Stephanie J. Block

Broadway triple threat (singer, actor, dancer) who worked with Stephen Schwartz on his musical WICKED while it was in pre-production. Was expected to be tapped to play the role of Elphaba in the San Francisco tryouts and then on Broadway, but was passed over for Idina Menzel because Block had no Broadway creds to her name. Remedied this by taking a risk on the role of living legend Liza Minelli opposite Hugh Jackman in THE BOY FROM OZ, then playing Elphaba in the First National Tour of WICKED so she could create her own version of the role. Was injured on the set at the beginning of her run due to an equipment malfunction and underwent physical therapy during most of her year with the Tour. Is currently starring a in new musical by Boublil and Schonberg called THE PIRATE QUEEN, which opens on Broadway in spring 2007. Is a mezzo-soprano with a three-octave range whose powerful "belt" often gets her compared to Ethel Merman and Patti LuPone. Has also been praised for the sweetness and purity of her head voice and the clarity of her diction. Is also known for her kindness and generosity to her fans, many of whom call themselves "Blockheads."