For Sierra Boggess, London is not simply a stop in an international career but a place woven deeply into her artistic identity. Ahead of a one\u2011night concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Sierra reflects on early experiences, landmark moments and the importance of shared musical experiences in uncertain times.<\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up in Denver, Colorado, so that\u2019s the middle of the US. I didn\u2019t know what Broadway was. I had no idea,\u201d she explains, recalling a childhood far removed from the theatre capitals she would later come to define. \u201cThe first big show that I saw was a tour of Sunset Boulevard, and I was like, oh my God, that is really cool to see such a professional level of show.\u201d<\/p>\n
That first spark was nurtured by an influential drama teacher, someone Sierra still credits as foundational. \u201cThose teachers are so influential, and truly, it\u2019s the drama teachers who are the ones who take you to that next level,\u201d she says. \u201cShe\u2019s the one who took me to New York the first time and I saw Broadway shows and learned what Broadway was. From that, I knew, this is where I want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
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London entered the picture early, during a formative study\u2011abroad year that reshaped her ambitions. \u201cI studied my junior year in London and that began my love affair with the city,\u201d Sierra recalls. \u201cMy dream became to perform in the West End. It felt bigger than Broadway to us. We were kids from America and suddenly we were seeing this history, these shows, this culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
She vividly remembers soaking in theatre at every opportunity. \u201cWe saw Mark Rylance in Twelfth Night at the Globe for five pounds. We thought we had discovered him,\u201d she laughs. \u201cIt was life\u2011changing. It felt like we were part of something historic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking back across a career that spans Broadway, the West End and beyond, Sierra acknowledges that choosing a single highlight is difficult, but there is one moment that stands apart. \u201cDoing the 25th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is a core memory for me,\u201d she says. \u201cI remember almost everything about that night. It was the stuff of dreams, and it actually was as incredible as you would want it to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now returning to London for a concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the sense of history once again looms large. \u201cJust the epic history of that venue,\u201d Sierra says. \u201cThis is not a theatre I ever imagined I would do my own concert in. I revere it. I\u2019m really honoured to be part of the history of people who have performed there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The timing is particularly meaningful, coinciding with significant anniversaries linked to theatrical heritage. \u201cKnowing that My Fair Lady lived there, and that this is an anniversary year connected to Alan Jay Lerner, it makes it even more special,\u201d she notes. \u201cAll of that history really adds weight to the night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked why now felt like the right moment to return, Sierra is characteristically honest. \u201cLondon always feels like a good idea,\u201d she says simply. \u201cAnd with the 40th anniversary of Phantom happening this year, it feels cool to be here, to sing that music again, just down the road from where it\u2019s being celebrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
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When it comes to curating the concert itself, audience connection sits at the heart of the process. \u201cI think about what I feel this audience wants to hear,\u201d Sierra explains. \u201cI know they want Phantom. I know they want Disney. I always give people what they want, and then I weave in my own stories and the songs I want to sing.\u201d<\/p>\n
She describes the show as a shared catch\u2011up rather than a performance at a distance. \u201cIt\u2019s like, this is what I\u2019ve been up to since you last saw me, told through song and story,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd for London, we\u2019re curating something specific so it feels special, like you\u2019re seeing something unique.\u201d<\/p>\n
That sense of intimacy is central to how Sierra approaches concerts of this kind. \u201cI want it to feel like you\u2019re in my living room, even though we\u2019re in this epic theatre,\u201d she explains. \u201cAll journeys are welcome. Come as you are, take what you need from the night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes, preparation is both meticulous and familiar. \u201cWe\u2019re using five other musicians, so a six\u2011piece orchestra,\u201d Sierra says. \u201cMy music director has been working hard on orchestrations, and once we\u2019re in London, the real joy is making music together with these amazing West End players.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for London downtime, it is spent reconnecting rather than sightseeing. \u201cMy time off is seeing my London friends, my London family I call them,\u201d she smiles. \u201cCatching up one\u2011on\u2011one, having dinner, hearing what everyone else is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Sierra Boggess this is a night when audiences can take a break from the outside world. \u201cThis world is tricky right now, and I acknowledge that,\u201d Sierra reflects. \u201cSo this night is a break from all of it. A night of music, stories and community, where we put down our phones and just be together. That\u2019s what I want people to come and experience.\u201d<\/p>\n