Best Leading Actress in a Musical (for The Drowsy Chaperone) nominee Sutton Foster's previous Broadway credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (for which she received the 2002 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Astaire Award for Best Female Dancer). Other Broadway and national tours credits include Les Misérables (Eponine), Annie (revival), The Scarlet Pimpernel (original cast), Grease! (Sandy) and The Will Rogers Follies.
How did you get your Tony news?
I was watching New York 1… I had woken up at 8:30, crawled to the couch and was laying on there with my fiancée Christian.
Who was the first phone call?
My agent called right away, and I received a bunch of emails and text messages from friends. I have been on the phone all morning.
You've been through this a couple of times now, does it feel any different?
Nope, it's just as exciting, and it's thrilling that the show received so many nominations. I don't think that it ever gets less exciting.
What's the best part?
The greatest thing in our profession is to be part of an original show, and it's crazy, but also exciting. Also being able to perform at the Tonys and to go is wonderful. When you're going as a nominee, it's an even better way to go. It's a crazy time over the next few weeks, but it's a good crazy.
And how is the show going?
The show's going so well, and I don't think that I've ever been happier. I love the show and going to work every day.
How long have you been involved with the production?
I did the workshop last summer and of course did the out of town tryout in Los Angeles. Now I'm here!
How has the show evolved?
The show has come a long way, because the writers have tailored the material to the performers and pulled out our strengths. Director Casey Nicholaw tailored the show to the people that he cast as well.
So you're pleased with how it's evolved?
Absolutely - It's become tighter and stronger, and they changed some numbers from Los Angeles with made it an even better show as well. For example there was a big ballet in the second act out in LA, and they cut that and added the 'Monkey Number' for me. That's one addition from the LA production, and another number that was cut and replaced by 'Love is Always Lovely' which is a great song.
Since the show is such a 'love-letter' to musical theatre, New York seems like the perfect home for it – how have audiences been reacting?
