#1
Posted: 2/5/06 at 2:13pm
The Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald both have nice write-ups in their papers today.
EDIT: SCROLL DOWN FOR 3rd ARTICLE FROM PALM BEACH POST
"When an audience recognizes something that touches them or resonates within them, it doesn't matter what the newspapers say," she says cheerfully, remembering the early reviews. "They're going for that emotional journey and this play certainly resonates with people on many levels.
The story revolves around the rocky friendship between Glinda (Kendra Kassebaum in the role created by Kristin Chenoweth) and Block's Elphaba (for which Idina Menzel won the Tony Award).
"Young teenage girls and young women really recognize that friendship and connect with that," Block says. There's something wonderful about Elphaba being ostracized but still staying so true to who she is, her integrity and her purpose, that young women want to strive to be that. It's inspiring to them."
Like a rock star
It resonates for her personally. While she admits to feeling like a rock star at high points such as Defying Gravity, the first-act finale, "Many moments in the show are very personal to me, true to my earlier years and search for purpose even today as an adult woman."
Block describes childhood insecurities growing up with a gorgeous older sister, "she being the beautiful one and I being the talented one. But that talent hadn't found where it needed to be yet. So I placed much worth on what society defined as beauty -- and the definition of that was my sister."
Elphaba eventually finds her inner strength and identity, after some painful searching. "Even today, when I sing I'm Not That Girl in the show, I can't help getting misty," Block says.
She senses similar emotions in the audiences.
"Everyone walks away taking something with them. I think it's the audiences every night that make the statement that this show is going to be around a loooong time."
Sun-Sentinel Article
EDIT: SCROLL DOWN FOR 3rd ARTICLE FROM PALM BEACH POST
"When an audience recognizes something that touches them or resonates within them, it doesn't matter what the newspapers say," she says cheerfully, remembering the early reviews. "They're going for that emotional journey and this play certainly resonates with people on many levels.
The story revolves around the rocky friendship between Glinda (Kendra Kassebaum in the role created by Kristin Chenoweth) and Block's Elphaba (for which Idina Menzel won the Tony Award).
"Young teenage girls and young women really recognize that friendship and connect with that," Block says. There's something wonderful about Elphaba being ostracized but still staying so true to who she is, her integrity and her purpose, that young women want to strive to be that. It's inspiring to them."
Like a rock star
It resonates for her personally. While she admits to feeling like a rock star at high points such as Defying Gravity, the first-act finale, "Many moments in the show are very personal to me, true to my earlier years and search for purpose even today as an adult woman."
Block describes childhood insecurities growing up with a gorgeous older sister, "she being the beautiful one and I being the talented one. But that talent hadn't found where it needed to be yet. So I placed much worth on what society defined as beauty -- and the definition of that was my sister."
Elphaba eventually finds her inner strength and identity, after some painful searching. "Even today, when I sing I'm Not That Girl in the show, I can't help getting misty," Block says.
She senses similar emotions in the audiences.
"Everyone walks away taking something with them. I think it's the audiences every night that make the statement that this show is going to be around a loooong time."
Sun-Sentinel Article
Updated On: 2/7/06 at 02:13 PM
