Why are you a Sutton fan? How did you discover her? How has Sutton affected you? Please tell us your story! Email us.
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Lauren's Story
My name is Lauren, and I have a problem; I’ve relapsed, and am once again a musical-obsessed geek. And it’s all Sutton Foster’s fault.
I’ll guess I should start at the beginning, before I go blaming anyone. Back in February 2003, my sophomore year of high school, my dad got it into his head that my sister and I needed culture-ifying. So on a whim he took us to NYC for 5 days to see as many musicals as we could. That was seriously our first priority; even the Empire State Building came second. I’d seen Cats as a 6 year old and grown up listening to Phantom, so I wasn’t resistant to the idea. We saw 6 musicals in 5 days. More importantly, we say Les Mis. By the end of that show, I was a complete and utter, Broadway-obsessed nut.
We didn’t see Millie, despite the fact that it had won Best Musical the year before. My dad has a dislike for silly plays. At the time, I didn’t know any better to disagree.
I’m sure many of you understand what it’s like going through high school as a Broadway Musical geek. The constant ache to go to NYC, the aspirations of grandeur on the Great White Way, and the rolled eyes at the constant chatter about actors no one else has ever heard of, among other things. I won’t go into that here; this is about Sutton.
I heard about her almost 2 months after I returned from NYC. I live in Seattle, so the closest I get to Broadway is the traveling productions. As I said, I was totally obsessed with Les Mis. So much so that when I heard that the touring cast was coming to Seattle in May, just two months after I saw it in New York, I practically sold my soul trying to convince my parents to let me see it again. Before I got the ultimate “no,” I researched the entire touring cast, memorizing faces and names. Particularly, that of Eponine.
Sutton never made it to Seattle in Les Mis that year, and neither did I. But I knew her name.
As a freshman in college, I told the story of my love of Les Mis to a fellow Broadway geek. At Sutton’s name, I swear to god she shrieked loud enough to shatter crystal. Apparently, she’d seen Sutton in Millie, back in ’02 and both the actress and the musical were favorites of hers. I was ordered to listen to the musical immediately, even given a copy of the CD to leave me with no excuses.
Needless to say, I was hooked. I memorized Millie, found every clip of it I could on YouTube, and tracked Sutton’s acting career, just incase my family returned to Broadway.
But during sophomore year, my Broadway obsession began to wane. I had harbored dreams of being a Broadway actress, which were effectively shattered by my utter lack of acting skills and inability to get a part in anything. My dad had already taken me to the East Coast twice before I went to university, and though we always stopped in New York to catch a show, he had international trips planned. NYC was blasé.
My family has always treated my musical-obsession as one would treat alcoholism or any other addiction. By this past summer, so did I. Because of an international exchange, I had been forced to go cold turkey last fall. I felt that I had overcome that rather odd period in my life, and could get on with other things. I still loved musicals, but I didn’t talk about them all the time. Everyone, myself included, thought I was cured.
Couple years back my dad got season tickets to the 5th Ave theatre. He's seen every preview show to come through since then, including Young Frankenstein and Shrek, and he always invites me. But I kept turning the offered, free, amazing seats down. I live in Bellingham, a little college town an hour and a half away from Seattle and a half hour from the Canadian border, and until recently didn’t have a car. With school, friends, and transportation, I couldn’t seem to get down there.
And then my dad called me in early September. He’d scene Shrek, and had something he really wanted to tell me. I still remember the conversation.
“So, Sara and I went to see Shrek yesterday,” he started. Sara’s my step mom.
“Yeah? How was it?” I’m sure he heard the sarcasm. He knew I wasn’t thrilled of the idea of another musical based on a cartoon.
“Not bad. I think you might know the lead actress, though.”
I perked up immediately. “Yeah? Who is she?”
“I think she’s one of your favorites,” he answered. I know he was trying to drag this out. He was having fun. “Sara looked down at the playbill during intermission, and said, ‘Wow, the actress playing Fiona’s actually pretty big on Broadway. She won a Tony a few years ago,' so I looked. And guess who it was?”
“Who?” I was a little exasperated, but my dad’s theatrical.
“Someone named Sutton Foster?” he answered.
I know I yelped at that. I started babbling about Sutton, just like I did in high school. My dad put up with it pretty well; turns out he’d called to invite me to come down for a day and see a matinee of Shrek, particularly so I could see Sutton. Anyone can guess my answer.
2 hours on a train later, I'm sitting in an audience listening to her belt out "I know it's today," and bouncing in my seat at the idea of actually getting to meet her after the show, at the stage door. She is incredible; no amount of listening to the Millie CD could have prepared me for just how breathtaking her voice is, or what hilariously perfect timing she has. It was mostly her voice. I’m pretty sure I marveled about her bell-like singing enough to make my dad want to duct tape my mouth shut.
Sadly, it was the closing night matinée, with only 2 hours between shows. I waited and waited, only to be told she'd left, maybe for dinner or some such. And waiting until the end of the evening show wasn't possible; I had a train home to catch.
Now, I’m back in Bellingham, trying to resume my life. But my iPod is again only playing Broadway, particularly Millie, and there is a permanent YouTube tab on my browser, set to “I Know it’s Today.” If I’d seen her at the stage door, I’d be staring at the resulting pictures, and reviewing any conversations in my head. As it is, I’m back to working on my dad, trying to convince him to take me to Broadway again. There’s no way I can see Shrek again, since it’s left Seattle and I can’t get dad to NYC before next year. But I will see what ever else she’s in.
I have a problem. I am a Broadway-obsessed geek, and it’s Sutton Foster’s fault.
"Why I love Sutton Foster"
By Beth (Simply Sutton Administrator)
The first time I ever heard of Sutton, I was thirteen or so. I always loved musicals, and one of my favorite movies was the 1969 Thoroughly Modern Millie. My uncle put music from the Broadway musical on my mp3 player and I heard Sutton. I didn't think much of it except, "Wow, she can sing."
A few years later I came across a bootleg of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" online and watched the whole thing in one sitting. At first I thought, "Oh, this'll be interesting." I didn't think I would like it as much as I liked the movie. By the end I was AMAZED. I had emerged a die-hard Sutton fan. I began to search out everything there was to know about her. Not only that, but I LOVED that show so much. Way better than the original movie. I made my sister watch it, but she still wasn't so sure.
The first thing that drew me to Sutton was, of course, her amazing talent. Her stage presence was unfathomable, and her voice - brilliant. To this day, it amazes me how whenever I listen to any of her shows, I imagine the character so perfectly. Sutton seems like five different people sometimes. Millie, Jo, Janet van de Graaff, Inga, and regular, dorky Sutton. lol. It's CRAZY how she can change like that. Yet, deep down I can recognise the same passion and sense of character. Plus, she's got the most amazing voice I've ever heard.
Also, how can I NOT love someone who's been in all my favorite Broadway shows? ALL my favorite shows are the one's she's starred in. She just has a knack for picking the best shows on Broadway, in my opinion. Like Drowsy - wow. SO brilliant. Little Women, love it. The first show I ever saw live (but not with her, sadly). Millie, of course, I just told you the story behind that one. Young Frankenstein. Amazing. She doesn't let others govern her decisions, she takes on the roles that she wants, the ones that are beneficial to her, not roles that will make her popular. Yet, she's still as beloved as ever.
My favorite thing about Sutton is her personality. She's hilarious. She's a story-teller. She can get laughs with the most random and simple story. She's real. She was (and still is, to some extent) a dorky kid. She can laugh at herself. Her sense of humor is perfect. Her velociraptor interpretation? WHO does that? I'll tell you who. SHE does that. She is goofy, and doesn't care.
BEST of all she's humble. She hasn't forgotten where she came from and she knows most of her fans are where she used to be. I've never heard of her being inconsiderate toward a fan, or anyone for that matter. I'm sure she has her bad days, but the general public would never know it. She always seems happy and playful. She cares about her fans.
Whenever Sutton does something new, I feel inspired. Inspired by her character. She's one in a million. I can't imagine there being anyone like her.
Everytime something new is released, everytime I hear a new song, a new concert, a new story or interview, new videos or pictures from/of her, THAT's when it hits me once again how amazing she is.
She's humble. She's funny. She's amazing. She's astonishing.
...Plus HER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS are priceless.
From Lauren (Simply Sutton Administrator)
My name is Lauren, and I am a huge Sutton fan.
Why am I a Sutton fan? Well... I'm one of those people who just can't stand the corruption people enter once they make a name for themselves. Sutton however, walks to her own beat, does her own thing, and does it all with a smile on her face. I've meet her a few times and each time she treats me like a person. Not so much a fan. We even once talked about our love of GAP bags. I don't feel like I have to bow down to her as a person... though I think everyone should bow down to how talented she is. As my director of my show says "She's just a freak. She is a talent freak. That's it. Its absoloutely unfathomable how someone can be at that level" And it's true.
Another reason, she truely is the reason I am where I am now. Little Lauren, age 10 (?), all she wanted to do was theater. Be in shows, meet people, see things, but above all, she wanted to perform with acting, singing, and dancing. One day she comes across Sutton's picture and thought "woah... she's like 17 on BROADWAY!?!"... little did she know she was not seventeen. I heard her voice and was... no pun intended... astonished. I can't think of a better word. I started to follow her career religiously. Then one day, I read an article. A no joke, LIFE CHANGING article. She said in it "Take every opportunity you can. No matter what level it's at. Just go for it." ((Not in those words but you get it)). I was inspired by that. My mom had recently asked me if I wanted to do this summer theatre camp and I had said no. It's too childish. I wanted to do the big stuff. After reading the article, I decided it wouldn't hurt to just do it. Do the camp. I was following her advice. Now the music director of that camp, Rob, is a musical GENIUS. I did the camp, he really liked me, I had a big part, it was a blast. A year later, I go in for this audition. For a BIG show. With some phenominal people. I never thought I would get in. I walked into the audition. And who was sitting at the piano as the music director... but Rob. I auditioned and it went alright. And I got in the show. I didn't know the director, nor did I think that I would get in because I didnt think I was at that level of talent. To this day, I think Rob put in the good word for me. And I did the show, it was one of the best experiences of my life. Then after that, I began doing many shows with the same company. They are professionals. I've even extended out to other big companies in and around Boston. Now, at 16 years old, I do big theater. And I love every minute of it. If it wasn't for Sutton and her advice, I would never be where I am now. I hope to make it to Broadway and be able to tell that story for years to come. I really do owe my career to her.
And that is why I love Sutton Foster.
Megan's Story
My name is Megan, and well I have not always been a Sutton fan. I just recently started reading about her journey to Broadway and how someone like me who hasn't done strictly professional theatre as a child can get into a good college program and go on to succeed on Broadway. That was my first connection. After that, I fell in love with her amazing ability to play such a variety of characters. She's been able to succesfully portray so many different types of people. On a personal level, I have always wanted to talk to her about what "level of talent" she honestly can say she felt she had when she was admitted to CMU. She's and amazing belter and well..I am not. I have not had the luxury of meeting her, although I did see her in Young Frankenstein. I'm so excited to see Shrek this February and am excited to get the chance to ask her these burning questions! But, I can honestly say that one of my favorite things about her isn't her sheer talent but her love for Musical Theatre. I am willing to bet a few good tv or film deals have come her way since Millie, but she has stayed true to what she clearly LOVES. She's not in it just for the money but to be doing what she loves on a successful level. That's all I can say I strive to do...be a constantly working Broadway actress, not just being the leads in every show but really learning and growing through every opprtunity. And Sutton Foster has shown me that it's all possible...all you need to do is just work really hard as she has said in one of her interviews. Thank you Sutton, for always being true to yourself, because by watching that I've realized I can do it to.
Robyn's Story
My name is Robyn, and I’ve been a Sutton Fan for about a year. Without a question the best year of my life.
I remember seeing a few basic musicals when I was really little, like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. I had always loved them, but I never took the time to learn about any others until my mom showed me The Music Man. That's when I became interested. I learned about Broadway, and turned into the obsessive nut that I am today.
A little over a year ago, I was in my 7th grade history class looking through newspapers for examples of propaganda I saw an ad for Young Frankenstein, which had been my favorite movie for years, and I recognized Megan Mullally, but I didn't know where from. When I got home I found out she was from Will & Grace, which I had only seen a few times. I spent some time researching her, and there began my first obsession.
That same year I got the Young Frankenstein album for Christmas, but the only songs I really listened to were Megan's songs. I loved the whole album, Megan's songs especially, but Roll in The Hay was always stuck in my head. Always.
One day I decided I should explore another actress, and I turned to Sutton. For me, it was the beginning of an era.
I decided to get the Thoroughly Modern Millie album because it was the only show of hers I had heard of before. Of course, I was hooked, it was all I could listen to for months. All my friends thought it was weird, and didn't get the plot at all, but I couldn't get over how brilliant it was. The music, the actors, the lyrics, the dancing, Sutton. It was incredible. I must have watched the Forget About the Boy clip from the Tonys a thousand times, each time it got better and better. And Sutton Foster, I had never heard a voice as beautiful as hers. I was in tears the first time I heard Gimme Gimme.
Next came The Drowsy Chaperone. When I first saw the song list, I was a bit disappointed because Sutton only had three songs. But as soon as I heard the Overture, I didn't care. I didn't care about anything. Just like Man in Chair said, it brought me to another world. Whenever I'd listen to it on my iPod, I'd start to laugh and sing along, I'd dance to show off, and I'd always imitate the characters' voices. My friends must have thought I was insane.
Little Women was next. I got the album right before I went to Scotland to visit my Grandmother, who was dying. It was also just after my best friend had left for a two-month summer camp. I was in desperate need of support, and that's what Little Women brought me. I don't know how I can even begin to express how I felt about the music. It was perfect. Astonishing, Some Things are Meant to Be, and Small Umbrella in the Rain were the songs that gave me the most hope. The plot too. Jo was the perfect role model for me at the time, she had dreams, hope, and she was strong.
A few months later, I stumbled across Simply Sutton, and it was perfect. I finally had a chance to talk with people who didn’t judge me because of my love for Sutton, or for that matter, my love of Broadway! For once in my life I wasn’t the odd one out. It has been so supportive, and has turned into a world where I can forget about everything else that is happening.
A role model is someone who inspires you, someone you look up to. Sutton is so much more than that. Her music has helped me when I needed someone to lean on, but no one was there. Her voice cradles you when no one is there, it frees you. Her music revives you, it reassures your faith, sustains your needs, and nourishes you. She has turned me into a different person. Not only has she cast a spell on me that changed my life, but her influence has made me stronger and given me hope.
Samantha's Story
My name is Samantha and I have been a Sutton fan for about 3 years. I first heard about her when I saw Little Women on tour (sadly she was not in it) and I fell in love with the music. So I went on itunes and bought the soundtrack. When I listened to it I was blown away by Jo's voice. So I looked up Sutton's name and then tried to learn as much as I could about her. I bought every song I could of hers on itunes and bought the Millie soundtrack at FYE.
Then Drowsy Chaperone opened and I was so excited to be able to see her live. But time passed and it was getting closer and closer to Sutton's leaving date. I talked about seeing it all the time to my parents and they suprised me by getting me tickets to Drowsy two days before Sutton left!!! I started to scream and run around the house like it was christmas morning. So I went to the show and we had really close seats and I felt so inspired by Sutton's stage presence. My parents became fans after that.
Then last Summer before Sutton left I saw Youg Frankenstein. Her comedic timing was amazing. I was not a huge fan of most of the music but the parts Sutton was in had me laughing!
I have yet to see Shrek, but I am planning to see in soon.
I am a Sutton fan because she is a truly inspirational person. She is kind, funny and not conceited like so many actors are. She looks at herself as a regular person. She also has such immense tallent. Who else can make yodeling look cool? He voice has the power to grab hold of you and enchant you. She really seems like a down to earth person and is naturally funny. She is just amazing.
