Millie actress becomes a Little Woman

Sutton Foster has earned a Tony Award, an Astaire Award, a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. She has performed on Broadway and has co-produced a musical to benefit children’s theater.

She also takes frequent trips to SuperTarget—in Durham.

The Theater Previews at Duke program finally forced Foster to journey from the Big Apple to Tobacco Road. The program invited the 29-year-old actor to join the cast of Little Women: The Musical, which will debut at Duke and then go on to Broadway.

Before wowing audiences in New York and Durham, the Augusta, Ga. native was performing in community theater as a child and taking dance lessons to channel her energy. “I was such a spaz,” she laughs.

Foster’s big debut came when a local theater, casting a performance of Little Orphan Annie, approached her dance school seeking young actors. “It was the first time I’d ever sung in front of anyone,” she says. Unbeknownst to Foster and her parents, she had an amazing voice. “I got the lead,” she says, brimming with excitement.

The role sparked a career that would eventually take Foster to Broadway. “About five years ago I had a moment where was I like... I guess this is what I’m doing,” she says, still unable to believe her good fortune. “I never in a million years thought I could make a living [perfoming on stage].” Foster was able to make a living; her crisp, melodic voice sailed through several musicals, including Grease, Les Miserables and the title role in Thoroughly Modern Millie, which landed her the 2002 Tony Award for Best Actress.

Foster’s mesmerizing talent compelled Theater Previews at Duke to ask the actor to join the musical rendition of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott’s 19th-century novel chronicling the lives of four young women. Foster was invited to play Jo March, the spunky aspiring writer and protective sister. “She’s a fantastic role model for young people, I think—especially young girls,” Foster says of Jo. “In the 1860s, [Jo] didn’t just want to have babies. [She wanted] to support her family and make a name for herself.... We are still as women trying to catch up and be as strong as men--or as strong as men think they are.” This irresistible character and moving script eventually led Foster to join the cast. Foster’s love for the production still radiates: “What they’ve done with the story and how they’ve told it—it’s really so moving and funny and poignant and smart. I think it’s really special.”

Foster speaks highly of her experience in Durham and frequently praises the production’s cast and crew. “They’ve been incredible at the theater department. They’ve just been amazing and so kind and so welcoming to us.” The experience also seems to be a personally moving one. “All these memories are flooding back! There is a peace of mind of being on a schedule and creating something.” She adds contentedly, “I really feel I made the right decision... It’s amazing to throw myself into a new role.”