Recently, we had the pleasure of taking in Broadway’s hit musical, Six.
Six is an 80-minute show with no intermission, making it feel like a live pop concert. New York City audiences have been captivated by the show’s unique approach and embracement of female empowerment since its opening debut in 2021. The show reimagines Henry VIII’s six wives, giving each a voice to tell their own story.
Though generally disregarded, these women are now presented as dynamic characters. The queens interact directly with the audience as they are competing for the title of having the worst experience with Henry VIII. Rather than ending with a winner, the story concludes with unification and a powerful message of empowerment and community, as the queens understand their strength in numbers and the significance of their unique perspectives. The story highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and reclaiming personal narratives in a modern context.
When each of the six queens sings their solos, everyone is a distinct arrangement of music inspired by pop singers and their assigned characters. The songs are packed with historical allusions and humor, revealing layers of personality behind each woman’s backstory and showcasing their similarities.
Visually, the queens’ costume designs are spectacular and meaningful, bringing each queen’s personality to life. To create a style that is both historical and contemporary, there are corsets, ruffled skirts, jeweled crowns, leather jackets, metallic fabrics, and platform boots. The designs highlight the collective group while still emphasizing each character’s uniqueness.
Six’s modern style and dedication to promoting female viewpoints established its unique yet prominent place on Broadway. Similar to Hamilton with its blend of history, humor, unique production of feminism, and catchy songs, it draws the appeal of diverse audiences. The musical has already won numerous awards and continues to be one of Broadway’s greatest hits.
As Broadway Fans who watch lots of shows, Six is definitely a must-see. Take this as your sign to get tickets now!