I've seen Sutton live before, too, and she's sensational and so charming. And this ''Stars in Concert'' focused rightfully on her vibrant vocals and song selections. Among her solos (of things I haven't heard her sing), my favorite was her beautiful version of ''It All Fades Away'' from Jason Robert Brown's ''The Bridges of Madison County.'' And Jonathan Groff was a great guest performer. Who would've ever guessed that they'd complement and compliment each other with ''Flattery'' from ''Whoop-Up,'' and then get a standing O for their fun tap duet of ''Fit as a Fiddle''?
Maybe Sutton had more patter at the actual Lincoln Center show (taped Dec. 21, 2017); I imagine it might've been edited from the broadcast. Frankly, I go to a concert (or cabaret) for the singing, not the talking. (I also usually hate those CDs where they've recorded all the patter between the songs.) If I had a quibble, I'd say that ''Gimme, Gimme'' works better as a solo, not mashed up with ''I Got Love'' from ''Purlie.'' And I would've loved to see Sutton do ''Show Off'' from ''The Drowsy Chaperone.'' Otherwise, brava to her!
Next up in this PBS Friday-night series: Leslie Odom (April 27), Stephanie J. Block (May 4) and Andrew Rannells (May 11).
Updated On: 4/21/18 at 12:32 PM