Stars from 'Wicked' to perform with Utah Symphony

Noted guest singers Stephanie J. Block and Julia Murney, both having played the role of Elphaba in the hit musical "Wicked" on Broadway, will join the Utah Symphony and Principal Pops Conductor Jerry Steichen for an evening of musical highlights from the Great White Way.

The performances, Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. in Abravanel Hall, will feature tunes from "Wicked," "Chicago," "Spamalot," "Ragtime," "Phantom of the Opera" and much more.

Stephanie J. Block has established herself as one of Broadway's most relevant and versatile leading ladies. She recently starred in "9 to 5: The Musical" as Judy Bernly, earning her a Drama Desk nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She has also starred as Elphaba in the Broadway Company of "Wicked" and recorded her debut solo album, "This Place I Know." She also starred in the First Nat'l Touring Company of "Wicked" as Elphaba, for which she won the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actress and the Carbonell Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Block has sung with numerous symphony orchestras throughout United States.

Julia Murney last appeared on Broadway as Elphaba in "Wicked" after playing the role on the national tour for which she received an Acclaim Award. Other New York credits include "Lennon," Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party" (Drama Desk nomination), "The Vagina Monologues," "A Class Act," "Saved," "Crimes of the Heart" "First Lady Suite," and "Time and Again" (Lucille Lortel nomination). She's been seen regionally all over the United States and in concert she has performed at Joe's Pub, Feinstein's, The Kennedy Center, Caramoor, Town Hall and Birdland, as well as with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops and Steven Reineke and the Cincinnati Pops. Among her TV credits are "30 Rock," "Sex and the City," "Ed," "NYPD Blue," all three "Law and Orders" and about a gazillion voiceovers.

Ticket information is available at www.usuo.org.