Sutton Foster on Going from Fanatic to Star on Gilmore Girls, Crying in Front of Lauren Graham & More

Sutton Foster is taking a break from Tootsie-ing herself on Younger to sing and dance on the return of Gilmore Girls. In the Netflix revival, the two-time Tony winner, who’s also a self-proclaimed diehard fan of the series, will play a struggling actress thrown into the small-town spotlight as she headlines a musical based on the fictional hamlet of Stars Hollow. Joining her for the show-within-a-show are two additional Broadway faves: fellow Tony winner and ex-husband Christian Borle and Kerry Butler. Foster briefly caught up with Broadway.com to gush about the Palladinos, shooting with Lorelai herself and getting professional with Borle.

How did it feel to be on the actual Stars Hollow set?!
Surreal. I am such a super fan of the show. So it was like the super geek fan from the couch to suddenly be in Stars Hollow was just beyond.

Who from the original Gilmore Girls cast were you most excited to work with?
Lauren [Graham]. I'm such a fan of hers. We got to shoot a scene together, and I was most nervous about that. But she’s amazing. When the scene was over I just cried and thanked her.

What was it like performing with Christian again?
Amazing. We have such a personal and professional working history. It was awesome. So much was created the day of and in the moment, and to be able to share this experience with him was such a gift.

So what’s Stars Hollow: The Musical like? What’s it’s about?
[Laughs.] I can't share too many details! But it's basically the ridiculous story of the town of Stars Hollow told only the way that Amy [Sherman-Palladino] and Dan [Palladino] can. With four original songs by Jeanine Tesori and ridiculous original lyrics by Amy and Dan.

Was it easy to get back into the rapid-fire pace of Amy’s writing (after working on Bunheads)?
It felt like home.