It’s been three years since I last saw SIX at the Hippodrome, and it now seems like one of those shows that will tour forever. Not just because it’s a unique production that offers a different musical experience than traditional musical theatre, but because there are endless casting possibilities that will continue to bring new layers to the historical figures these characters are based on. We’ll never truly know what Anne Boleyn was like, for example, which leaves plenty of room for each actress to put her own spin on the role. And that’s part of what makes SIX so much fun to revisit: the show stays the same, but the queens never do.
In a show like this, audiences expect the vocals to be amazing because, at its core, SIX is a concert. But what can sometimes go underappreciated is the work that goes into the choreography, comedic timing, and strategic placement of each song to keep the pacing moving. There’s little room to hide in a production this stripped down, and every performer has to bring the energy from start to finish.
Christina Jones kicks off the line of solo songs as Catherine of Aragon with “No Way.” This usually isn’t one of my favorite songs, but I couldn’t stop watching Jones throughout the performance. She breathed life into Catherine in a way that captivated me all night long, and I loved watching all her little mannerisms and character choices throughout the show. She made the queen feel like a fully realized person rather than simply the first wife in a lineup of six.
Brittany Smithson was every bit as funny as Anne Boleyn as I expected her to be. Her comedic delivery was spot-on, but what really surprised me were her vocals. She topped some of the past Boleyns I’ve seen, bringing an impressive vocal performance to a role that can sometimes steal the spotlight through humor alone. It’s easy to see why she was an audience favorite.
Melina Savannah Cruz’s Jane Seymour was a bit of a surprise for me. Of the six queens, her Jane felt the most docile, which made the runs and riffs in “Heart of Stone” all the more impressive. There’s something particularly effective about a performer who can establish such a gentle presence before letting her voice take center stage. Cruz delivered a beautiful contrast that made the emotional weight of the song hit that much harder.
Shelby Griswold was another standout as Anna of Cleves. “Get Down” has never been one of my favorite numbers, but Griswold brought the confidence, attitude, and commanding stage presence needed to make it work. She leaned into the larger-than-life personality of the character, making the number feel like a celebration of Cleves’ independence and newfound freedom. Even when a song isn’t necessarily your favorite, a performer who fully commits to it can make all the difference.
Thabitha Moruthane truly slayed as Katherine Howard, despite having what is, in my personal opinion, the weakest song in the show. She served looks all night long, delivered impressive vocals, and had some of the best comedic timing in the cast. Moruthane brought a playful energy to the role without sacrificing the vocal demands of the number, making her a standout even with material that doesn’t always work for me.
Finally, Nina Ann Nelson rounded out the queens as Catherine Parr. Parr can be a difficult character to connect with, particularly when she’s positioned as the one who ultimately shifts the narrative away from the competition between the wives. Yet Nelson helped bring everything together with a strong, assured performance. She was another performer I underestimated, proving herself to be a vocal powerhouse and giving the show a satisfying finish.
Beyond the insanely talented cast, I appreciated the lighting in this production more than I have in some other shows. It complemented the costumes beautifully, with the queens’ jeweled looks catching the light and sending flashes of color throughout the theatre. I also loved the sound design, which is one of the things that stuck with me most from my last visit. Because SIX is presented in a concert format, you want it to feel like a concert. And this production delivered. I could feel the sound vibrating through my body exactly as I wanted it to, making the entire theatre feel like one big live music experience.
Ultimately, SIX is a show that I can see living on for years to come. Its concert format makes it immediately accessible, its music is infectious, and its premise leaves so much room for interpretation that no two casts have to feel exactly alike. Each queen has her own moment to shine, and every new performer has the opportunity to bring a different personality, vocal style, or comedic approach to a role audiences may already know by heart.
Three years later, I walked away appreciating the show all over again, thanks in large part to a cast that made these familiar queens feel fresh. And now, I’m already excited to see what the next cast brings to the throne.
Final Grade: A
Six is currently performing at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts until November 1st. Tickets are available thru the box office. Click HERE to purchase.
Run time: 1hrs, 20mins with no intermission. The show is recommended for ages 10 & up. SIX includes flashing lights, strobe effects, theatrical haze and loud music throughout
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