Review: SIX THE MUSICAL, Kimmel Cultural Campus - US National Tour
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Six The Musical is a dynamic British musical comedy that modernises the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, by showing them off in the form of a pop concert. It’s a global sensation that will make you lose your mind!
The incredible music, book and lyrics are by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, and the musical was nominated in the West End for several Laurence Olivier Awards and on Broadway, was nominated for Drama League Awards, Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards and Grammy Awards. Six The Musical won Tony’s for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design in a Musical. In 2022, it was announced that there would be a live recording of the stage production and all of the original West End cast members returned to reprise their roles. Tapings were held and the professionally filmed live recoding will be released in the future, although no date has been set yet. There are also talks of a potential film adaptation.
Six The Musical is based on real historical events and figures (or Her-Story as it’s been dubbed). The main ladies include: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Each of these women was developed to be a mix of several current pop stars. Catherine of Aragon is inspired by Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Hudson. Anne Boleyn is modelled on Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, and Lily Allen. Jane Seymour is a blend of Adele, Sia and Celine Dion. Anna of Cleves is reminiscent of Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. Katherine Howard includes elements of Britney Spears and Ariana Grande. Catherine Parr was inspired by Alicia Keys and Emeli Sande. These ladies are supported by their ladies in waiting who are more than back up dancers and have the important role of helping to immerse the audience into the concert-like experience. This is a feminist antidote to the actual story of these women, where they are allowed to write their own happily ever after(s). It’s the only Broadway production that I have ever attended that encourages the audience to record a number, specifically ‘Megasix’, and post to their social media. In this way, it has connected with younger generations in a way never approached before. The opening night of this show had all of the influencers amped with cameras and ring lights ready to go!
The US tour of Six The Musical is just starting and has an all-star cast to propel it through the upcoming year of rollicking around North America. Gerianne Perez dazzles as Catherine of Aragon, Zan Berbure sparkles as Anne Boleyn, Amina Faye shines as Jane Seymour, Terica Marie excels as Anna of Cleves, Aline Mayagoitia radiates as Katherine Howard and Sydney Parra is splendid as Catherine Parr. One of our favourite parts of the show is the costumes; they dazzle, sparkle and shine with a punk rock aesthetic reminiscent of a Betsey Johnson or Vivienne Westwood runway show. We also adore how it blends hip-hop, electronica, house music and soul to show off the different personalities and stories of the six wives of Henry VIII. In some ways, there is a competition to be the biggest loser but the women ultimately find their own strength by uniting for girl power.
Six The Musical plays in Philadelphia for about three weeks but don’t wait to buy tickets, you don’t want to miss out on this supercharged musical! Long live the Queens!
Sensational and energising.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers
Six The Musical plays at the Academy of Music until 9 April, with tickets available here.