It was to a most enthusiastic audience of diehard fans that Sutton Foster performed tonight at The Music Center at Strathmore. A short concert, clocking in at just slightly over 60 minutes, it was nonetheless ample time for this Broadway star to enchant her audience.
Foster is an award-winning actor, singer, and dancer with two Tony Awards to her credit for her roles in the Broadway revivals of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes. One of Broadway’s most popular stars, starring in such shows as The Drowsy Chaperone, Little Women, and Shrek the Musical, she has also been seen on various TV shows, including starring in the critically-acclaimed Bunheads. She has also performed as a solo artist all across the country as well as internationally, winning over audiences wherever she goes.
Accompanied by her music director Michael Rafter on piano, with Leo Huppert on bass, and Kevin Kuhn on guitar, Foster more than lived up to her reputation. Walking onto the stage to what can only be called thunderous applause, Foster immediately launched into her first song, filling the Music Center with her rendition of the Sinatra classic “Nice’n’Easy.” With her smooth, clear voice, Foster made the song completely her own and set the tone for the evening: nice and easy.
From there, Foster embarked on a varied program filled with some old favorites, including “Air Conditioner,” “Warm all Over,” and “Sunshine on my Shoulders,” as well as some new songs, including “The People that You Never Get to Love,” and the Harry Nilsson song “Good Old Desk.” Even in the face of varying styles and moods—from the wistfulness of “My Heart was Set on You” to the quick anger of “Down with Love”—Foster was always in control, restrained when she needed to be and powerful when called for. Her medley of Stephen Sondheim’s “Anyone Can Whistle” and “Being Alive” brought many audience members to their feet.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the encore. Foster knows her fans well, and sang “Anything Goes” to the audience’s delight. With power and sass, Foster belted to the rafters, and even indulged in a little bit of the choreography from the Broadway revival—in high heels no less! It was a perfect ending to a wonderful concert from this Broadway powerhouse.
Running time: 60 minutes, with no intermission.
Sutton Foster played performed for one night only on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at The Music Center at Strathmore – 5301 Tuckerman Lane, in North Bethesda, MD. To view their upcoming events, check out their calendar.
LINK
A Chat With Sutton Foster on Her George Mason University Concert on September 29th by Joel Markowitz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLDq-2e2JC0
