Quote of the Day: The human species thinks in metaphors and learns through stories. Mary Catherine Bateson

This was my third time seeing Six, the musical, and I’m more amazed by it each time. I am in awe at the creators, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, who wrote this genius work when they were students at Cambridge University. They got into the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, played at the West End, London, toured, brought it to the USA, where I first saw the tour that went onto Broadway in 2019, and got shut down due to Covid the Spring of 2020. It’s alive and well, now, playing on Broadway, The West End, and touring. Lucky us in Minnesota, it’s here again at The Ordway in St. Paul, playing to sold out performances. It’s inspiring. This time I brought my friend Joanna (her 2nd time seeing the musical), her son Henry (not named after the horrible king) and Kyara Elizabeth (not necessarily named after a queen) and it was their first time seeing it. Here is Kyara’s mini review: 

Royally witty and dazzlingly pretty, SIX is one of a kind. In this astonishing 80
minute history lesson, you learn all about the six wives of Henry VIII. You also learn the
importance of finding your voice and “taking back the mic” while listening to sensational
music and watching stupendous choreography. It is hard to stay still during most of the
songs and also hard to keep a dry eye in others. Each woman had a different story to
tell and their experiences were represented well through the different music styles. Their
voices were beautiful, separate and together. The costuming was phenomenal, along
with the quick costume changes that were smooth and agreeable. I loved seeing the
music being played live and how the cast acknowledged them throughout the show.
This was my first time seeing this show and it was definitely a nice twist going from a
competition of “who had it worse” to the women all being on the same side and
supporting each other. The crowd was eating it up the entire time and we even had the
opportunity to stand up, clap, and dance along. Confetti rained down at the end of the
show while everyone was smiling and sharing this unique experience. The night I saw
SIX is a treasure I shall keep forever and I even got a poster for my dorm room to help
remind me of the strength each of these women had (and to tune in to the album every
once in a while). I cannot wait to go again in the future. Everyone should get to
experience that type of show. Everyone should get to experience SIX.

The North American Tour Boleyn Company of Six. Photo: Joan Marcus

This particular cast is tight, blending their voices beautifully and working as a team. They each have their moment to shine, and each song is as unique as the woman they’re portraying. The choreography (Carrie-Anne Ingrouille) is spectacular. That combined with their blingy costumes (Gabriella Slade) catches your eye and never lets go. One little girl in front of me was moving right along with the performers! Set design (Emma Bailey) is a stage within a stage. The show is done concert style with the musicians on stage behind the singers. They call the four-piece band “The Ladies in Waiting,” and they’re phenomenal. Jane Cardona Music Director and keyboard. Janetta Goines on Bass. Rose Laguana, guitars, and Kami Lujan on drums. This production of Six was directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. 

In the performance we attended, we saw Kristina Leopold as Catherine of Aragon, delightful high notes! Aryn Bohannon as Anne Bolen, fun, humorous part and killer vocals. Kelly Denice Taylor as Jane Seymour, the one he “truly loved” who has the saddest song and the best build to a goose-bumpy belt! Danielle Mendoza played Anna of Cleves. I really like her rock beat song “Get Down.” (That little girl in front of me LOVED this one, too!) Alizé Cruz played Katherine Howard. Her story is so tragic, and her song so moving and choreographed in a way that makes you really think about the abuses heaped on her, that I often don’t applaud after her song. I tend to sit, stunned. And, finally, Adrianna Scalice plays Catherine Parr. Her song is so beautiful and powerful, “I Don’t Need Your Love,” that I get goosebumps every time.

The North American Tour Boleyn Company of Six. Photo: Joan Marcus

Six is a terrific show for it’s upbeat music, powerful storytelling, and dazzling choreography and lighting (Tim Deiling). It teaches a little history/herstory and gives these women a voice. As Kyara says in her mini review, “Everyone should get to experience Six!”

You can see Six at The Ordway in St. Paul, MN (a gorgeous venue) through July 28, 2024. Or, catch the Six tour in a city near you. Performances are selling out, so act fast. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What do you know about these Queens? What ensemble shows have you enjoyed?