Robert Armin Chat With Stephanie J. Block

Transcript of Robert Armin's
online chat with
Stephanie J. Block (January 12 , 2004)

[Stephanie J. Block chatted from her home computer. Because of a throat ailment, she had just missed several performances as Liza Minnelli in THE BOY FROM OZ. But her typing fingers were feeling just fine. Unfortunately, the first few minutes of the conversation were not recorded, so the chat begins in mid thought in reference to her vocal coach...]

[StephanieJBlock] Jill Goodsell...she's out in Yorba Linda CA. No one better.

[RobertArmin] hschmeath writes: Stephanie, I haven't seen the show yet ... but I've heard great things about it! Hope to see it soon!

[RobertArmin] The show, of course, is THE BOY FROM OZ.

[RobertArmin] In which Stephanie plays Liza Minnelli

[StephanieJBlock] Come...you will love it. So much joy in this show. I promise you'll leave singing and thinking. A great combo.

[StephanieJBlock] I wish I could ask questions...

[RobertArmin] In regard to WICKED, in which you appeared in the West Coast premiere... have there been any substantial changes in its journey to NYC?

[StephanieJBlock] Yes... I think so. To be honest I have yet to see this final revision. I know there are some major adjustments...I just can't tell you what.

[StephanieJBlock] When we first did the reading of Act 1 "Wicked" it was 3 hours...LOL

[RobertArmin] Hopefully, you'll get to see an Actors Fund performance or something.

[StephanieJBlock] That's my hope!

[RobertArmin] Or during Hugh's vacation!!!

[RobertArmin] When the show will be on hiatus

[StephanieJBlock] I'm heading home for that one...

[RobertArmin] How cool is that. You get paid to see other shows that week

[RobertArmin] Even better

[RobertArmin] Going home, that is

[StephanieJBlock] Unheard of... Hugh rocks in so many ways and this one he didn't even plan for everyone to benefit...

[RobertArmin] And he has two weeks off!

[StephanieJBlock] He takes care of us..:)

[RobertArmin] OlliAhaaskivi writes: I would like Stephanie to give us up and coming performers any audition advice or anything she can impart

[StephanieJBlock] Don't conform... do what you do. When they ask for something specific try and give them what they want but don't change who you are and what you KNOW you do best.

[RobertArmin] Well that was very clearly expressed -- aside from the typos, of course

[RobertArmin] :)

[StephanieJBlock] You lose such a sense of self when you do that. ..forget your strengths...you know?

[RobertArmin] Absolutely. And that's one reason why you succeed so well in OZ. There is still some of you on stage.

[StephanieJBlock] Loving you Robert....

[RobertArmin] You remind me in some ways of Lucie Arnaz when she was doing SEESAW and THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG. And I loved Lucie in those shows. Two great roles for you, by the way.

[RobertArmin] No pun intended with the "love Lucie" line.

[RobertArmin] When I saw you in Let Me Sing, I thought you'd make a great Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie. Did you give any thought to ever auditioning for that part?

[RobertArmin] Of course, our dear friend Susan Egan is taking over next month.

[StephanieJBlock] I have been getting so much of Lucie Arnaz.. I never knew until I did this role. Now everywhere I go...I get that comparison. I'll take it!

[RobertArmin] Lucie was highly underrated.

[StephanieJBlock] Never auditioned for "Millie"...would have liked to...was actually seen for the best girlfriend...

[RobertArmin] Cy Coleman is planning a new version of SEESAW -- watch for it!

[RobertArmin] Great role for you.

[StephanieJBlock] I'm excited for Susan...they don't even have to change the graphics on the poster. I always thought it looked like Susan anyway...so fun and 20s and spunky...WONDERFUL!

[RobertArmin] Of course, you're not the least bit "neurotic" but you are an actress.

[StephanieJBlock] I will, thanks for the info

[StephanieJBlock] Me....neurotic...why don't I have an answer for that:)

[RobertArmin] josie asks: is this the best time to see the show - when things seem to have really settled down?

[RobertArmin] josie adds: you're great at the stage door - i still remember the hug you gave me!

[StephanieJBlock] Look, anyone who needs thousands of people to applaud them every night... is a little neurotic:)

[StephanieJBlock] Yes...Josie...once the show is frozen and the actors have had a chance to live in the role for awhile then you see some play and a relaxed performance. Previews and opening are fun because of the excited energy but it's not quite finished, you know

[RobertArmin] My gosh, the questions are piling up! This is the biggest crowd in a while. Let me try to catch up with some of the comments and questions. They may jump around a bit in topics.

[StephanieJBlock] remember the hug....one of the few who recognized me.

[StephanieJBlock] Hooray for the crowds..

[RobertArmin] bwaybaby asks: Any funny interesting or funny mishaps happen on stage yet?

[StephanieJBlock] Well, we did have one of our showgirls fall down the steps...dress rehearsal. I myself fell up the steps...only I could fall up.. but other than that lots of giggles from spilling strawberry daiquiris and when the 3 of us start giggling ...it's over then. Isabel has to sing that deep song. Not fair, but fun!

[RobertArmin] Isabel is a great Judy!!!

[RobertArmin] The two or you really nail the characters' humanity.

[StephanieJBlock] Isabel and I really laugh a lot...we can't help ourselves...she just tickles me and I her.

[RobertArmin] Violet writes: Saw OZ this week-end, Stephanie was absolutely fabulous. How did she land Liza so perfectly? What did the Director see or know about her to cast her as Liza with a Z. Great singing and dancing, Stephanie

[StephanieJBlock] I will keep her in my life forever...just one of the dearest souls you'll ever meet.

[StephanieJBlock] I went into the audition with NO Liza-isms. They said it was my vulnerability that got it for me...they also said I was as believable at 18 as I was at 40...so after a year of looking for this role, I really walked into the room and they saw something.. I did not do "LIZA"

[RobertArmin] Well, good for them.

[RobertArmin] Wise choice, I must say.

[StephanieJBlock] I sang..."Maybe This Time." That was as far as I went with the Liza

[RobertArmin] You would have driven me crazy if you were just an impersonator.

[RobertArmin] h0llyw00d1 writes: Does Hugh pull a lady from the audience every night to play with as "Peter" in the second act?

[StephanieJBlock] It needed to serve the play... it's the Peter Allen story not the Liza story... they had to be real people.

[StephanieJBlock] Yes...it's someone in the audience...sometimes a man sometimes a woman...but some of those ladies get a little crazy...tongue kisses throwing panties and such...not good!

[RobertArmin] seanie13 asks: Stephanie, who were some of the actresses that you admired not so long ago when you were a young up and coming theatre actress? barbra, chita, marin, judy, carolee?

[StephanieJBlock] I shouldn’t say Not good...just crazy..

[RobertArmin] marymagdalene asks: where does the lady usually sit, for hugh to pick her? LOL!

[StephanieJBlock] Barbara...Joanna Gleason...Bernadette...everyone who could go beyond what was real but still stay truthful and connected. I feel Musical Theatre gets a bad rap because some think it's not real acting...these women went there, but made it so accessible and real

[StephanieJBlock] Always different seat...usually front row...but there have been balcony moments.

[RobertArmin] I agree. Peter Filichia recently wrote a wonderful column about people who slight musical theatre.

[StephanieJBlock] It's so much more than most people think...making a song in the middle of dialogue work or a dance seem natural...

[RobertArmin] Absolutely!

[RobertArmin] BeethovenDay asks: Stephanie, how do you warm up for performances/auditions.....just generally how do you warm yourself up and prepare to perform?

[StephanieJBlock] I do my vocal tape that my teacher has made hours of...I warm the body up lightly and then once the hair and makeup are on...Steph goes out and Liza is in...I'll say some of her dialogue from her concerts to get her tone and them incorporate some of my own lines from the show...then we're off

[RobertArmin] happyheart writes: Stephanie...so glad you're here! Saw Boy from Oz and plan to return and you are amazing in this show!

[StephanieJBlock] I always...get ready before an audition and do my song/monologue in my attire and shoes...feel comfortable in what I'm wearing and how my body is feeling...pay attention to yourself...you'll see

[RobertArmin] Several people have asked, so I should post it. You do have a website. Tell them the clever name you came up with.

[StephanieJBlock] Thank you... we are getting so many return patrons...it's such a testimony to the show. Nothing is a bigger compliment.

[StephanieJBlock] I do...a man I've never met set up the site. He saw me perform in Sacramento...it's sjblock@sacnews.com

[StephanieJBlock] Gosh...I think that's right.. some photos, my bio, updates etc...

[RobertArmin] No, that sounds like an email address

[StephanieJBlock] I know you can be linked up to it if you type in my whole name on yahoo.

[RobertArmin] I just googled you, so I don't remember the name.

[RobertArmin] It's at the top of the google list when you're googled. (ooh, that sounds so sexy)

[StephanieJBlock] No...it's my site...how embarrassing is this...I don't even know the exact address of my page..

[RobertArmin] h0llyw00d1 writes: One time I was sort of trapped in the dressing room with Liza and she looked in the mirror and was straightening her blouse and kept saying "This is sloppy - Liza is not sloppy" talking about herself in the third person- wild!!

[StephanieJBlock] I'm too sexy for my google

[RobertArmin] josie writes about OZ: i saw it 6 times (i'm from the philippines) and will be back in September

[StephanieJBlock] Wild....I never knew she referred to herself in the 3rd person...did she do that a lot?

[RobertArmin] seanie13 has the info: it's http://www.sacnews.net/sjblock/

[StephanieJBlock] I still have your handkerchief. It's on my makeup table...so beautiful... Thanks Jo

[StephanieJBlock] Thanks seanie13...good to know...how lame am I? LOL

[RobertArmin] Hey, this is going ssoooooo fast. And there are still so many questions lined up.

[StephanieJBlock] Ask away!!!

[RobertArmin] Let's stop a moment and give away a CD!

[StephanieJBlock] ok

[StephanieJBlock] if you want to keep going I'm up for it...what are the rules?

[RobertArmin] We don't have any Peter Allen or Liza Minnelli CDs, so I'll let the winner pick any album on this site priced $12.99 or less.

[RobertArmin] How's that for a deal?

[RobertArmin] But I'm going to make you, Stephanie, come up with a good theatre trivia question.

[StephanieJBlock] oh no....

[StephanieJBlock] you..

[StephanieJBlock] What year did Liza do her Liza with a Z concert?

[RobertArmin] Okay, you tell me the correct answer and I'll tell you who said it first. (I guess 1972)

[StephanieJBlock] 1972

[RobertArmin] Revere124 was first!

[StephanieJBlock] clapping insert here

[RobertArmin] Revere124, send your name and address to fynsworth@showmusic.com with your choice of CD. Congratulations.

[RobertArmin] Should we do another one?

[StephanieJBlock] Am I a geek because I want to stay on longer?

[RobertArmin] No, you can stick around a bit if you want.

[RobertArmin] I think the others will, too

[StephanieJBlock] I do...

[RobertArmin] I actually have the original poster from Liza With a Z, along with the cheap cardboard program for the show.

[RobertArmin] I grabbed it at a Singer sewing machine store in 1972

[StephanieJBlock] I have the program framed in my dressing room...love the crazy graphics.

[RobertArmin] I've never seen another.

[StephanieJBlock] are you telling me you stole her program at a sewing store?

[RobertArmin] No, the advertising poster.

[RobertArmin] Singer sponsored the show.

[StephanieJBlock] OK...I was laughing

[RobertArmin] It was one of those glossy cardboard posters with a standup thingee on the back

[StephanieJBlock] how great...

[RobertArmin] Mine is framed now, of course.

[RobertArmin] You'll have to come over when you're feeling better.

[StephanieJBlock] are there more questions...I will, thanks for the invite.

[RobertArmin] It's not that long a walk from the Imperial Theatre

[RobertArmin] Ok, please stop posting questions for a bit, so I can catch up!!!!

[RobertArmin] Calimark writes: you've always seemed like a pretty natural actress to me...do you see yourself staying in the broadway end of things or eventually branching out to other things?

[StephanieJBlock] Ok you ready...my ULTIMATE goal is to have a show like the Carol Burnett Show...another idol of mine...I think that sort of true entertainment never goes out.

[StephanieJBlock] It's so brilliant and funny and off the cusp...

[RobertArmin] Well, I wouldn't be surprised if TV is in your future. But don't give up on theatre!

[RobertArmin] josie asks: do you lurk on the OZ forum?

[StephanieJBlock] Oh I'm not...I got plenty to do here. I just got started on Bway....lots to do :0

[StephanieJBlock] I'll tell you...every now and then my mom and dad or sister will tell me what's going on and then I take a peek...but it's not an everyday kinda thing, We sure do appreciate you guys, though!

[RobertArmin] Do people ever say mean things about you?

[StephanieJBlock] When the previews were going on...not great...the reviewers were pretty harsh too...I'll be honest, I try not to let it get to me, but when you read hurtful stuff...it HURTS!

[RobertArmin] I think some of these theatre forums forget that these are real people out there being insulted

[StephanieJBlock] They must...I can't believe anyone is just mean to be mean...

[RobertArmin] And, of course, they don't realize that the celebrities are often IN THE ROOM under a different name!

[RobertArmin] I've heard of several instances

[StephanieJBlock] They must feel they have something to say, but it's not the best manner of saying it. Too brutal.

[RobertArmin] Bester asks: what are some of the things that people have sent you or left for you at the stage door?

[RobertArmin] seanie13 adds: whatever, i would like to see those bitches in the forums belt like you!

[StephanieJBlock] Well... I've gotten a beautiful pin which I wear with pride...a handkerchief...a cross-stitch, lots of letters and cards and requests for headshots/autographs...It's all so appreciated more than people might guess.

[RobertArmin] h0llyw00d1 writes: What celeb has come backstage that has blown you away?

[StephanieJBlock] You better tell it, seanie...cause this bitch can belt! AMEN!!!

[StephanieJBlock] Barbara Cook and Ann Margaret made a huge impact when they spoke with me...Joan Collins also knew Liza and had touching things to say.. These women...wow! when they walk in a room you know it!

[RobertArmin] But you did say that Liza hasn't come yet?

[StephanieJBlock] Plus...Trevor Nunn was so gracious and took a lot of time with me.. His compliments really meant something special.

[RobertArmin] Of course, I don't think Gary Coleman has seen Avenue Q yet, either... LOL

[StephanieJBlock] No..as far as I know...she has not been there

[RobertArmin] how do the remaining cast members feel about "OZ" going dark when Hugh Jackman takes his vacation times?

[RobertArmin] blockfan writes: Gary Coleman seeing Avenue Q is a little different from Liza seeing OZ :)

[StephanieJBlock] I think everyone is ready for a rest..in theatre it's just unheard of unless you put in for a vacation. The show is so strong with Hugh and we know that...

[StephanieJBlock] We also know the show is strong because of the entire cast...the producers know what they are doing and have punched out the numbers...I don't concern myself with that...I just take the vacation and smile

[RobertArmin] I do think it would be a let down if he were out. No matter how good his understudy is. Liz Taylor's understudy didn't get to go on either -- they closed down when she was sick.

[StephanieJBlock] Hugh is really a super hero...I can't say enough about this man.

[RobertArmin] bwaybaby writes: congratulations on BFO winning Gypsy of the Year! Any exciting plans for the Easter Bonnet?

[RobertArmin] And Hugh has NEVER missed a performance!

[RobertArmin] We need more stars like him.

[StephanieJBlock] What a lot of people may not know is that in order for Hugh to take his/our vacation we have to do 16 shows in a row...but it's a pleasure because we love him and he has done so much for us. It's a give and take.

[RobertArmin] Braden asks: Do you have a brush up rehearsal prior to reopening after a break as a whole company?

[StephanieJBlock] I'll tell you...I don't know how we are going to top the fund raising from last year. There are rumors of Isabel singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" To an audience member or she and I doing a piece from the Judy Garland show...but all just rumors for now.

[StephanieJBlock] Don't now if we have a brush up...I should check the schedule...remember I don't even know the address to my website. LOL

[RobertArmin] Stephanie, I know everyone wants to keep going, but I think you should get some rest.

[RobertArmin] You are under and over the weather, after all

[StephanieJBlock] Really...I'm OK...not tired. How are you?

[RobertArmin] We need to get you back on the weather

[StephanieJBlock] Can they read that?

[StephanieJBlock] Ok if you think I should go...I will

[RobertArmin] Well, a few more minutes!

[StephanieJBlock] Now that's my boy!

[RobertArmin] And that's it.

[StephanieJBlock] OK...pout!

[RobertArmin] nilynn asks: What do you during the "down time" in the show, until you come back late in the second act???

[StephanieJBlock] Great question...I usually play poker with Mitchel and PJ (Mitchel's understudy) Isabel and I get such a kick out of those 2. Or I stay quiet and read...or I'm laughing with Isabel..then at a certain point ...it's back to being Liza

[RobertArmin] Here's an interesting question from blockfan: Stephanie, what was it like wearing the Elphaba green makeup? And singing Defying Gravity?!

[RobertArmin] Did you try out the make-up before your one performance or was it all new?

[StephanieJBlock] The green is just a MAC base...it's a little getting used to and the makeup artist is there to reapply throughout the show especially after kissing Fiyero. The flying is magical. I can tell you that when you're belting your face off and the lights are hitting you and you know that you're flying...it's so magical. Truly...THE best theatrical moments I have had.

[RobertArmin] seanie13 writes: HAHAHAHA!!! omg, you should get really tan and play lorrel in dreamgirls! suspension of disbelief right!

[StephanieJBlock] So beautiful is that lighting by the way...forget about it.

[StephanieJBlock] I'll play Lorrel when it tours for the blind...well, if they're blind...lets go Ephie.

[RobertArmin] BFOO11004 writes: Stephanie, I saw the show for the first time Sat. and I missed seeing you. Please get better and I look forward to seeing you in April. :)

[RobertArmin] blockfan writes: if there's a picture of Stephanie as Elphaba, she should put it on her website - we'd love to see

[StephanieJBlock] I will. I can't believe I wasn't there. I hate being out. It really is hard. Tari is great, but to not play the role kills me.

[StephanieJBlock] I do have a pic...I'll make sure I send it to Joe and have him post it...great idea. Do you think I'd be infringing on Idina too much?

[RobertArmin] happyheart speaks for all of us: Stephanie...this has been a pleasure and thanks!! Get better so you can get back to doing what we love to see you do!!!!! Bye!

[RobertArmin] I think you should get your rest.

[StephanieJBlock] Thank you all so much. I was afraid it would just be Robert, my sister and my dad.. Thanks for taking the time. And happy 2004! Good night!

[RobertArmin] This has been a VERY busy chat. Was I wrong when I said that you might not have a big crowd.

[RobertArmin] You are one popular lady, let me tell you.

[StephanieJBlock] Well...wonders never cease.

[StephanieJBlock] Please pass on my sincere thanks. I really had a great time.

[RobertArmin] So, let's end this by giving away one more CD. Have you got another question?

[StephanieJBlock] No I don't...sorry the juices aren't flowing.

[RobertArmin] See, I told you were getting tired!

[StephanieJBlock] Here's one...what does the J. stand for?

[RobertArmin] Okay, here's an easy (!) movie question. Other than In the Good Old Summer Time (in which she made a brief appearance at the end), what was Liza's first movie called?

[StephanieJBlock] Stephanie J. Block

[RobertArmin] Oops, too late, Steph