Every Return of Sutton Foster to the Broadway Boards: A Celebration of Joy and Complexity

For fans of Broadway, each time Sutton Foster steps back onto the stage, it feels like a long-lost friend has returned. This summer, that friend brought her infectious energy and remarkable talent to the Hudson Theatre as Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, a role previously immortalized by the legendary Carol Burnett. Foster’s previous returns to the stage included playing Marian the Librarian opposite Hugh Jackman in a 2022 revival of The Music Man and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Anyone familiar with the euphoria of live theatre will agree: her presence lights up the room.

The Call to Broadway

When asked what drew her back to Once Upon a Mattress, Foster expressed sheer enthusiasm. “I had an absolute blast doing the show at New York City Center earlier this year, so bringing it to Broadway felt like a no-brainer for me,” she stated. “It’s such a joyful show, and there’s something in it for everyone—no matter what age. It’s nice to exist in that joyful world and provide that escapism to audiences right now.”

The Complexity of Winnifred

Princess Winnifred is more than just a fairy-tale character; she embodies a type of resilience and self-acceptance that resonates across generations. “She’s the zaniest character I have ever played,” Foster noted. “She’s so self-assured in who she is, even though she is unusual! I love playing characters who own their uniqueness, and it gives me so much freedom as an actress to really go there and do the craziest things.” Winnifred is what sociologist Dr. Emily Garrison refers to as a “narrative disruptor.” In her study on modern fairy tales, she argues that characters like Winnifred challenge traditional gender roles and introduce themes of self-empowerment—a concept that feels especially pertinent in today’s cultural landscape.

Subverting Fairy Tale Tropes

Foster’s own experiences shape her interpretation of wonder and the concept of “happily ever after.” “As a mother of a 7-year-old daughter, I often think about the messages we’ve internalized from classic fairy tales,” she observed. “Evil queens, princesses, and finding your prince often come with cautionary tales or punitive lessons for the characters. However, I love that Princess Fred is ahead of her time. Even if she’s searching for love, she does it authentically, in a way that’s true to herself.”

Foster cites a favorite line from the show: “Princess Winnifred is unusual and Prince Dauntless is unusual—maybe they can be unusual together.” This line not only emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance but embodies a shift toward more inclusive narratives.

The Physicality of Performance

Each role brings a unique set of challenges, and for Foster, portraying Winnifred involves significant physical demands. “Winnifred is an incredibly physical character, and there’s a lot of physical comedy,” she explains. “Maintaining my body is the thing I’m most concerned about.” The blend of physical comedy and vocal prowess presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when compared to her previous roles in Sweeney Todd and The Music Man. She reflected, “In those productions, I was tapping into a more dramatic or emotional aspect of performance. With Winnifred, it’s a high-energy escapade!”

• Physical comedy requires quick reflexes and good stamina.
• Vocal strength must be maintained across performances.
• Characters like Winnifred call for emotional authenticity amidst the jest.

Quirks of Comfort

Foster’s personal quirks extend to her backstage rituals. “I sleep with earplugs and two white noise machines. I always have a glass of water by my bed but never drink from it,” she revealed with a laugh. “I remember an old wives’ tale that if you leave a glass of water by your bed, it will catch the bad dreams, so you never want to drink from it.” This blend of humor and honesty is a reminder that performers are also human, navigating the complexities of their own lives while captivating audiences.

Reflecting on the Past and Future

Foster has also taken a moment to reflect on her time in the critically acclaimed television series Younger, which ended in 2021 after seven successful seasons. “I miss the cast so much,” she admitted. “We spent so much of our lives together! I can’t help but wonder what Liza is up to these days. She’s almost 50! Maybe it’s time for a reboot?” This sentiment echoes a lingering nostalgia that many fans share.

Literary Lifebuoys

The conversation then shifts toward literature, specifically around Liza’s career in publishing. When asked about books that have inspired her, Foster exclaimed her admiration for Kelly Bishop’s memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl. “I loved it! Her story is so inspiring. I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan and had the chance to work with Kelly on Bunheads—it was amazing to learn more about her.” This shared literary spirit drives home the importance of storytelling, both on-stage and off.

Rituals Following the Curtain Call

When the curtain falls, Foster has her own unique way of unwinding. “I love watching a little television, and I’m a big fan of all reality TV,” she shared. “I just did a serious binge of The Traitors. Every night, I light candles and take a bath—that’s my ultimate come-down ritual.” This simple pleasure reflects a keen awareness of self-care amid the whirlwind of performance life, a necessity for anyone striving for greatness on the stage.