I saw Sarah as Belle (and loved her), then as Eponine (I didn't like her the first time I saw her, but she grew on me), and as Nicola (where I loved her once again.) She really is a talented woman.
I wasn't a fan of her Eponine- can't remember why (it's been 7 years), but I remember it really irked me. She was a very good Belle, though. One of the prettiest, by far, and her voice matched the role perfectly.
I think she just wasn't really working out for the role the way that they hoped. I dunno there could have been more to it. I read about it a while ago...
Technically she wasn't fired...she had an "itch in her throat" for a couple of days and Sutton stepped into the role...when she came back I guess she bowed out agreeably when the director and producers realized they wanted Sutton. again heresay from a castmember from La Jolla.
Sarah is supposedly cast in Little Women, as I was told. But that's not confirmed. I was working with Rob Meffe, Little Women's musical director last weekend and we were discussing casting, try outs, etc.
I feel your pain about hunter, but she really is talented. Jen is very sweet as well. I work at the Music circus where Sarah is playing Laurie in Oklahoma. I was so excited when I heard they would both be in it. I saw taboo and now love sarah. I spoke with her mom on the phone about tickets and she is soooooo proud of her daughter. It was so sweet.