Cher arrived in Chicago to catch a performance of the out-of-town tryout of the Broadway-bound The Cher Show June 23, and two of the musical’s stars—Tony nominees Stephanie J. Block and Jarrod Spector—spoke to local media days later about what it was like to take the stage for the legend.

“We've been anticipating her arrival,” said Block. “I must admit I was a little more nervous meeting her in New York a rehearsal room with fluorescent lights and her sitting this far from me and having to play Cher for Cher this close.”

Block is one of three actors portraying Cher, playing the eldest version known as Star. “It’s not in the normal way of a linear bio-musical; I like to think of it as a Cher-apy session. The younger version is this beautiful, vulnerable, fearless, wide-open heart. We have Lady played by Teal Wicks, [when Cher is] more confident, she’s finding her voice. I’m more the icon, the ‘Star.’”

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Cher told Block the experience was exhilarating, but she did have a few notes. “We're changing a lot. We're still rehearsing every day,” said Block.

“The audiences here are smart and discerning but really kind and gracious,” Spector added.

While Block feels honored to portray Cher herself, Spector takes the responsibility of playing the “love of her life” with great pride. “I appreciate the challenge of presenting that for her and hopefully doing him justice and doing their relationship justice,” he said.

The Cher Show will arrive on Broadway November 1 at the Neil Simon Theatre prior to a December 3 opening night.