Understudy takes over the starring role in the touring production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’
Once in a while, it is the chorus girl who gets the big break. “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which tours to Salt Lake City’s Capitol Theatre this week, offers a couple of examples.
A little-known understudy named Sutton Foster took over the starring role of Millie during the show’s tryouts at La Jolla Theatre in San Diego and did so well that producers chose her to carry the $10 million musical when it transferred to Broadway. The gamble paid off. “Millie” won six Tony Awards in 2002 - and Foster became a hot property on Broadway after winning one of those Tonys as Best Actress in a New Musical.
Last week, an understudy was tapped to take over the starring role in the show’s touring cast. The departure of Darcy Roberts, star of the tour, was no surprise since her ripening pregnancy was stretching the seams of Millie’s flapper dresses. And, as Roberts’ understudy, Laura Schutter knew there was a chance the role would go to her. She didn’t allow herself to hope too hard.
Last Monday, Schutter learned she had been plucked from the chorus and given the show’s starring role.