An Interview with Stephanie J. Block… She's All Smiles – August 2nd

With The Boy From Oz coming to a close in mid-September, now seemed like the perfect time for Stephanie J. Block to fly solo for the first time. "I had a want to do an 'evening' for a while, but no one really knew me here on the east coast! So I would laugh to myself thinking who would attend if I put a show together?" The attention lavished on The Boy From Oz provided that recognition, and enough interest from audience members to explore going putting together her own show. "I was asked by so many audience members if how I sang in the show was how I 'normally sang.' I realized then that I wanted to (re)introduce myself to the Broadway community looking and singing like myself for a night."

Those coming to the show are in for a mix of standards, tunes from shows like WICKED and a new piece that's never been performed. "I think the evening has a great balance to it. I'm driven by lyrics so expect to have stories told and pictures painted...I just LOVE a good lyric."

The process of opening straight in New York is one that stands out as certainly having left its mark. "Opening here in NYC during previews was a MAJOR learning experience. I hope that my next original musical will have an out of town tryout. I'm sure you know what I mean…There's something to allowing a show and/or performer settle into a part before harsh judgment. Here, you're getting changes thrown at you every day until opening, but still have to perform in front of 1400 New Yorkers every night...not an easy task!"

One of the other challenges of the past year has been that of playing a living icon.  "I'd need pages to explain the excitement, complications and challenges of taking on a role with that 'stigma' attached to it, but it's all outweighed by the overwhelming joy to know that you've 'made it,' that you are on a Broadway stage singing and dancing at the highest level of production."

Reflecting on exactly what that process of "being Liza" was like, and if she'd ever consider taking on such an iconic role again she reflected "Honestly, coming from where I stand now, I have really grown as an actress because of this role and I'm so appreciative for the opportunity to play such an incredible woman and talent, but there's really no way to 'win' (for lack of a better word) because there are so many limitations."

Audience members coming into The Boy From Oz all have different opinions regarding Liza, something that Stephanie has become well aware of, and faces on stage every night. "Everyone has personal memories or experiences, and it's important for them to know that I am not Liza, I am an actress portraying Liza in snippets of her life and also playing her to service Peter Allen's story. So, as you can imagine, there are a lot of factors that contribute to 'The Boy From Oz Liza' as opposed to the Liza we have watched grow, and admired from her days on her mother's show to her Academy Award winning Sally Bowles to her recent concerts. I have 45-50 minutes on stage to encompass all of those...no complaints, but it ain't easy and it ain't all glamour and praise. All that said, I wouldn't change a thing. I am a firm believer in a purpose to every moment and every experience. I was supposed to be here."

The Boy From Oz despite some early critical hits has been setting box office records all the time, and it's an experience that won't be quickly forgotten. "The level of talent and professionalism in this production is unlike anything I've ever know. Starting at the top with Hugh Jackman right on down to our doorman Kevin, it's really a pleasure to come to work and to share this story 8 times a week."

When The Boy From Oz does shutter mid-September, Stephanie will be heading back to Los Angeles for a while before returning here to New York. "There are some interesting projects out there at the beginning stages that I would like to be a part of. I love the developing stages of a show. I'll be back in NYC late fall/early winter. There are talks of plans, but because it is just that, talk, I can't share anything. I know this is a little cryptic." Cryptic indeed, but certainly something to look forward to...

Stephanie J. Block is All Smiles, Monday, August 2, 2004 8pm at Birdland.