Musical Theatre Spotlight: Sutton Foster

So, what do you guys think of these? These literally take about a fiftieth of the time the evolution videos take, so I’d be able to get them up a little more regularly. Obviously some performers will be easier to find footage for than others, so I can’t make any promises about who I’ll cover and what roles I’ll include.

[@paigechristoffers4787]

She’s one of the few people that can pull off any hair color

[@ej3016]

but not every wig - what did they make her wear in Sweet Charity - looks like a rag mop - literally

[@susanpayer3472]

She is just so amazing!

[@kittmarie8285]

yesss. I mean why not?! lol!

[@meganchan1509]

Sutton Foster is the definition of triple threat

[@Tillysnow1]

It's so fitting that her first Broadway role was 'Star To Be'... because she would soon become a STAR

[@MrsKiarara94]

This woman doesn't age. She is outstanding too.

[@KyKanda]

Her voice before Millie is good, but her voice after Millie (and today) is SENSATIONAL! Before Millie, her high notes are very pushed chest and she really struggles with the Les Mis low notes. But whatever she did to prepare for Millie, and whatever vocal coach she worked with, did a stunning job! By the time of Anything Goes she's a real broadway beltress!

[@fergusmurray1828]

Before Millie she had absolutely no training, she began having lessons in preparation for the Millie. Her teacher is/was the legendary Joan Lader, who won an honorary Tony for the very effective technique she teaches.

[@easycheesy5717]

And I think also it is her voice changing, like when she did Millie, and before then, because she was quite young

[@normagilpin7841]

I guess "that" tone quality is what's needed for Broadway but when she "belts" it's just sooo harsh and I'm looking for ear plugs. However, listening to some of these vignettes, there were songs when she was singing more softly/gently and she did have an enjoyable tone quality.

[@fergarzaaa3076]

the devil works hard, but sutton foster in the early 2000s works harder

[@liahadams7796]

Facts

[@ggchiu7400]

The amount of vibratos this woman contains

[@krzwis5632]

I like this concept. Following a musical theatre actor as they go from singing role to singing role. I would love to see it done to all sorts of actors and actresses

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Is there anyone who's gone from ensemble to lead? That would be amazing to see.

[@Alex-lq6wj]

@@lovemesomeslippers Presley Ryan went from ensemble to understudy to leading lady in Beetlejuice on Broadway :] she’s really good

[@lovedorlovedyou7453]

Me preparing for her comeback in Music Man :D

[@bethanybland7633]

Cece W and Jessie mueller

[@saschahoupt6177]

Right?!?!?

[@sev9081]

I’m from the future and I got bad news...

[@cassie6645]

It's weird to see her as Eponine, as it's such a sad role, and Sutton is usually so sunny and happy, but she killed the role!

[@jackm280]

brian d’arcy james and christian borle and jeremy jordan

[@kellyalves756]

jack m Raúl Esparza?

[@kellyalves756]

Ooo! And Annaleigh Ashford!

[@themischeifguide]

She's so good I almost hate her....almost. She's so adorable, just look at her face, her expressions are pure gold. I think she really shines as Janet and Reno, the songs gave her a lot of opportunity to play around.

[@HimynameisAverie]

Did anyone else notice that her tone gets rounder throughout the years? I associate her with her super bright, forward-placed Millie and Shrek sound, but the more recent stuff is a little ... smoother? Idk, it's fascinating!

[@ladisneyprincesse]

She was the tallest Eponine I think!

[@mxrixli]

how could you forget her iconic role in THE HISTORY OF STARS HALLOW: A Musical

[@dhightone6755]

We would love to watch and listen to a video of Lea Salonga singing on Broadway, in concerts, and on TV specials. We really like Lea's very even and medium rate singing vibrato.

[@maeonline4185]

Can we see a Sierra Boggess video?

[@mariareynolds8855]

Megan Hecked I’ve made a note of it, but I’d be scared of having to leave holes in it to keep it up! (I’ve had about 7-8 videos taken down for using clips from tpoto and lnd so I’m always really careful about what clips I use now, and obviously Christine is one of her most iconic roles)

[@maeonline4185]

Maria Reynolds ❤️ There are so many great actors and actresses so I’d honestly watch any video like this one

[@chuutheecomrade]

they way she had never even had a voice teacher until "thoroughly modern millie"

[@RayneDavila]

sutton is an icon we did anything goes in my school last year. And the fact that she's also on tv shows just shows how talented she is

[@owls2223]

"I may be small but I've got giant plans" Sutton honey you're 5'9" 😂

[@renger0806]

shes such an actor! the way she changes her voice for the type of character shes playing is really impressive cause she pulls them off so well

[@MissGarland1986]

Just as well that's her job eh! 😂

[@syworld82]

She’s unlike any other belter in history, she’s an amazing dancer too. That’s why Anything Goes was truly all about showing the world she’s not just a voice.

[@Anna-wc8bg]

Christian borle would be great for one of these types of videos. He’s been in so many musicals !

[@stacyholmes2615]

Ah yes, the ex

[@theyluvtwoset.13]

Falsettos, Legally Blonde, Something Rotten, Wicked, Hairspray... OMG he's so underrated

[@maninchair6648]

Did anyone notice that Sutton gives a little Mona Lisa smile at that line of "you're the top" at 14:41 - so cute!

[@jacksonurenmusic]

Her 2011 Reno was 100% gold, so perfect. Her performance in 2021 on the west end is amazing too. But god, her 2011 performances were untouchable

[@onceuponablink7666]

The fact of the first role was star to be is so fitting

[@emilynewhouse6956]

omg, I just read Sutton Foster's Wiki page. Some of her critics were unbelievable (i.e.- they were idiots) "she has a cute voice but is cutely agreeable"??? and "smallish voice" what!??

[@irongirltoni]

What about her voice is small? The Annie performance was so big its scared me

[@benjaminwambeke9458]

She sings "If My Friends Could See Me Now" like she wrote it but I despise whatever the costumer and wig people were thinking.

[@mariareynolds8855]

Benjamin Wambeke I thought the same, especially given how amazing she looks in some of the others!

[@jimmacq8485]

That was quite fashionable for 1966.

[@vitorhugosantana7053]

My problem is the bad choreography, if one does Sweet Charity one must do Fosse.

[@russlong5114]

@@mariareynolds8855 - Sutton said in an interview that this production of Sweet Charity was purposely done in a somewhat "mocking" way, thus the campyness of her performance.

[@graceliz865]

This woman is the reason I get up in the morning. ❤️❤️

[@JarrettSelf]

Cool video and great concept. Would’ve been great to see some of her big tap moments in there since that’s one of the things she’s known for.

[@mariareynolds8855]

Jarrett Self I had a couple in but decided to cut them and just focus on singing cause the video was like 25 minutes long! 😂

[@samantha.redacted]

I never knew she had so many vintage style roles

[@bethanybland7633]

Please do one of these videos for Jessie mueller

[@Shag471]

I worked with Sutton’s high school drama teacher for many years when he also directed shows at a local theatre in the Detroit area. Sutton thanked him in her Tony win for Millie as he was there that night.

[@carol-anneturner8062]

Only discovered her by accident. Watched Younger and looked up her name, I was actually looking up character Charles, I thought that was his name.. had no idea she’d done all this, I’m in London and booked to see Anything Goes in August, which by pure coincidence she is starring in! When I booked my tickets, I did not know at that point who she was. Phew!

[@amirahkus1443]

How about Jeremy Jordan or Jonathan Groff next? Maybe including versions of their songs? Like, Jeremy singing She used to be mine and stuff you know?

[@kevinjameslogan]

Love this concept! Missed one though. She was a replacement for Sandy in the 90s revival of GREASE.

[@solannariddle9781]

so our school did drowsy chaperone and i forgot that was how i first found sutton foster and i was looking away when that musical started playing and my heart started beating 5 times faster for a bit there but then i remembered

[@austbob7161]

I love Anything Goes. I just love it so much

[@zbotello1439]

Laura Benanti and Stephanie j block next ❤️ please ❤️

[@The5thSphinx]

Love, love, LOVE this! Love, love, LOVE Sutton Foster!! What a talent!!! Thank you SO much for this!!!!

[@mariareynolds8855]

The5thSphinx Ah!! So glad you like it- I really wish I could make more! ☹️

[@karinacole218]

Love this! Can you do one for Laura Osnes?

[@mariareynolds8855]

Karina Cole I’m gonna keep putting polls on these to decide the next, so it looks like Lea Saonga is next at this rate, but I’ll put her in the options on the next one! 😊

[@karinacole218]

Maria Reynolds ok thank you!!

[@IrishFriendsFan]

Patti Lupone, Bernadette Peters, Lindsey Mendez

[@emilynewhouse9450]

I second Patti Lupone!!!

[@gracejennings9034]

I second Lindsey

[@jocelynhildebrand1144]

I second Bernadette Peters!

[@71morehead]

@@gracejennings9034 moi aussi

[@AmericanIdolLover16]

Couldn’t stop smiling! Love her!

[@jeremygarcia4990]

I didn’t know she had been so many starting roles lmao

[@Hannah-gc4cy]

Her voice just has sooo much POWER and UMPF to it👑👌🏻

[@oliviatrussler7168]

SHE'S GONNA BE MARIAN!!!

[@TheNyxia]

I still can't believe it !!!!! *.*

[@nataliesoriano5679]

Loved this! Can you please do Jessie Mueller next! ❤️

[@GingerTyPerior]

I really like these! It's super cool to see the evolution of a specific singer instead of searching through old performances

[@mariposa8430]

ugh i love sutton so much and i cannot wait for Music Man- she's going to put such a fun spin on Marion

[@turduckenwrath6110]

that marius tho :/ and the moment you realize you’re the same age and played the same part in the same year and suddenly your day job now makes so much sense

[@_alannahjade_]

Love this!!! Agreed on the later polls: I’d love one for Laura Osnes and Kelli O’Hara!

[@user-bu1yd1xl7b]

Great job !!! I would like to see a video about Gavin Creel next.

[@Jultimsam]

Thanks, Maria! This was so fun to watch. It was amazing to see Sutton Foster in such a variety of roles!

[@Anynom]

Wonderful work, the woman is just a master on the stage.

[@klaineforevs8397]

Every time I hear her sing Astonishing I get chills. Every single time.

[@valentinevocals]

Spectacular! What a talent... And your montage through the years of Sutton's Wondrous Theatrical Creations is truly Aahh.....Mazing! Loved it! 💖💖💖

[@MrMigueldelaO]

I loved seeing this collection. A lot of these shows I have not seen so I have not seen her. This is really a good smorgasbord of her big talent! Good Job.

[@niteotter]

She is perfection. Looks. Voice. Dancer. Humor. One package. HOW??!? 🌟🌪

[@emilynewhouse9450]

I love this video. I watched it the other day and then went on KZbin just to find it again!

[@barbaraeastwood]

Thanks so much for putting together this Sutton Foster sequence ! I am a huge fan but only found her after watching the London production of Anything Goes , I had no idea of what she had performed before this, it was great to watch. Thanks again! Sutton is the most versatile and talented performer that’s alive now. I wish she would work in London’s West End, that’s the only place I could see her live.

[@ruby-it2ou]

Her first Broadway role is sooo fitting

[@justjoanne7796]

I love this! Sutton is such a star

[@michaelvittoria6926]

She is absolutely exceptional!!! Phenomenal talent, and she seems like a sweetheart too!!!

[@themischeifguide]

Wouldn't it suck if she was a total bitch? Stealing suckers from babies and putting out her cigarette in the holy water.

[@RaiRojas]

Love this!!! Thank you!

[@shani1928]

I saw her in The Drowsy Chaperone in NY in 2007. Fell in love with her and with that musical.

[@kennabee8558]

This right here...this is my dream...I'll check back in ten years.

[@templemangirls3191]

Love this!!! Please do more!!

[@Charlotte-lq1or]

Absolutely love this one and your Lea Salonga one. Would love to see Jessie Mueller at some point

[@mariareynolds8855]

Charlotte O'Growney I’ll add it to the list! 😊

[@bresparky642]

Bernadette Peters

[@mariareynolds8855]

Bre Sparky Well that’s happening.

[@kellyalves756]

Oh, snap.

[@sushiferz]

i love her more than anything omg

[@destinykudelko8480]

I keep forgetting how her blonde is my favorite period

[@victorialee7191]

I love this concept!!

[@shawnbay2211]

She can look so different depending on what character she plays!! Also can we talk about her low notes?! 😱

[@elithewholeshebang]

After she popped up in Shrek and Anything Goes, my brother and I started a running joke of "IS THAT SUTTON FOSTER?!" Because I never realize it's her at first when I'm seeing a performance, and then a few minutes in I'll go "?!?! FOSTER-"

[@lindakelly4770]

What a marvelous gift she is!

[@kierataylor2892]

I just love this woman she is so so good

[@miaunicorn2955]

Wow, I love this woman 😍💕💕💕

[@Musicalfreaky93]

Christopher sieber, kristin chenoweth, idina menzel

[@stephenvincent4989]

Truly the greatest of modern Broadway Babes - a special performer an entertainer personified and a major song and dance lady. Also so natural in real life - she’s the top!

[@turduckenwrath6110]

side note: patti lupone, kerry ellis, audra mcdonald evolutions would be awesome

[@sherylpockrose4029]

Very nice compilation.

[@carriewood3308]

I love her with my entire being

[@whatthefparon]

She's now doing Anything Goes here in London and her voice hasn't changed a bit. And she's still flexible and a showstopper

[@sazfretz1945]

OOO DA Rafael Barba!!! "Anyone Can Whistle"

[@ileyhansen438]

Could you do Corey Cott, Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay or Luara Osnes?

[@rclendening]

She’s amazing

[@carlamitchell7467]

Sutton Foster is amazing. I literally just found out about her, and i thought I was a musical theater aficionado.

[@Tori-fm4pk]

i love sutton foster so much such a role model, you should do jeremy jordan and hugh jackman

[@judykleinstub126]

Pure talent!!

[@shelbybrasfield996]

I’m obsessed with her in Wild Party. She’s my favorite Queenie

[@Laceykat66]

Wow, it took me until Janet in Drowsy Chaperone before I even recognized her. Good job Maria.

[@deanogren4767]

love this so fun

[@rampartrod]

this is joy

[@scottrousseau496]

Awesome video!!!

[@michaelwilliams6132]

Just before she plays Marian the Librarian lol

[@1amSam]

Oh how I love her in the drowsy chaperone I wish it was still going it was such a good show

[@margaretjohnson2122]

Great concept

[@rampartrod]

she might be thhe most talented i have ever seen

[@hunterballard8916]

The first was absolutely perfect

[@travisgrant5608]

WOW! Sutton Foster! 👏🥰

[@isiabellaforks7399]

I had no clue she did Chess! This information made my day!

[@helrisonn]

loved it