Character Study: Sutton Foster Transforms from Bway Sweetheart to Reno Sweeney of "Anything Goes"

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Ever want to hear the inner thoughts of your favorite stars as they're transforming to make magic on the stage? Welcome to the new Broadway.com video series, Character Study, which will bring you Broadway's biggest talents talking intimately about their onstage alter egos as our cameras watch them transform. First up is Broadway golden girl Sutton Foster, who shares insight on Reno Sweeney, the legendary soul-saver she plays eight times a week in Anything Goes.

[@hlkeeley5374]

she walks into her dressing room head down not looking around and leaves head held high confident with a little swagger meeting all eyes...

[@madeleine.exists9207]

She seems like one of those actors who's really shy and unassuming in everyday lifw but then just lights up the stage with unbelievable talent.

[@-gachaguy-]

Ik this comment is old but its so true! I was surprised when I saw how calm she is

[@clemmiemayhew456]

yeah they tend to be the best ones

[@clemmiemayhew456]

@@-gachaguy- I know I found that extraordinary! She said about this because she loved Patti LuPone's version so much she was terrified, and yet she played that role to PERFECTION and won her second Tony because of it. I saw her West End version last summer and she was fantastic again.

[@jacksonhoopah]

She is. I saw her in The Music Man with Hugh Jackman. I know that isn't her usual type of vocal role. She's more of a pingy beltress than legit soprano, but she is such an amazing actress. I really enjoyed watching her take on a challenging role. I'M OBSESSED

[@helloshanaynay]

It's comforting for me to hear that she too sometimes struggle with confidence, it shows just how real she is, that she's just like regular non-famous people. I do kinda find it hard to believe that she of all people doesn't have all the confidence in the world, sutton does everything perfectly!! She played Reno so well it seemed like it was written for her. I guess that just shows how great of an actor she is. Anyway, I love her so much and someday I will meet her !! She's phenomenal!

[@sunbeamsami]

My God. She's stunning with or without makeup. She's also one of those people who can rock a wig, which I think is a serious blessing. God knows I can't do that.

[@J0SIE4EVA]

I had the pleasure of seeing her perform recently and she is an _absolute_ inspiration to me. After one of her numbers, the entire audience immediately jumped to their feet and started applauding, and even after all these years of awards and praise for her work she still had no idea what to do with this and started to shrink in on herself and look around with awe and bashfulness. I was shocked that someone so incredibly captivating, with the amazing ability to make audiences hold their breath throughout the entirety of a song, could really be so shy and humble (and, to hear what she says in this video, feel as if they don't hold the attention of everybody in the room). As someone who suffers greatly with shyness in performing (and life in general) this really motivated me to keep pursuing this career. To see someone with such great talent and presence still be awkward and unsure of herself when she was showered with admiration in greeting us after the show was something that resonated with me greatly, and that I hope will motivate others to continue doing what they love in spite of any doubt.

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

I can't believe all these actresses are doing their own makeup

[@newelizad4776]

Yep. They do. Depending of the characters they have help as Elphaba's from Wicked make up for exemple. But all they do their own makeup.

[@ej3016]

why - an actress (actor) knows what works for them better than any makeup artist would - plus - putting on your makeup before each performance is a big part of getting “into character”

[@clemmiemayhew456]

@@ItinerantIntrovert they get it done or taught how to do it at the start of the run - often it helps with getting into character - if they can do it on their own why get someone else

[@MissGarland1986]

Really cool - She walked in as Sutton, then literally walked out as Reno. Other than the cosmetic transformation, you could see the difference in the physicality. Sutton walked in dorky yet funny, Reno walked out sassy and classy. 🥰🥰 Love it.

[@natisinvisible]

2:58 God, her smile is so gorgeous

[@125Dave8]

This was awesome. Sutton is the sort of girl that's really doesn't use a lot of make up, she's very clean-faced. It's amazing how much she changes with just a bit of make up and a blonde wig.

[@UltimateJoolsFan]

I know she played Millie on Broadway, but she actually has a Mary Tyler Moore look about her (MTM played Dorothy Rose in the movie)... But she is undeniably, perfectly Sutton :)

[@classixdrummer]

3:00 - That smile, oh my goodness. Lights the whole room. Also, Reno never had nicer wheels, ever!

[@soulfulJoi]

she literally looks SO good as reno

[@raingriswold3201]

Million dollar smile. Omg. 💞

[@mmbr01rrf]

As you apply the make-up of the character you "become" the character. Most find it to be part of the process. Sometimes the character comes to you from the outside --> in. As you apply make-up, sometimes as you don the clothing of the character--> the character envelops you. Not all people work this way but it's part of the process.

[@tillyboos]

DEFINITELY TRUE. Some characters come from the outside in, and some from the inside out.

[@ellenspear7368]

Love Sutton Foster! She was so adorable as Bret's girlfriend on HBO's Flight of the Conchords. It's great to see what else she can do.

[@abnarain8359]

Ellen Spear and that was such a shy role. had no idea she was so lively and charming until I saw the Shrek musical

[@EM-zt4ul]

OH MY GOSH ~ I want to overcome my shyness and major in musical theatre ~ So many people have written so many songs that I don't just want to be a singer and repeat what's already been said. I lack vocal experience so that will be a struggle but singing is very important to me and I love getting into the feelings of a song, which is why musical theatre would be the best. I'm fascinated by watching musicals.

[@christineliew209]

Go for it!! :D

[@emia8119]

I used to be very shy too! I didn't even want to step on a stage when I was younger. One day I just told myself to get over it and join drama. I've loved being on stage ever since. I plan to major in musical theatre as well. You won't regret it!

[@EM-zt4ul]

Funniest thing is that I have a friend named Emily Arroyo but you are a different person lol. Thanks to both of you for giving me hope! ^ - ^

[@EM-zt4ul]

And I'm obsessed with The Little Mermaid !!! (just saying)

[@emia8119]

+Elsa Agðarsdotter Thats hilarious! Tell her she has a double in the world 😂 Seeing your profile pic I'm assuming we both share a love for Disney in general so I'm not surprised! Follow your dreams! Once you take the first step against your fear it crumbles at your feet. Trust me, I've been there.

[@britt-sen]

Im always impressed by actors and dancers applying their own make up. I would think they're given an initial tutorial. Loved her in AG.

[@BillieBway]

she is really beautiful... she has a wonderful smile at the end of the video ! I love her style I love her voice.. simply amazing!

[@ericarichter5542]

She's so amazingly talented. I loved her in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shrek, Little Women, and now in Anything goes! Her voice is amazing and she can do any character

[@cargoat]

It's amazing to see how much they change with just a different costume how much an actor fits into their part

[@abialston8476]

Sutton is an absolute joy

[@user-bq4xk2yh6i]

She is honestly so stunning like what a slay

[@aaronford2184]

I once heard a wig designer say that putting on a wig sucks away all of your facial features. And it's so true watching this video

[@singinggurly]

I get to see her perform live in less than a month beyond stoked GAH

[@katyodo18]

Can I get Sutton Fosters talent To-Go, PLEASE? appreciated.

[@brianeduardo1234]

Interesting... and the hairdresser is gorgeous!

[@Albert4679]

I miss her on Bunheads! :(

[@CorinneMichelleMusic]

this character break down seriously helped me out, my school is doing anything goes this fall, thank god for Sutton!!

[@TheNextIdinaMenzel]

this made me cry - the way she understands her character and envies her and her confidence. bless her soul.

[@TheHenes]

wow , Sutton Foster ist absolutely cute , actually one of the best musical actresses

[@BeccaSuskauer]

~Modesty~Confidence~Realization~Talent~Reno~Sutton~ She is just amazing

[@MaryTheTeapot]

She is an amazing woman. She understands her character and really steps into her shoes. And if that weren't enough, she is incredibly talented and is a triple threat and really brings the character to life.

[@samanthamasse668]

I love how I can just see her eyes and know that this is Sutton. She is such a unique and perfect person, I love her aww

[@lindseyaustin857]

favorite moment 2:58!! lol love sutton foster!:):)

[@SarahTowlerr]

Sutton is fabulous!!

[@giraffeonthesofa]

Sutton. You. are. my. idol. You have inspired me so much!

[@1949Ironman]

Lovely....just lovely. Bravo Sutton Foster!

[@michaiahjackson6784]

and THIS is why I love Sutton Foster.

[@shadowweaver3693]

omg shes absolutely stunning

[@cinderella458]

I LOVE YOU SUTTON FOSTER!!!!!!!!!

[@bridgeebee22]

i LOVEEE her with blonde hair!!! DYE IT!!!! gotta love sutton foster!!!

[@neurofire]

And she can sing, dance and act!

[@valleyguy1123]

Gorgeous woman and great singer!

[@Melanie-bm7vh]

Absolutely stunning... such a big, beautiful, heartwarming smile.

[@GreatBroadwayFan]

In my opinion, Sutton Foster is the greatest Broadway performer of the 21st century!!!!!!!!!

[@venus3086]

she is such a queen

[@NothingbutNails514]

I LOVE YOU SUTTON FOSTER!!!!! AND YOU ARE AMAZING IN THIS SHOW!!!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@alanafay]

she’s so beautiful.

[@SheeshSimon]

wow amazing transformation i wish she could always be like reno

[@mspivey2]

I just noticed that she has Catching Fire (The Hunger Games) on her dressing room couch!!! I didn't think it was possible to love her any more than I did before, but now...!!!! :D

[@clemmiemayhew456]

Sutton Foster. What a legend.

[@SarahtheWimpykid]

i so love her. she is so talented

[@Msoperagirl2011]

I love her! She is like my idol.

[@simplywill]

that was incredible. gooness i love what we do.

[@noramartinez2726]

Sutton rocks!!!!!!

[@ElphabaEmerald182]

SHe is just wonderful. Plus, totally gorgeous as a blonde!

[@lizamhill27]

that is THE most fantastic wig.

[@karenkaren3189]

I just love her.🙂

[@LuvlyUnknown]

She has such a cute little nose...awww...Luv Sutton Foster and character portrayals....she's fantastic.....

[@WendIaBergman]

Please do more of these.

[@DSAK55]

Wonderfully smile

[@xcupcakecutiex665]

Her simile OMG👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍

[@jcthefluteman]

@GreatBroadwayFan That's a big call... she's right up there, I agree. But Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Nikki James, Kristin Chenoweth, Andrew Rannells... there's a lot of competition!

[@BIGGANGSTACHICK]

wow she flippin beautiful

[@mmbr01rrf]

@weemizzi I think the wires & tiny pack are in the mesh under her wig on the back of the top of her head and the actual mic is brought out thru the front, right in the middle just under where the hair arcs as it flips over.

[@Michael.Quinichett]

Paul baby, I LOVE this!

[@Debhare1]

interesting video... so cool to see her transform

[@hensonmilam]

Now I have to restart the video - I was so busy admiring how gorgeous and perfect Sutton is, I forgot to listen to what she was saying

[@russellewis3331]

Pretty sure that Sutton foster is god and I worship at her church Broadway girls are amazing thank you for your talent and hard work you and all Broadway girls are sent boundless love from edmonton

[@DuhAverageJoe]

Amazing transformation!

[@judithsmith007]

My favorite!

[@bbbbbx5]

This would be a great series! Please continue with other men and women, including smaller roles. But first interview Bernadette or Jan at Follies!

[@addiople]

I love how girlish her face is - so timeless!

[@nerdthemighty1]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@miritskeen]

OK WOW I LOVE THIS A LOT

[@kitkat5902]

when i met her i was right where this video was filmed.. i feel cool :)

[@Erikad418]

This video is so fantastic! Sutton is my idol! (and I third Bernadette!)

[@skyalemar1070]

I'm playing Reno at my highschool in a couple weeks and what makes me really nervous is that I'm not the "typical size" i guess you can say. Im not this super slim tall woman and i feel like that sets me back in finding her character a little bit, i don't know how to explain it

[@TheImperfectRose]

i wouldn't be able to do my own makeup if i were on the stage ,i can barely do it now.

[@alenance5871]

the makeup artists teach you and help you in rehearsals when needed i believe

[@TheSpicygymnast]

2:59 she is gorgeous!

[@JoshGIsHere]

Sad i probably wont see this show... My family doesnt have time to go to new york.

[@EllenAltman]

damn even sutton foster's wig cap is ripped

[@Michaell922]

she is amazing....and has amazing skin!! I love that is a no makeup hottie

[@nerdthemighty1]

Thank you!: )

[@jcthefluteman]

@TheTHESPIANS101 I don't believe I mentioned anything about Tony Awards, but... sure... o.O

[@VonLampley]

@Jcthefluteman and Patina Miller too ! :)

[@JillianCristina]

That wig. And if sutton were to ever dye her hair blonde, damn she could really pull if off.

[@mayaharrison3138]

wow

[@davidrecordz139]

me too

[@RazzleMdazzleM]

If you didn't have very much make up on onstage, your face would look completely washed out and flat because of the lighting. The makeup give people's features definition so that the audience can enjoy looking at them and be able to see their facial expressions. The makeup looks normal from the audience.

[@sford557]

Shes cute ❤

[@sidneylentz4375]

Smokin' hot.

[@brittanycarriger]

this made you cry?

[@TorrRJ]

Love Sutton, Love the Makeup, Love the Dress - - - hate hate hate the WIG!!

[@nerdthemighty1]

Hi Theater people! I need help! I have blonde eyebrows and I have to make them darker when I go onstage. I recently used dark eyeshadow but it got kind of messy. What should I use to make them darker?

[@ummmmmmmm7]

IS THAT YOU SUTTON FOSTER GIRL ? WORK ...fierce

[@mmbr01rrf]

In the legitimate theater you do your own make-up.

[@micawoodburn9250]

firstly, that’s dismissive of the hair and makeup people who are hired for expertise and convenience, especially in big theatre productions such as Broadway, West End, etc. It’s such a big production, she probably didn’t have time to do her own makeup. Secondly, there are many types of theatre. Don’t dismiss this just because they didn’t have to do it like you may have done/read/watched. Thirdly, someone is HELPING her. You can see she’s applying her own makeup as well.

[@KeyboardCake]

Um

[@silenthillmaster755]

she was scared? of what?

[@kristenguz]

purchase an eyebrow pencil, or buy a product that comes with both a wax and a powder and apply it with an angled brush.