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[0:00] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the sky a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:30] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, you kind, artistic souls, you. This is your host, Robert Peterpaul, coming to you with a really special episode of the Art of Kindness podcast. For those of you that are new here, welcome. Hi. Hello. I am so happy you have joined us. I am an actor, writer, and foodie. I mean, I love the snacks. Come on, I'm eating right now. Who believes kindness is the key to a better world.

[0:59] Robert Peterpaul: Each week, we bring you conversations with artists who use their platform to spread kindness and joy. Today's guest does just that and more. And I know you all want to hear from her, so I'm just going to take you out of your agony and run right into the woods, into the woods. See what I did there? Today's guest is Broadway icon, Stephanie J. Block.

[1:25] Robert Peterpaul: With a career spanning over two decades, the California native is considered one of Broadway's most versatile talents. You may have been lucky enough to see Stephanie starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz early on in her career, or perhaps you're like me, and she is your Elphaba. Fun fact, Stephanie actually originated Elphaba in the early workshops of Wicked and later went on to play her both in the first national tour and on Broadway.

[1:52] Robert Peterpaul: Stephanie has earned acclaim for starring turns in shows like Little Miss Sunshine, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Falsettos, and Dolly Parton's 9 to 5, the musical, okay? In 2019, Stephanie won the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Tony Award for playing the title role in The Cher Show. She won the Tony Award. I really need to calm down.

[2:21] Robert Peterpaul: In addition to her stage work and screen work, Stephanie has also taken her incredible voice to symphony orchestras across the U.S. In addition, her solo concerts have earned her acclaim in both New York City and London, and her recording work includes several original cast albums that we play on repeat in this household, as well as her own album, This Place I Know.

[2:45] Robert Peterpaul: Stephanie also lends her voice to her own transformative podcast, Stages. On screen, you've seen Stephanie in TV shows like Orange is the New Black, Homeland, Madam Secretary, and the new film, I, Mordecai.

[3:00] Robert Peterpaul: I'm such a huge fan of Stephanie, if you can't tell already. She is one of those performers that melts into every role she is in, so much so that I didn't even realize I saw her in shows like Wicked and Anything Goes, because she is a true chameleon!

[3:15] Robert Peterpaul: We discuss how to make the rehearsal room a kinder place, cracking up onstage in Into the Woods, what Stephanie learned from Dolly Parton herself, and so much more. Plus, there may even be some star-studded surprises!

[3:30] Robert Peterpaul: As always, be sure to stay tuned after the interview for your Kindness Tip of the Week, and to find us on social media at ArtofKindnessPod and at RobPeterPaul to join our kindness community!

[3:42] Robert Peterpaul: Now, without further ado, please welcome the sensational Stephanie J. Block!

[4:13] Stephanie J. Block: How are you doing?

[4:14] Stephanie J. Block: Pooped. Totally pooped. Yeah, we opened the show last night, we're doing five show weekends, you know, so it's, we're living in a space that isn't ours with an eight year old and a nanny and a husband and so it is, it's a lot. I underestimated all of the things, my friend.

[4:33] Robert Peterpaul: Well, congratulations. That is so much, but I appreciate you putting your talents out there now across this wonderful country and exposing everyone to this beautiful story. I got to see you in Into the Woods on Broadway.

[4:44] Stephanie J. Block: Thanks. Yeah, the story's special.

[4:47] Robert Peterpaul: It's so special, and you and Matt Baker had some weird chemistry going on. I was like, there's a spark there. I didn't know, I don't know what rock I was living under, but I did not know that you were married.

[4:58] Stephanie J. Block: You didn't?

[4:59] Robert Peterpaul: No.

[5:00] Stephanie J. Block: Oh my gosh!

[5:01] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I was in my own, my own Glinda bubble, but...

[5:04] Stephanie J. Block: Would you like me to turn off this light or does it not bother you in any way?

[5:07] Robert Peterpaul: Whatever's good for you, if it's better for you. I, you know, I feel like you need a spotlight. It's something...

[5:12] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, sure. Not today, not today.

[5:17] Stephanie J. Block: Well, today the spotlight is on you and kindness, of course, and I just feel like this is such a perfect match because when I think of the arts, theater in particular, and kindness, I feel like you're standing right on that corner in that crossroads to me, at least as a fan over the years I've experienced you having...

[5:33] Stephanie J. Block: I was trying to describe it. I'm trying not to be corny, but you know what? I am a big piece of corn. It has the juice, but I was just thinking there's such a twinkle of humility in your eye.

[5:44] Stephanie J. Block: No matter when you're in the role, outside the role, whatever it is, it's just, I can feel your gratitude. Obviously, you're beyond talented and your performances are so beautiful, but there's such a kindness that you seem to lead your life with and that I really admire.

[5:57] Stephanie J. Block: Thank you. Thank you.

[5:59] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I mean that, so I'm excited to have you.

[6:01] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah, gratitude is certainly a key word in my life, and I think it comes from hoping and dreaming, but never expecting. Sometimes that sort of self-entitlement and expectation that people might have, I think is the downfall to a lot of the kindness in this world, right?

[6:20] Stephanie J. Block: You have to look at what actually exists and be grateful for that, the reality of that, instead of walking into any sort of experience or opportunity with these grand expectations, because more times than not, it may not live up to that, which is not allowing the opportunity, the event, the day, the moment to be in its grand reality and all the blessings and the beauty that exist.

[6:49] Stephanie J. Block: Get overlooked because of the hype and the expectations of what you were trying to put on that moment, opportunity and day. So if you release that, I think then you can walk in kindness and gratitude because it's all there in front of you if you pay attention to what is really going on, not what you put on the moment. Does that make sense?

[7:13] Robert Peterpaul: Yes, with your expectation rose-colored glasses when you're walking and thinking it's going to happen a certain way, and then when it doesn't, you're crushed. But it's more about how we respond to those situations. It's a hard lesson to learn, but I'm glad you're bringing it up right at the top because it's really important for artists. How many times do we get rejected? Actually, I mean, for me, there's just radio silence. I mean, you hear nothing. That's the rejection is nothing.

[7:35] Stephanie J. Block: Well, nowadays, certainly with like putting yourself on tape, and that was one thing. If we're going to talk about kindness in the business, I wish those who are casting or those that have the communication to invite us into a room to audition afterwards, if there could be that, thank you so much. It's not going your way. It is the radio silence that I think is a bit inhumane because we as artists then continuously think, is there a possibility? Is my name still on the table? Could this still be something? And once they say, no, thank you. You're wonderful, but you're not right. We can release that. But when you sit in the if for day after day after day, oof, that's a rough place to be. It is a rough place to be. Yeah.

[8:22] Stephanie J. Block: And I've tried that physical action of just tearing the sides up and recycling them right away. And it's helped a little bit, but it's still in your mind. You just have that thought of, oh, that'd be wonderful. And then you try to go down that rabbit hole. But yeah, I completely agree. And I also agree with everyone in the world that you are one of the most talented people on stage today. And I'm going to keep complimenting you this whole time. But I do like to ask people such as yourself that I'm sure get a lot of wonderful feedback. How are you at taking compliments? Because I feel like they can be a little tricky.

[8:51] Stephanie J. Block: Okay, well, now we're into like therapy. Compliments were always tricky for me growing up because of what held weight in my household. So being perfect held weight in my household. Being aesthetically beautiful held weight in my household.

[9:18] Stephanie J. Block: Talent and other things may have been lower on the list. And so for who I was in sort of the hierarchy of our family, I was certainly loved, but I wasn't the one that was most praised, if that makes any sense.

[9:36] Stephanie J. Block: And so when you grow up in a household where you know that you're loved, but you may not be in first position, or I at least received it that way or interpreted it that way, then even as you're growing up, when you hear certain things, it's hard to take in, especially because in our industry and in the art form that we have chosen to be in,

[10:03] Stephanie J. Block: the critics never end, right? So you get notes from your director, from your choreographer, and then the critics are going to come and they're going to speak their mind. And now we have the cacophony of social media where everybody's going to stir into the pot their opinions.

[10:20] Stephanie J. Block: I was always told if you believe the good, you have to believe the bad, because everybody's opinion holds the same amount of weight. And that for me was a dangerous place. My spirit and my constitution, and I think most humans hold on to maybe that 1% or 2% of negativity and hurt and the buttons that people know how to push, rather than the 98% that could be glowing.

[10:50] Stephanie J. Block: So for me, I have to receive the compliment, but then like you do with your sides, almost rip them up and let them out into the world. Because if I only hold on to the good, then I do have to accept the bad. And I know myself so well, that sometimes if I listen to the bad, and I'm doing it in quotes, it will haunt me. It will haunt me for a long, long time.

[11:18] Stephanie J. Block: So it's better for me, again, just to stay the course. If I am doing the work honestly and truthfully, and I feel proud and I am delivering what I set out to deliver, then I really just have to hold on to that.

[11:32] Stephanie J. Block: My husband all the time will say, please treat my wife with kindness, please treat my wife with kindness, because he knows that going back to being raised in being rewarded for being perfect, if I'm not perfect, which nobody can be, then it hurts. It hurts. Yeah, the disappointment is large and it weighs really heavy on me.

[11:57] Stephanie J. Block: So giving myself that grace to ebb and flow, to receive and then release, to accept and then give, that's kind of what it's all about, whether it's this art form or just being like a person to person type communication. Do you know what I mean?

[12:14] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I love that. How do you accept compliments? Are you good at it? I always ask people and it's kind of like a study because I get to talk to wonderful people such as yourself. And I found that no matter how high we have these people on pedestals or how much someone has achieved, the majority of people can't take a compliment or struggle with it a little bit.

[12:33] Stephanie J. Block: I think what I've learned overall, and I'm not great at this, but I'm trying to just say thank you because it is so much about the other person. When I wanted to give you this beautiful, something I admire about you at the top of the show, I want you to hear it. I think your method's great because you accept it and they have their moment, but then you shred it up and it's not going to haunt you later on.

[12:53] Robert Peterpaul: Right, right, right, right. It is weird. And I think, you know, you also have to consider the source and then you have to consider, is there an agenda to it or is this really just a open hearted, you know, you know, I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this.

[13:22] Stephanie J. Block: Open hearted, honest compliment. And then you have to look at yourself. What kind of day am I having? Everything in our life, everybody's life is so nuanced and so layered that I think, you know, there's nothing yes or no. I'm learning as I get older. There's nothing black, white. There's nothing quite right or wrong, right? Everything's on a spectrum. Everything is nuanced.

[13:49] Stephanie J. Block: And similarly, when you're being told stuff, truths, untruths, compliments, critiques, you've got to look at it and say, okay, what does this mean to me now? Where did I just come from? Where am I going? So I know it seems very heady the way I'm answering it, but I do believe that nothing is just like, oh, thank you and done, close the book and move on.

[14:13] Stephanie J. Block: But I do, I do want to receive and I hear what you're saying about the person who's giving the compliment. You want to honor them and say, thank you for this gift. You're giving me a gift. And if I don't say thank you, then I'm the one that's in the wrong because I am turning away a gift.

[14:30] Stephanie J. Block: But it's hard when you're an open book, like you're saying invulnerable and bringing that to your art. And then it's hard to know when to kind of shut the swinging door or sometimes you have to lock it, but it's hard.

[14:39] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, sometimes you do. You're right.

[14:47] Robert Peterpaul: It's different from what anybody else has said, which is really interesting. And the other question I always like to ask people that I've gotten so many different answers to at the kind of top of our chat is what is your definition of kindness, Stephanie? I mean, what does kindness mean to you?

[15:05] Stephanie J. Block: It's similar to love. It involves breath. It involves being present. It involves being honest. I've seen kindness in so many ways, but when it really affects me or when I really take note of it, there's a beautiful almost pause or stillness that surrounds an action of kindness because it's not in rush. It's done with meaning, and it can only be done with the word that you just used, which is thoughtfulness. It can only be done when you recognize a person or a need or a gap that needs to be filled, and that takes breath and time and being present. So that's what it means to me. And in this world, when everything is so rushed and so fast, and we ask, how are you doing, but we don't wait for the true answer, I can see things that might be defined as kindness, but then I go, was it real? Because it all happened so fast. So to me, those three words, when they come together in service of someone else, then I've really either received or recognized or been a part of kindness.

[16:31] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so beautiful. And I think it's really interesting that it's rooted in seeing people, which we're similar in that way. That's what I kind of equate it to as well, aside from just being love, because now after seeing you in Into the Woods, I think your character's whole journey starts by not being seen. I mean, on paper, maybe there's kindness between her and her husband, but that beautiful, deep-rooted kindness is not there because he's not seeing her.

[16:54] Stephanie J. Block: You're exactly right.

[16:56] Robert Peterpaul: So that's interesting. I don't know.

[16:58] Stephanie J. Block: You're exactly right.

[16:59] Robert Peterpaul: Okay, I'll take that. I think in this day and age too, people are just, they're desperate to be seen, and then the next level is being recognized, but being seen is certainly the first step. Well, speaking of seeing others and their acts of kindness, I would love to know if you could share any acts of kindness that you feel like had a significant impact on your career, either early on or recently, something that kind of changed your trajectory.

[17:29] Stephanie J. Block: I've had a lot of teachers in my life, one of whom is still such a mentor and such a champion for me. Her name is Jill Goodsell. She was my voice teacher when I was 11 years old. So now we're going on 40 years of being student and teacher. Wow. And she is an angel human. And she came to me, not out of nowhere. My parents, I was singing in church and the cantor at our church said, you know, I think that you should see my teacher. And this human, how she sat with me, how she saw me, how she communicated with me, just the time and the effort that she put in. She was a mother herself and an opera singer herself with a lot of, you know, tragedy, a lot of abuse. And yet she was able to turn all that into service.

She was allowed to turn, not allowed, that's the wrong word, because she made it a point. It was really her mission to make sure that all her calling, that everything that hurt her, that scarred her, that affected her, that she was going to turn that around and make sure that it blessed other people's lives. So that goes even beyond kindness, but it really is because of what I got to witness in Jill, it became a fabric of who I am and now have become and want to emulate.

[19:07] Stephanie J. Block: Other bits of kindness is really any time in this world, people can stop and share, really share. I see that as, wow, thank you, because I know the value of time. And if you're willing to give it up, that is saying you're important. What I'm doing and what I'm taking, either 10 minutes of really concentrated time with you or an hour or a week, if you're doing that, you're investing in someone. And in this fast-paced world, to really say, I'm willing to give up and offer my time, that's an expensive and beautiful investment. I hate to keep saying this, but going back to how I answered what kindness was and how I define it, being still and being slow and seeing people. So that to me, anytime I see that, it doesn't need to even be coming to someone's aid, but saying yes and showing up and giving of yourself, that's huge in this day and age when everything has to happen at a moment's notice.

And the cause and effect of what that is, we're not quite sure, but when you stop, it really moves me because all of our lives are just so fast. So you say yes to spend time with a person. I'm going to take that as like a big fat jewel of a gift.

[20:36] Robert Peterpaul: Yes. Well, this is such a gift. I feel very important right now and grateful and thankful that you're taking the time to speak with us and about kindness, because it is something I feel like the world could always use more of, obviously. And I also want to thank you for you're really, really exceptional at many things. But here comes another compliment at shouting out your teacher. I've done a lot of research and tried to prepare. I have too many questions, honestly. And you consistently shout her out in every interview. And I think that's so important. My wife's a teacher. My mom's a teacher. And I just want to thank you for that, because teachers are the foundation of all of us. And the fact that you're doing that consistently is really, really beautiful and important.

[21:17] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, it's my privilege. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, there are these... Well, I honor your wife. I know it's not easy in this day and age, but as a mom, I see how these little spirits are being shaped by those that they spend eight hours a day with. And you want to talk about patience and time, teachers and nurses. And it's really something to honor. And I wish more people could emulate that. But we all have our place in this world.

[21:45] Robert Peterpaul: True. But man, to be a teacher is, I think, a really, like you said, a calling. That is a calling. And not everybody has the wherewithal and the makeup to do it. They're our superheroes. Sending love to all the teachers listening right now. And speaking of callings and places you belong, you know, weird transition here, but you belong...

[22:06] Stephanie J. Block: No, perfect segue.

[22:06] Robert Peterpaul: Okay, let's go right over there. One of the places you belong is the rehearsal room. And I'm really interested as someone, you know, I just did a workshop of something. And that's especially a place that really fosters people to share their opinion and have their voice. Based on your experience over the years, what is like a kindness-first rehearsal process? You know, how do you find the balance of that? And what have you really enjoyed the most?

[22:30] Stephanie J. Block: For the very first day, you mean? Like coming into a rehearsal process?

[22:35] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, the first day. Or just the entire...

[22:38] Stephanie J. Block: Okay, okay. Overall, whatever comes into your head, just things that you think we could use more of, I guess, ultimately. The first word that comes to my head is feeling safe. Because we all walk into that room, first of all, you're vulnerable as all get out. You want to be the best person and artist that you can be. And the only way that can be nurtured and fostered is if the room feels safe to everyone. There is a pre-COVID sort of understanding of what the rehearsal space is. And now I'm hoping that we've become a little more focused on the humanity of the space after COVID. I have been in both. Now, most rehearsals, you walk in, you introduce each other, everybody hugs, there's an equity meeting, we talk about the project, sometimes designs are shared, and you get excited with the prospect of what the show is going to be, could be, and then you immediately jump into music.

Because of lack of time, right? The clock is ticking, you've got to learn it, whether it's a 29-hour reading, or a three-week rehearsal process, those producers and those creators just go tick, tick, tick, and here's the schedule, and the stage management is on the schedule. I have found, though, on the other side of COVID, and what I hope to also be a real voice for is, even if you call us in a day or two early, I would prefer a soft launch, getting to know each other, talking about what we see in the script, really getting to know one another so we can see each other in different ways, so that then we can put on the suit or the costume of the character, but we can still honor the light and the spirit of each person, real person, that we've been able to spend two days with before jumping into the material.

I think that would really create a much better and artistic space, instead of, okay, okay, everybody, so good, here we go, yay, and then you go off to music, the principals go off to scene work, the choreographer takes the dancers, and all of a sudden, we're split into these three different separate spaces and different mindsets. I think that's what I would prefer, and I have seen it a little bit. I speak of Annie Kaufman, who's a very generous director, and really focuses in on the space, and what the space that she's sharing with her actors and other designers and creatives, and that's very important to her, and you can absolutely see the posture of the people change, and the sort of lean in of everybody, and wanting to be the best we can be for each other, and then be the best we can be for the material, and that, to me, is a formula for success.

[25:39] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Everybody write that down. I'm going to write that down right now. Write that down, y'all. Write it down, copy it, print it, send it out. Actually, don't, save paper, email it, because I feel like that would set the process up to do things that are more vulnerable overall, but also, how many times do we get a break, and then, I mean, me personally, you feel nervous to go to someone and say, where are you going for lunch? Do you want to go for lunch?

[25:59] Stephanie J. Block: Exactly right.

[26:00] Robert Peterpaul: There's a vulnerability to that, and I think setting up the rehearsal process with that would lend itself to everybody coming together quicker, and also put the emphasis on kindness, because how many times do we stop when something goes wrong? Why are we always feeding that end, and not stopping when something's just beautiful?

[26:16] Stephanie J. Block: Boy, do I hear that.

[26:17] Robert Peterpaul: I mean, I saw the videos of you in Sunset Boulevard in the filmed rehearsal room, but it's like, that's a beautiful moment, takes your breath away. If we can stop and acknowledge those, in addition, I feel like it could help too, so I love that.

[26:29] Stephanie J. Block: It does help, and I think when you value the human being, not just the artist, but you value the human being, and then, you can also honor the artist. Man, you've got a real combination for propping each other up and, again, saying, I see you, not just what you do, but you, and now, let's work together. I think that's pretty great, and I really do believe that the result would be a stronger result if they just invested a little bit more in the front end for the humanity of it all, and then, start jumping into the arts of it all.

[27:05] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, the humanity, and seeing each other in that light as parents, husbands, whatever it is, coming here to give our time to this, not just focusing on the work, which happens overall in our country. We get a lot done, but it's a work mentality versus others that have that the play first, or the family first, whatever it is, and I'm so fascinated by that in our business, striking the balance between your personal life and your work life.

[27:30] Stephanie J. Block: Balance, not an easy word.

[27:35] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, exactly. It's not an easy thing to strive for. Everybody's striving for it. I don't know how many people have actually found it, but we keep trying.

[27:39] Stephanie J. Block: We keep trying, and you seem to, I'm sure, have been trying over these incredible years of this gallery of performances that you've built with inspiring characters from Liza Minnelli to playing Cher to Trina in Falsettos. I would love to know, I guess this is like a nerdy actor question, how do you approach these characters with empathy and kindness when you don't necessarily agree with them? I know that's kind of the gig, but...

[28:04] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, but that is such a great question, because I had a director early in my career, I was playing Fanny Bryce at a regional theater, and he's like, you got to stop fixing her. What makes this character so wonderful is that she is flawed, is that she does make massive mistakes, and that she is wrong in judging characters. Her judgment is not great, Stephanie. Don't try to make it better. Honor the flaws, because that's what the audience is going to connect with. You cannot be perfect. I know this term has been used so much now, but it really is the messy that makes characters and the reflection of characters so beautiful to an audience, because then they say, I see myself in that. But being raised as a perfectionist and always internally too, it's something that I've just adopted as a human, as a Virgo.

[29:04] Stephanie J. Block: The 10 times perfect, is that what you say?

[29:06] Robert Peterpaul: Exactly, 10 times perfect. My mother always used to do that. No matter how young I was, we would start from the beginning, I'd get to seven, I'd make a mistake, we'd go back to one, you had to do it 10 times in a row perfect. That mentality is, again, just part of my inner dialogue. When this director kind of lovingly, but shook me up and said, stop trying to fix her. That was a big awakening.

[29:35] Stephanie J. Block: Still love and respect and honor characters that you maybe don't agree with, maybe you don't align with, but here's my formula. If I can maintain a good 30 to 40% or maybe even 50% of who I am and then adopt 50% of what has been informed for me in the script or from the source material, if you're lucky enough to have the composer and the lyricist and the librettist there, then they can help inform. But I will always first thing go through the script and say, oh yeah, that's an adjective that I can respond to. Oh yeah, that reminds me of me. Oh, this character is saying that about me. Uh-huh. Yep. That makes sense. And then everything else that seems foreign or something that I've never had a life experience for or don't quite, I haven't lived it, then that's something I can really put my head into and then my body and my heart will follow.

But for me, it's no longer disliking them. And I know as actors, we're always told never describe your character in negative terms, right? Because people don't see themselves that way. For example, when I played Gloria in Lynn Nottage's By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, she was petulant. She was childish. She was spoiled. And in writing down these words, Lynn's like, nobody ever refers to themselves as that, right? They will always find a way to find a more affirming place to explain their actions rather than that sort of negative place. So you have to look at Gloria in the same way. I can see that you're saying it without judgment, but even still, it's derogatory. And you're not going to say that about yourself.

So I'm going to need you to take all these adjectives and find a different way of saying them. So that's the thing. You have to embrace these characters, but always, always, always, I encourage everybody, infuse yourself in these characters first. You, you, you, and then add the building blocks. Even when you're playing a living, breathing person like Cher or Liza, you just have to find the you in that character first, and then start putting those building blocks of the them. And it will make for a much more, I think, in my opinion, authentic, you know, recreation of the part. And it will only service the part and service the play. And there's only one you too. So if you can do that for auditions, you're going to stand out because nine out of 10 people are doing it a certain way.

They think the people want it. And if you're doing it your way, yeah. And you want to be honest, you know, students, and when I do master classes, they'll always ask, you know, is it acting first? Is it singing first for you? Is it what order? Like what class did you take that still today, you use on a daily basis when you're using your craft? And I said, therapy, because knowing myself, and knowing my sense of self is the only thing that will get you through every audition, every high, every low, it will keep you grounded. It will inform how you approach a character. It will inform how you interpret a song. If you don't know who you are first, I promise you, your ground will constantly be shifting.

And you will always be I'm going to use the word shift shifting again, but shape shifting in such a way that you might get lost. So always have the compass of yourself first and then take the journey. Yeah, the house needs a firm foundation. You know, for sure. That's such beautiful advice. And it comes across every time I've seen you on stage, you know, from Wicked again to Into the Woods, I recently saw you in which had, I think one of my most favorite stage moments ever was seeing you and Gavin Creel. And I talked to him about this a little, but I was like, you guys kind of broke the night I saw it. He was like, the night you saw it. He was like, sweetie, like, like, it was just so present and wonderful.

And it fit somehow like fit the moment in the woods, I guess, of the story. But I mean, that I just had to say that, like, that was so amazing, your chemistry together, you guys cracking up and now across the country. I mean, yeah, well, he's remarkably playful. And so if somebody if I feel someone comfortable with themselves, either in a room or on stage, then all of a sudden, you can play all of a sudden, you're like, oh, you're comfortable. Now you've made me comfortable. And now we actually just get to be in our bodies. I feel my feet on the floor. I see your breath. I see my breath. I see the twinkle in your eye. It's almost like moments stand still and you're like, oh, we're gonna play.

We're gonna play that when you can do that in the moment with an audience watching, just like you, the audience will feel that it's fresh and it's fun and it's new. And Gavin is the best at that. Absolutely. And it's such a treat for us all. It's like when you're watching Saturday Night Live and they giggle. I mean, that's why we're watching, you know, at live theater versus watching the movie of Into the Woods, right? Because those moments they feel like they let you in on something. I came to him thinking I was so special, but he's like, we're just having a great time together. Yes, we try to stay in character. We don't want to drop out of our characters either and become Gavin and Stephanie.

But we definitely want that that scene to be something that feels so fresh and so fun that the audience is in on it with us. So you saying that is a huge it's a it's a great thing. It's exactly what we want. Yes, it was it was very genuine and just fit the moment. And I loved it again. So so amazing. And now that you guys are on tour with Into the Woods run, don't walk people go get tickets if you can. How are you showing kindness to yourself? I mean, I know it's a lot. Everyone's tired. I haven't yet. I'll be real honest. Yeah, I haven't yet. Life hasn't afforded me that option with Sunset. And this is something that I said yes to. And then life double downed on. But I said yes to Sunset Boulevard, which happened just days after we closed on Broadway with Into the Woods.

And within those days, I still had to be a mom and a wife and, you know, a preparer to get ourselves ready for tour. And then in a flash of an eye, we were in Buffalo for five days, taking this beast and being in the theater all day and still trying to give as much time to my daughter. And then before we knew it, we were in D.C. And sadly, my husband, before we even had our first preview, he sprained his ankle. And so he is now here convalescing and, you know, taking care of himself. So nobody's fault. But that kind of doubles the workload here at home and at work. And so it just hasn't it hasn't happened yet. I mean, have I afforded myself grace to make mistakes or be tired or be honest with people and say, you know, someone comes knocking at my door, I'll just say, I'm sorry, I need a little time.

Like, you know, my my tank is is a bit empty. My heart is full. I'm very grateful. But I'm tired. And there's no way to pretend that that's not happening. So maybe that is the kindness is just kind of being honest with myself and honest with others and saying, you'll get the effervescent Stephanie maybe in a week or two. But right now, I am just maintaining and doing the best that I can. And if a ball drops, if you could afford me a little grace, I would be very grateful for that.

[42:23] Robert Peterpaul: Yes. And now that I've complimented you again, you know, I want to be respectful of your time. I think it's about time in our chat where we're going to play a little surprise game if you're down.

[42:26] Stephanie J. Block: Oh heavens. Okay.

[42:30] Robert Peterpaul: Okay. I promise it's not even much of a game. It's super easy. It's called the compliment game because again, already, basically I reached out to someone in your life for a compliment or a loving statement about you. I'm going to read it to you and then you have to guess who said it.

[42:42] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, this is going to make me cry. Okay. Go.

[42:47] Robert Peterpaul: Okay. Well, you're so loved that I, you know, I usually put a couple of feelers out there because you people are big and it's hard to get in touch with people. So you got two. So you actually have two. They're very beautiful. So I'll try and do them justice. I'll put my reader voice on. You can ask me yes or no questions as well. I don't really know much, but we'll say you get three guesses.

[43:11] Stephanie J. Block: Oh golly. Okay. I don't know. People like rules. It doesn't, it really doesn't matter.

[43:20] Robert Peterpaul: Okay. I'm going to read you your first one.

[43:24] Robert Peterpaul: If you know Steph, you know how huge her heart is and everything she does comes from that heart. She loves fiercely. It is what makes her friendship feel like a sisterhood. It is what drives her passion on stage that makes her such a thrilling performer. It is how she uses her voice to stand up for what she believes in and fight for the integrity of not just our showbiz, but our society. It's why getting to work with her is such a gift because she makes you bring your whole heart to the stage and your performance is way better for it. And then she makes you pee your pants with laughter while having Cheropee in her dressing room between shows. And I have a hint too, but I think that last sentence might've gave it away.

[43:41] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Throw the ball back to me. That's right. That's right. And you're doing that. You just answer the question honestly to yourself. And I think that is kindness. I think authenticity, vulnerability comes with kindness. So, you know, I think that's a wonderful place to start. And I appreciate you being honest with that answer. You know, Sunset Boulevard. I mean, those clips were going viral. What a stunning performance. I couldn't believe it. Oh, my gosh. I couldn't believe it. I mean, I knew I was going to do it for almost a year. So we agreed. Jeffrey Finn, the artistic director at Kennedy Center and myself decided on Sunset Boulevard, I don't know, sometime in late February of 2022. So I was able to kind of sit in thought with the why, because I'm a firm believer if you're going to revive something, especially in this day and age, there has to be a why to it.

And for me, I had a little trouble. So at first, it was just ego. I love the part. I want to play this role. These songs are monster songs. The character is intriguing to me. And then once I set that aside, it was really mental health that came kind of at the forefront. And I thought. This woman isn't acting this way just because she is, quote unquote, unstable or deranged or obsessed. She's acting this way because something has happened to her. I also believe that if mental health was a discussion in the 1930s and 40s and 50s, if perhaps there was talk therapy or trauma therapy or medications, the story would look a lot different. But it didn't exist. And I also felt strongly that this story was from the point of view of a white, cis, 20-something male who is narrating the story and seeing this middle-aged woman from his point of view.

And that doesn't make it the truth. That makes it his truth, his point of view. And that, to me, felt very intrusive and very misogynistic. And I said, OK, we've got to do something a little different here with the way we portray Norma Desmond. She's not just fireworks of heightened and theatricality and fancy dresses. There's something on the underbelly of this character that I have to tap into. And I didn't know how it was going to be received because I know our divas of the day, the Betty Buckleys, the Patti LuPone, Elaine Page, Glenn Close, they have been so applauded for the wonderful work they have done playing this odd and highly theatrical character. But I thought, you know, I'm going to make a U-turn and see if I can't do something a little different.

And people may absolutely retract from what it is. But again, going back to compliments, no compliments, if I can set out to do what I was hoping to do, then it's a win. And so I knew we were doing that. We were doing the work and we were doing it honestly and truthfully and really mining the material and trying to find Sammy Kinald and I and Emily Maltby. We all decided to create something and it worked. People were touched. People saw the character in a different way. People were crying and wanting and rooting for this character instead of going, what? This relationship between Joe and Norma, this is ridiculous. They actually wanted them to end up together if circumstances were different. And that was my goal, to just see a beautiful, but very hurt and damaged human underneath all of the glitz and wide eyed theatricality of Norma Desmond.

And when I first saw that video of you in the rehearsal room singing, I mean, I don't know if it was just a mixture of your performance in the rehearsal room. I think I had to do a double take because I thought it was a new work. I didn't realize it was Sunset Boulevard for a moment because of your choices and what I was watching. So I just saw the videos and it really hit me. I can't imagine seeing the whole thing, bring it to Broadway. I know. Wouldn't that be grand? I would love to bring it. It's probably just for a limited engagement. I will applaud every human who has ever played the role because emotionally it's crazy draining, but also crazy fulfilling. But yeah, doing an indefinite run of that, that would be a big ask and a big yes. But to do a limited, holy cow, that would be really fulfilling and I'd love to do it. I'd love it. I'm so glad it's out there in the universe. I hope it comes to fruition. Let's manifest.

[44:06] Stephanie J. Block: Is it Michaela Diamond?

[44:13] Robert Peterpaul: Close. Is it Teal Wicks?

[44:20] Stephanie J. Block: It's Teal Wicks. Yes. It's your other Cher sister. What a dream of a human being she is and talk about a spiritual force.

[44:23] Stephanie J. Block: This is not an internship presentation, this is a live lecture. For Chris and Stephanie, there is no one more empathetic, no one more honest, no one more open to give and to receive and to be present in the moment with you. Whatever that moment brings. Stephanie chooses love, she chooses kindness, she chooses honesty, and she lives that truth every day in every way, from how she takes her coffee to how she speaks truth to power. That's my view anyway, from where I'm sitting.

[44:53] Robert Peterpaul: Well, if he knows how I take my coffee, is this my husband?

[44:55] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah, it's your husband.

[44:56] Robert Peterpaul: It's Sebastian.

[44:57] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah. And he mentioned Charles, who wrote The Boy, The Fox, no, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. Have you seen it? Do you know the book? Do you know the movie? Okay, it's just look that up, listeners. It really is a guide to life in the most simplest, purest and beautiful forms. And one line after another hits you in a way that is just awe-inspiring. So I encourage you to look that up. It's a book, but it's also like a 34-minute animated short that, again, in stillness and in quiet, oh, it will realign your entire being. Again, it's The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. Sebastian Arcelus, I love you so much.

[45:30] Robert Peterpaul: So kind.

[45:31] Stephanie J. Block: I mean, now that I know he's recovering too, so kind that he sent this over. Thank you. I can't believe it, sweet man.

[45:36] Robert Peterpaul: I know.

[45:37] Stephanie J. Block: With his eyes and compression and medication. Right in the other room. Thank you so much. It was so wonderful. And, you know, something else that's really wonderful is I've been helping this, you know, local production of 9 to 5. Shout out to John Jay High School. Oh, my gosh. John Jay High School. I hope they're having the time of their life.

[45:54] Robert Peterpaul: Yes, they are.

[45:55] Stephanie J. Block: And they worship you. And I wondered for you, what's it like to see your work help foster these young artists?

[46:01] Robert Peterpaul: It's one of my greatest joys.

[46:02] Stephanie J. Block: It's still something very hard for me to even, like, comprehend, because the way I view myself really is I look in the mirror and still see an awkward 12-year-old girl who's dreaming of being on stage herself. So when people are using Get Out and Stay Out or Woman or Defying Gravity in their auditions or their showcases, it's wonderful and still so overwhelming to me. But when I know that I can see myself in them because it's an outlet when you're singing or when you get to find yourself in an art form that allows you to express through music, through dance, through poetry. I mean, what a safe haven that is for all people, but especially at that really tender age of, like, junior high through your high school years.

So that is a form of therapy, you all. And I just I feel really honored to be even the smallest part of whatever that those vibrations are for you that kind of settles you and makes you feel your worth and your purpose and your higher divine self. So yay, yay, yay. And just know, again, that all comes from my teacher, Jill. And if I can impart a little bit of what she gave me, I'm going to be able to do it. And if I can impart a little bit of what she gave me, then I'm doing it right. I'm doing it right. And I'm very, very grateful.

[47:03] Robert Peterpaul: Can I ask you a question?

[47:04] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah.

[47:05] Robert Peterpaul: What was the genesis of this podcast?

[47:08] Stephanie J. Block: So when I started acting, I felt like, obviously, I need a day job because, you know, I need to pay the bills. And I've always been a writer and an interviewer. And so I've done a lot of work with celebrity magazines and entertainment magazines and interviewed people. And we were right in the middle of the pandemic. And I was so disheartened at the negative flow of news. All the headlines were just so negative. There were so many awful things going on in the world. I missed the art so much. We were all huddled in our homes. And one day I was using, we have this thing called A-B testing, which most big online outlets or publications will use. So you can put one headline in that you think is going to do well.

And then you can put another headline in, sometimes a third, the A and the B, and it'll test and see which ones people click. Obviously, the really negative stuff was getting a lot of clicks. You know, this person claps back at this person. But on the other end, I saw the data that, you know, so-and-so's wedding album or the royal baby photos, I saw the really positive things were getting clicks too. And it gave me some hope. And I guess all this stuff was marinating in my mind, along with, you know, my brother was sick growing up. And I just saw so many acts of kindness through that route. So it finally hit me in the middle of the night. I woke up, I was like, the art of kindness. I need to show that my people in the business are doing beautiful things, in addition to getting out there in other ways. But that's kind of how it started. And then I just took a month to plan. And away you went. And it's been like a year and a half.

[50:02] Robert Peterpaul: Beautiful.

[50:03] Stephanie J. Block: Well, I was so nervous and excited.

[50:06] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, my gosh.

[50:07] Stephanie J. Block: Heavens, no. Thank you for having me. Thank you for perpetuating good in the world. And I'm happy to return anytime, truly.

[50:16] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's so sweet. And obviously, you know, one of the dream guests is someone you're connected to and that other people have been connected to on here. Dolly Parton.

[50:24] Stephanie J. Block: Wow. She is the seed of kindness. Can I just tell you, working with her, and I should have actually, one of your questions was, have you seen in the rehearsal space or in your artistic life? And yes, she walks in a room and everybody is their better self. I can't express to you because she has lived a life of kindness and truth and beautiful vulnerability. And we all feel like we know her and aspire to what she has put out into the world. Just her being, just her walking into a space. People are on their best behavior. And it is really something to witness that an energy or a certain frequency can be in a room. And she walks in and it's like everybody's metronome all of a sudden starts going at the same speed and the same pitch.

And because of that calm, you all of a sudden are one, like the whole ecosystem in that room becomes one. And when that happens, it's magic. And there was no ego. Joe Mantello, our director would say, Dolly, I don't think these lyrics quite fit or can they be more specific? There was no prickly answer. There was no knee-jerk reaction. She would say, okay, I'll go write something else. And there she would go. And she'd come back with three different versions that were so marvelous, any of which could fit into the score. But she is a real testament to being a good example of kindness and giving and service and humility. She's everything you want her to be. I will try, but I hope you get her on this podcast too because she will bless you and every single person that listens to that episode.

[52:30] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, you're so right. I've gotten close. Her manager's really lovely. And it's just timing. I mean, she's so, all of you that I talk to are so in demand, but she's obviously has a really good practice with self-care and going away to the mountains and not having a cell phone and just living that life, which is beautiful.

[52:45] Stephanie J. Block: I know. So I appreciate you so much opening up about that. And I feel the same way about you. I think you're such a wonderful example. And I would just love if we could end our time here together by you sharing, if you want to, one final tip for listeners that you think they should incorporate into their daily life to make the world better. Something people can do, maybe like a tangible action.

[53:06] Stephanie J. Block: Tangible action. Well, the first thing that came to my head, it came out of the voice of my daughter when she was six. And she was in the back of the car and we were driving and she was noticing all these people getting out of a bus, I guess. And she looked at everybody and she said, mom, why did God make us so that we can see other people from head to toe and every action, but we can't see ourselves in that way unless we look in a mirror? And I said, I think it's because God wants us to always think of the other person maybe first or see ourselves in the other person first. And she said, oh yeah, that feels right. And so that feels right to me, that when we look out in the world and we see human forms, head to toe, going about their lives, that just to bless them, to see them, to recognize yourself in them, they are not different.

We are of the same. And if you can walk through the world like that, I think it would make a huge difference. The ripple effect would be really huge. And it's not a big thing to do. It's really just an awareness of saying, gosh, that person is me and I am them. And if you walk through the world in that way, it all changes.

[54:36] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, it's an energy.

[54:37] Stephanie J. Block: It is so contagious.

[54:38] Robert Peterpaul: It is an energy.

[54:39] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah, it is. And you know, we're all saying the same thing. It's the golden rule, essentially, right? Love others as you love yourself. Treat others as you would treat yourself. It's all the same. We just say it a little differently. But if you can see it just ever so slightly tilted where you're like, that person is me and I am that person, I am that person. I'm telling you that energy that you speak of, I think will be fuller, more buoyant, more grateful, more joyous, more just. And that's kindness. Leading with love.

[55:16] Robert Peterpaul: And it makes me think of, too, the beautiful theme song to your podcast, which again, everyone subscribe to Stages. I think you say love where you are now.

[55:24] Stephanie J. Block: Exactly. I think you sing that.

[55:25] Robert Peterpaul: That's right. Where you are right now, not where you were yesterday, not where you're going to be, but right now. Just love it.

[55:31] Stephanie J. Block: Yeah, I love where I am right now. I feel like too.

[55:34] Robert Peterpaul: I love my time with you. Our shirts are matching.

[55:38] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, and I don't want it to end. I am so grateful again that we have someone like you to look up to is not only fiercely talented, but beautiful inside and out. And I cannot thank you enough for this time together. It was so special to me. And I just wish you and your family the best. And I hope your time on the road is magical.

[55:56] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you very much. I wish you and your family all the best as well.

[55:59] Stephanie J. Block: Oh, thank you. I'm so bad at leaving Zoom, Stephanie, but I...

[56:02] Robert Peterpaul: Okay, I'll be first. How about that?

[56:04] Stephanie J. Block: I admire you.

[56:05] Robert Peterpaul: Do it.

[56:06] Stephanie J. Block: Bye. Happy day.

[56:07] Robert Peterpaul: You too.

[56:16] Robert Peterpaul: And now it's time for your kindness tip of the week.

[56:24] Robert Peterpaul: Today, I have enlisted the help of the one and only love of my life, Miss Cassie Peter-Paul to do the kindness tip with me because I am currently in a show, an 80s musical, shout out, Downtown Cabaret Theater in Connecticut. Come see us through Easter weekend, I believe. And as you can tell, I have no voice. So Cassie is here to give us a wonderful kindness tip that we have talked about before, but I do feel like it's important to remind you all. So Cassie, say hello.

[56:54] Cassie Peter-Paul: Hi, everyone.

[56:56] Robert Peterpaul: Your kindness tip of the week.

[56:59] Cassie Peter-Paul: Is it the week? Kindness tip of the week of the episode?

[57:02] Robert Peterpaul: Sure, week, day, whatever you're listening, the year.

[57:03] Cassie Peter-Paul: Is to support local theater. So we are lucky to be a part of one of our favorite local theaters, like Rob said, the Downtown Cabaret. And we have friends who are in a ton of productions and they've really opened up our eyes about how many different theaters and communities of theatrical folk are out there. So our kindness tip is to support those theaters around you. Spread the word. A lot of the time they have some fundraisers and they have moments when you can optimize your donations. So keep an eye out for that too.

[57:42] Robert Peterpaul: And yeah, keep an eye out for that.

[57:45] Cassie Peter-Paul: Well said.

[57:45] Robert Peterpaul: I found that Todaytix and probably other platforms, if you put in your location instead of just New York, you can see some local theater things coming in.

[57:54] Cassie Peter-Paul: Yes, they've opened it up to some regional theaters. And most regional theaters and local theaters are nonprofits. So your donations really support them and help them keep going, especially as everybody tries to climb out of this post-shutdown world. So I love that kindness tip. And I think we touched on it with Stephanie talking about working on local productions and how she loves to see kids play the role she's played and bring their own lives to it. So I think that's a really wonderful tip. Definitely go do that wherever you are.

[58:23] Robert Peterpaul: And thank you, Cassie, for popping by. We always love to hear from you.

[58:27] Cassie Peter-Paul: You're welcome.

[58:30] Robert Peterpaul: All right, I'm gonna go rest my voice, but I thank you all so much for listening. I wish you a wonderful day wherever you are in this wild world. And as always, I hope until next time you remember...

[58:45] Cassie Peter-Paul: Everything's gonna be A-OK!

[58:48] Robert Peterpaul: I don't know if you heard that from across the apartment, but everything is going to be A-OK.

[58:53] ♪♪