
Unfortunately Marshall's production lacks imagination. Sure it's a creaky old chestnut but the Pone revival had more energy and flow. The ensemble are so good they make Marshall's stale choreography look fresh.
Block's performance adds to my admiration for her and I look forward to her next venture.
Brava!

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 1:20am

I asked her if she was coming to Broadway with VERA STARK (since it was reported earlier that it was transferring) and she said the show was going through a lot of creative changes and it's not a certainty it's coming to Broadway and if it does she said she wasn't sure she would be asked to come with it.

So I hope if that doesn't happen she finds herself a good new musical to star in.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 2:32am

I did love her dancing and thought it was great as I stated above but I think that's the one thing about Sutton's performance that was better than hers...Sutton is just a better technical dancer, but I thought what Stephanie lacked in technique and skill she made up for in enthusiasm and general charm and charisma.

[Popular]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 1:55pm

I have wonder why Foster didn't just extend her hiatus through Thanksgiving weekend and return on Nov. 29 instead and take her vacation that week to maybe spend time with family.

ACL- I've been hoping for this exact thought to enter Sutton's mind. LOL

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 2:19pm

To answer the above question, maybe because Thanksgiving holiday weekend is the busiest weekends for Broadway in the year? I think her name is billed above the title (?) and she must be a big enough drawing point that Telecharge announces the days she will be out. Although those thoughts crossed my mind as well.

I know her vacation was originally until 11/22, so maybe that is why she changed it until 11/23, so she could have the extra time.

I asked in another thread if Sutton will be back for both performances or evening only on Friday, does anyone know?

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 3:53pm

^^^
Stephanie is now above the title.

[EvanK]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 4:08pm

Im still amazed by the amount of venom that was produced on these boards when this was announced, I said give her a chance.. I have not seen ONE bad review from anyone.
Updated On: 11/19/11 at 04:08 PM

[i_love_megan]

Posted: 11/19/11 at 11:53pm

I have always been a big SJB fan but after listening to certain videos, I did not like her in the role at all. Granted, this is not any fair judgement because I haven't seen it and I am SURE she is wonderful to watch. There is no doubt she is a vocal powerhouse but I miss the grittiness and true spontaneity Sutton put into the wonderful song lyrics. Obviously, it isn't fair to compare performers and I love that she was free to bring her creativity to the role but I am just not a fan of how "sung" everything in the score is.

[Jonwo]

Posted: 11/20/11 at 1:45am

Wonder if SJB will be offered the role if they extend beyond April or even to do the tour? I get the feeling Roundabout will keep it open for a little longer.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/20/11 at 2:11am

If they weren't grooming Block for replacement or tour, I think the understudies would have covered Foster's leave.
And they found a Gem.