Six the Musical - review
Jane Zussman
"Six" The Musical delivers a captivating fusion of history and modernity, reminiscent of "Hamilton". Transforming England's Tudor period into a vibrant, empowering "HER-story", Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss ingeniously weave the tales of King Henry VIII's six wives, each vying to one-up the other with their traumatic marriage stories.
Kristina Leopold, Cassie Silva, Kelly Denice Taylor, Danielle Mendoza, Alize' Cruz, and Taylor Sage Evans shine as the dynamic ensemble cast. Their amazing chemistry seamlessly blends their voices, infusing each character with depth and spirit. Leopold's (Divorced) Catherine of Aragon exudes resilience, Silva's Anne Boleyn (Beheaded) brims with fiery defiance, and Taylor's Jane Seymour (Died) radiates sweet sadness. Mendoza's Anna of Cleves (Divorced) injects humor, while Cruz's Katherine Howard (Beheaded) adds a poignant layer of tragedy. Evans' Catherine Parr (Survived) emerges as a symbol of hope, survival, and strength.
The production's concert-like atmosphere adds a contemporary edge, keeping audiences howling with its infectious energy. Marlow and Moss masterfully took a classic history lesson and blended it with themes of female empowerment and resilience. "Six" is not just a musical; it's a celebration of history, femininity, and the enduring power of sisterhood.
You won’t even realize there isn’t an intermission. The show is 80 active minutes filled with neon lights, spikes, fishnets, and diamonds sparkling from the tips of their crowns to the toes of their boots in costumes designed by Gabriella Slade. Creatively blending Tudor fashions of the yesteryear with modern stage presence, complete with microphone holders, the production immerses audiences in a visually stunning experience, the actresses often breaking the fourth wall to talk to their “besties.”
In this same concert style, the musical utilizes hand-held cordless microphones, adding to the concert dimension while the cast dance and sing their way through their personal tragedies. Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse and Choreographer Carrie-Ann Ingrouille work together to showcase dances incorporating microphones, enhancing the storytelling. During the song "All You Wanna Do" by Katherine Howard (Cruz) the cast incorporates touch to truly touch on the seriousness of the words. Even though the tune is lighthearted and fun, their movements show the darkness behind the true history.
The set designed by Emma Bailey may seem simplistic in its basic staging, with musicians on stage dressed in studs and diamonds, but it explodes in its use of lighting, designed by Tim Dieling, creating a visually captivating experience I wish they used more of it throughout the show instead of just as a grande finale light show.
In essence, "Six" The Musical is a dazzling, empowering journey through history, showcasing the strength of its female protagonists while delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience.
We may not be able to remember all of the royal wives throughout history, but with this musical you can’t forget “THE SIX!”
Tickets are selling out quickly and you will need to go to http://www.whartoncenter.com or call 517-432-2000 to get tickets before May 19th. Yasss Queens!
From: Julie Linderleaf <lansingd...@gmail.com>
Subject: Six Review
Date: May 15, 2024 at 1:03:31 AM EDT
To: Jane Zussman <JSZu...@gmail.com>
--East Lansing, Are you ready for a royal happy ever after?
"Six" The Musical delivers a captivating fusion of history and modernity, reminiscent of "Hamilton". Transforming England's Tudor period into a vibrant, empowering "HER-story", Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss ingeniously weave the tales of King Henry VIII's six wives, each vying to one-up the other with their traumatic marriage stories.
Kristina Leopold, Cassie Silva, Kelly Denice Taylor, Danielle Mendoza, Alize' Cruz, and Taylor Sage Evans shine as the dynamic ensemble cast. Their amazing chemistry seamlessly blends their voices, infusing each character with depth and spirit. Leopold's (Divorced) Catherine of Aragon exudes resilience, Silva's Anne Boleyn (Beheaded) brims with fiery defiance, and Taylor's Jane Seymour (Died) radiates sweet sadness. Mendoza's Anna of Cleves (Divorced) injects humor, while Cruz's Katherine Howard (Beheaded) adds a poignant layer of tragedy. Evans' Catherine Parr (Survived) emerges as a symbol of hope, survival, and strength.
The production's concert-like atmosphere adds a contemporary edge, keeping audiences howling with its infectious energy. Marlow and Moss masterfully took a classic history lesson and blended it with themes of female empowerment and resilience. "Six" is not just a musical; it's a celebration of history, femininity, and the enduring power of sisterhood.
You won’t even realize there isn’t an intermission. The show is 80 active minutes filled with neon lights, spikes, fishnets, and diamonds sparkling from the tips of their crowns to the toes of their boots in costumes designed by Gabriella Slade. Creatively blending Tudor fashions of the yesteryear with modern stage presence, complete with microphone holders, the production immerses audiences in a visually stunning experience, the actresses often breaking the fourth wall to talk to their “besties.”
In this same concert style, the musical utilizes hand-held cordless microphones, adding to the concert dimension while the cast dance and sing their way through their personal tragedies. Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse and Choreographer Carrie-Ann Ingrouille work together to showcase dances incorporating microphones, enhancing the storytelling. During the song "All You Wanna Do" by Katherine Howard (Cruz) the cast incorporates touch to truly touch on the seriousness of the words. Even though the tune is lighthearted and fun, their movements show the darkness behind the true history.
The set designed by Emma Bailey may seem simplistic in its basic staging, with musicians on stage dressed in studs and diamonds, but it explodes in its use of lighting, designed by Tim Dieling, creating a visually captivating experience I wish they used more of it throughout the show instead of just as a grande finale light show.
In essence, "Six" The Musical is a dazzling, empowering journey through history, showcasing the strength of its female protagonists while delivering an unforgettable theatrical experience.
We may not be able to remember all of the royal wives throughout history, but with this musical you can’t forget “THE SIX!”
Tickets are selling out quickly and you will need to go to www.whartoncenter.com or call 517-432-2000 to get tickets before May 19th. Yasss Queens!
Julie Linderleaf