Review: AN EVENING WITH SUTTON FOSTER & KELLI O'HARA at San Francisco Symphony
July 18 at the Davies Symphony Hall
What happens when two of Broadway’s brightest stars pay tribute to two of its greatest legends?
An Evening with Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara at the San Francisco Symphony is exactly the kind of event that reminds you why live performance is so magical. Inspired by the legendary 1962 television special featuring Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews, the evening celebrates not only two extraordinary contemporary performers, but also the timeless joy of song, storytelling, and musical theatre itself. Rather than simply presenting a concert, Foster and O’Hara crafted an affectionate homage to the women who paved the way for generations of Broadway artists.
Backed by the incomparable San Francisco Symphony under the musical direction of Michael Rafter, the evening unfolded as an eclectic collection of beloved musical theatre standards, playful duets, heartfelt solos, choreography, costume changes, and even appearances by a talented group of local performers. It was equal parts concert, celebration, and love letter to Broadway.
From the moment the lights dimmed, I knew I was in for something special. Watching two Tony Award winners share a stage is already a treat, but seeing them clearly having so much fun together elevated the entire evening. Their admiration for one another—and for the material they were performing—was evident in every number.
If I had a critique, it would simply be that I occasionally found it difficult to hear Sutton and Kelli over the orchestra. At times, the vocal mix felt slightly buried beneath the beautiful sound of the Symphony, making some lyrics difficult to catch. Thankfully, that was really my only complaint during an otherwise wonderful evening of music.
One small aspect that didn't completely land for me was the programming itself. While I appreciated the eclectic nature of the evening and the opportunity to hear Sutton and Kelli tackle a wide variety of material, there were a handful of selections that felt slightly disconnected from the overall tribute to Carol Burnett and Julie Andrews. I found myself wanting a bit more cohesion in the musical journey. That said, even the songs I questioned were performed with such artistry and charm that it was difficult not to enjoy watching these two remarkable performers bring them to life.
It’s difficult to single out standout performances when the entire evening was essentially built around two Broadway legends, but there were certainly moments that left a lasting impression.
Kelli O’Hara’s rendition of “If I Loved You” from Carousel was simply breathtaking. Few performers embody Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music quite like O’Hara, and this performance served as a beautiful reminder of why she has become one of the definitive interpreters of the Golden Age repertoire. Every phrase felt effortless, heartfelt, and unmistakably Kelli.
Then came Sutton Foster’s performance of “Anything Goes.”
As someone who spent countless hours watching her Tony Awards performance as a kid, finally witnessing that iconic Kathleen Marshall choreography performed live felt like a full-circle theatre moment for me. The famous tap sequence was every bit as exhilarating in person as I’d always imagined it would be. It wasn’t simply nostalgia—it was watching one of Broadway’s great performers revisit one of the defining performances of her career, and it was an absolute joy.
Michael Rafter’s musical direction tied the evening together beautifully, giving the program a sense of variety while still maintaining a cohesive thread throughout. The arrangements felt fresh without losing the spirit of the original material, and the orchestra sounded magnificent all evening.
I also appreciated how thoughtfully the concert was staged. Between the choreography, costume changes, and appearances from local performers, the evening never felt like a traditional stand-and-sing concert. Instead, it unfolded like a theatrical event, constantly offering audiences something new to discover.
There’s something incredibly special about witnessing artists at the very top of their craft simply enjoying themselves. Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara gave San Francisco an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, extraordinary musicianship, and heartfelt storytelling. Minor sound issues aside, it was a true privilege to spend an evening in the company of two Broadway icons—and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
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