Stephanie J. Block - Memory

Stephanie J. Block singing Memory

[@ciaransammon]

That voice. Goodness me. You never forget your first Elphaba.

[@msgn1445]

She was my first Elphaba too!! June 2008

[@marspowr]

i have no idea who my first Elphie was 😅 it was an understudy and I lost the slip of paper that went with the playbill

[@lynmariegm]

and now she's a tony winner. well-deserved ♡

[@broadwayboundguy]

The Muny is amazing. I love how the chirping of the crickets in the background actually add to this scene. It's really quite beautiful.

[@chickenofrobot567]

Cats is best preformed outdoors!

[@allyson--]

You're so right 🥺

[@zuzupetals1999]

This was at the Muny in St. Louis. It's an outdoor theater that puts on shows that run for a week or so during the summer. They bring in Broadway stars to support the local company. This was the summer of 2011. As usual, Stephanie gave a clinic on how the Broadway people do musicals. You have to remember that this is an outdoor stage, so the acoustics are less than ideal. SJB blows the audience away (as usual). Is there anything this musical Goddess can't do?

[@1amSam]

It was also like 90 degrees in all that fur and hair

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

Hands down the best rendition of this song.

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

+theaterfever17 I didn't like her rendition at all. it's too blah and she hasn't put her stamp on it

[@ericmorgan47]

+theaterfever17 Elaine was in the London production!

[@philskala8938]

+theaterfever17 Actually Betty Buckley played this role on Broadway when it came across the pond... Elaine Paige did it in the West End in London

[@streisand2391]

No. She's remarkable but Barbra Streisand's rendition reins and slays all

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

nah

[@lisafs0902]

Wow... she's perfect. Never heard her sing in exactly that tone before. My heart broke.

[@britishbeauty1016]

I've said it once, I've said it a thousand Times. GIVE THE WOMAN A FUCKING TONY ALL READY!

[@flightsimpilot5791]

This is the most accurate statement ever. She deserves it so badly

[@CoNnOr17rEd]

+BritishBeauty101 Idina has her Tony unfortunately..

[@purrkittycatman6496]

agreed

[@EIizabethGrace]

+Connor Twigg Idina has her own, well deserved Tony. What's fucked up is that Sephanie doesn't. If the Pirate Queen had had a long run, no one could have taken it away from her. Such a shame. Well, here's hoping.

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

+Alyssa Smith thank you!! Even if Stephanie was the original Elphie (personally I don't like her as much in that role) she may have not won that Tony so by default saying she would because Idina did is stupid. Her Pirate Queen and Drood are amazing and I wish she won for the latter especially.

[@hales0022]

I hate cats. but GOD DAMN. Even I got chills and felt moved. We stan SJB.

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

Pretty much yeah

[@broust.waynee]

4:58 (click to ascend to the astral plane)

[@monicacarranco8525]

(Click to clear all problems in the world)

[@thornolie]

(Click to ascend to the Heavyside Layer)

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

(Click to be accepted by the musical goddess herself)

[@bryanambition]

hahaha HAHAHAHAHAHA YES!!!! it's just...perfection.

[@mayag224]

IMMEDIATE CHILLS

[@nintendonut100]

I've never really been a fan of this song, or of Cats in general, but SJB sings and acts this one so perfectly here that I kinda get the appeal.

[@rancidprince3133]

There’s a LOT of fantastic versions of this song, but this is 100% up there with the best

[@jonadol]

such a properly placed vocal break ugh it added something to the climax of the song. Amazing

[@Aarondefyinggravity]

Stephanie J Block is a true artist ... beautiful

[@nickiebarron6016]

What role has this beautiful, amazing, woman not done?

[@icarofernandes]

I believe she hasn't played the Witch from Into the Woods... Now I'm thinking about how that would be PERFECT

[@chrisstoren1954]

Norma Desmond

[@ImNotOdd]

@@icarofernandes i feel like she'd be MUCH better as the baker's wife

[@eddieferran5471]

@@chrisstoren1954 that is the best idea I’ve heard in a long time

[@heneedsloveoooh]

my dreamcast is sjb as diana goodman n2n or christine lnd

[@morimoomoo]

personally not a cats fan but i constantly come back to this video. what an icon

[@HeldaBlack]

Wow she is amazing. Sorry Elaine, but this is honestly the best "Memory" I've ever heard in my life! Love you SJB

[@yasnielmua9293]

The other actors in the background must be like ... "Wow , you go bitch... You go"

[@ZacBrzuchalski]

i was in/ helped with this production…. yes every time SJB started to sing(even during warm ups) we all just sat there and listened. We were also sweating to death as this was Missouri summer weather and we had to wear fur costumes lol

[@lukepevensie]

@@ZacBrzuchalski if they do the wizard of oz in USA, I want SJB as Mrs Gulch, Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth reprise their witches

[@andresfelipe619]

I never knew she played this role... She is truly amazing!

[@worldturning]

the AUDACITY! (if you know, you know)

[@brettewilson]

That lovely cat costume and her expressions when Jemima joins before the final verse (not to mention her singing which sounds nearly effortless and still heartfelt).⭐😿

[@lindapoplin9961]

You can feel the pain @4:57 that why is so emotional to me love her

[@alicialambert2185]

She is just amazing. SJB, Idina Menzel & Kristin chenoweth are my idols. Proud. All I can say. She's amazing

[@thornolie]

She just sounds so on point. There are some amazing renditions of this, but when I think of a great musical theater belt, I think of SJB's voice!

[@jxx6324]

sjb is one of my absolute favourites by far, shes incredible

[@annikala]

Wow and now I’m crying? This is incredible

[@swaingles]

What a beautiful voice, what a beautiful interpretation.

[@holisterhottie14]

She's beautiful and amazing. I loved her in Wicked.

[@emilypassaro1847]

I GOT MAD CHILLS BRO

[@msgn1445]

She was Elphaba when I first saw Wicked in 2008, and I never knew she portrayed this character and sang this song!!! The very best I’ve ever heard! This song was huge pageant song in the 80’s.

[@josephball2623]

THE AUDACITY

[@lindapoplin9961]

Brought me to tears 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@birdbelle]

Goosebumps! She's phenomenal!

[@NeonWonderland83]

DAY-UM gurl, you so good.

[@katielawrence5420]

I love Stephanie J. Block.

[@bway_car08]

Steph is amazing! love her

[@pibbitybibbity6599]

Such a beautifully written song, performed by an amazingly talented performer, in an incredibly ludicrous show.

[@LPM12]

she is friggin amazing!!!

[@3nfi8a04ofgnaijh3]

honestly this is the only song i can listen to from cats, and sjb's version is the only version i can listen to, she is flawless

[@KLK1618]

Absolutely beautiful! I love her so much!

[@sela930]

got to do Funny Girl with her and literally would stand off stage to watch her do Music That Makes Me Dance eeeevery night.

[@beatricethetheatregeek8604]

Omg really?

[@musicalboy]

SJB for Grizabella in the bway revival!

[@entertainer1987]

+musicalboy As much as I'd like that to happen, she's returning to Broadway this year in 'Falsettos'.

[@purrkittycatman6496]

I'm all for that.

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

Oh if only this wish came true. I like Leona but this is the only version I will listen to more than Streisand, Paige, or Buckley

[@RizwanJaganiViolist]

+ctn04132 yeah I've been hearing things about her acting. Vocally she's great. It'll be interesting to see how she grows with the role.

[@chickenofrobot567]

Mamie did better than Leona, who only stayed for 3 months!

[@yiessyv.5228]

Wow! Me quito el sombrero, asombrosa interpretación ❤️👌🏻su voz!!! 😍

[@freekythefish]

I get goosebumps everytime

[@jonathansalinas9688]

anybody else start crying at 4:59?

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

the singing, the staging -- just perfect --- down on the ground when shes singing an octave below, then standing to go back up the octave and freaking Nailing It! man oh man :)

[@tannermulkay6332]

Yes

[@omelette4604]

WHAT AN ICON

[@com2536]

Queen

[@trinaweisenbachfeld6402]

I didn't recognize Stephanie when she turned her head to the camera because if all of the white makeup but hearing her voice reminded me that this was her.

[@utoobah]

OMG She actually got a LOT better over the years. The older she got the better she sings!!!

[@fransong]

AMAZING

[@ValtronW]

Awesome performance. The orchestra is BEAUTIFUL and the pacing is perfect. My only small criticism (if I'd even call it that) is I wish she would have held back on the belting just a tad during the first half of the song- would have made the impact of the belt that much stronger.

[@politereminder6284]

I totally disagree. She is strongest in her last verse. Furthermore, That extreme soft technique is the preserve of studio sound or of indoor sound or perfect sound conditions. Here she is in an outdoor theatre where any softer and she would have disappeared.

[@chicagocarless]

Why? Buckley didn’t. At all.

[@AshleighBee]

Just saw cats and had to come back to this video just to perfect ❤❤

[@angelofmusic1989]

This is at the Muny in St. Louis...my home town!

[@real90sjesus]

Im not crying, you are

[@V0r4xiz]

I cry every single fucking time. Like on command. Fuck... SJB is incredible.

[@heneedsloveoooh]

…i guess you could say you can cry on cue /ref

[@bway_car08]

YESSSS QUEEN

[@jhc18823]

I don't know how she subtly changed the verse enough to not make it totally noticeable that she sang the wrong verse the first time. They probably didn't care, because she sounds amazing.

[@BobJoeman]

I believe this is the stage version, which has different lyrics than Elaine Paige's record

[@broadwayfanatic94]

WOW...4:58 just perfection

[@ClairetteRRRRR]

And i am crying now... SJB is a godess

[@Choco20sm]

Queen! That's all I'm gonna say.

[@emmamaguire1498]

oh my god. At first I laughed, but by 5:40 I was getting weepy. SJB for the kill!

[@BenDGrimm]

In my opinion, she is the only person who has sung the climax of this song at the same level as the original Betty Buckley (whose performance I honestly still prefer). They both balance total vocal command with the abandon and desperation of the moment. Incredible!

[@chrisjacobs7417]

I want to see stephanie take on Norma Desmond. I think she would slay it.

[@PS-DLMA]

@@chrisjacobs7417 well you were early on your desire for this.....meant to happen 2023

[@chrisjacobs7417]

@@PS-DLMA I know. I subscribed to the entire series to guarantee I got tickets to that show. I absolutely cannot wait

[@Rachipupu]

I GOT CHILLS

[@darlingbecky]

This was July 2010

[@princesspoop6531]

That vibrato though. FUCKING GET IT GIRL

[@pennyj5595]

Anyone else here from that one tiktok 😂😂

[@multimakeupdoll]

CHILLS

[@grantholmes3615]

MEMORY (FROM CATS) LYRICS Midnight, not a sound from the pavement Has the moon lost her memory? She is smiling alone In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet And the wind begins to moan Memory, All alone in the moonlight I can smile at the old days I was beautiful then I remember the time I knew what happiness was Let the memory live again Every streetlamp seems to beat A fatalistic warning Someone mutters and the street lamp gutters And soon It will be morning Daylight I must wait for the sunrise I must think of a new life And I mustn't give in When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too And a new day will begin Burnt out ends of smokey days The stale cold smell of morning The street lamp dies, another night is over Another day is dawning (Optional verse:) Sunlight through the trees in summer Endless masquerading Like a flower, as the day is breaking The memory is fading Touch me It's so easy to leave me All alone with my memory Of my days in the sun If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is Look, a new day has begun

[@Darenkelg]

omg. day made =]

[@marylambeth3064]

St Louis beautiful muny opera house!

[@Nacho-Mamma]

She is wonderful. But, no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t beat the queen of “Cats”, Betty Buckley! She was the best!

[@ericmorgan47]

This was taken at the Muny in Sant Louis MO, I was there and of clourse the day I went, Ken Page and Stephanie J Block where also there, and during the JB it started pouring down rain!!!!! Ruined it for me!!!!

[@charleskaye2448]

Beautiful rendition. Note to future performers ... no need to shout.

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

when and where was this filmed? She sounds incredible

[@treciep]

At the Muny (outdoor theater) in St. Louis, Missouri in the Summer of 2011

[@russellwright1324]

Where and when was this performed?

[@zuzupetals1999]

+Russell Wright The MUNY in St. Louis. It's an outdoor theater that brings in a few Broadway performers to work with the local theater troupe. The shows typically run for about two weeks in the summer. I believe this was recorded in 2010. These people have no idea how lucky they were to witness this performance. SJB never disappoints!

[@russellwright1324]

+zuzupetals1999 thanks for the info. Not a big SJB fan but very impressed with this performance!

[@UnderTheElm]

What year was this?

[@simplystreeptacular]

SJB don't need no stinkin' acoustics to help her blow your mind - she can do that just fine aaaalll by her own damn self.

[@lyndes33]

3:30 pure ear candy

[@Finjen22]

Where was this performed??

[@sapphire3215]

I think the muny?

[@christianborlestapshoes8893]

i absolutely hate cats, but sjb never fails to blow me away every time she opens her mouth

[@Finjen22]

🥰😱✨🥺

[@thelegendofzoey]

i am once again asking how the other actors don’t violently sob during this lmao

[@ken86311]

When was this?

[@laurenvalencia_6]

I hate cats but the TOUCHH MMEEEEEEE gave me life.

[@ruby7226]

4:49

[@ValtronW]

That may be, but her volume in the beginning is just a bit too much for me, personally. If she had started out singing more softly, it would have made the impact of the belt even more powerful.

[@remyfacade]

Was this a tour?

[@CreepTime]

This video alone makes me believe in God lmao

[@courtneyxxooo]

She's the only one who comes close to Elaine Paige

[@hefinrosser8685]

What am I watching??

[@lukepevensie]

Stephanie puts a balance of emotions in this song, Jennifer Hudson is too much, haha. elaine paige is awesome too.

[@hefinrosser8685]

Is this a professional production???

[@inlovewithJLT]

The MUNY

[@lukasbastek2166]

Have you ever heard Mamie Paris singing this? Check her out. She’s the best ✌🏻

[@bellefloop5363]

marry me thanks

[@chickenofrobot567]

As much as I love SJB, I think Mamie did this song better. This is a close second though!

[@mybraineatseverything7404]

SJB is not nearly as well-known as she should be.

[@carwyncymru]

Is this a national tour? No offence but it looks like a high school production and the orchestra is very week! A high school orchestra would be better!!!

[@jillsison9747]

Hefin Rosser weak