**** On our way downtown to see the opening of “Six the Musical” we got word that Glenbrook North High School was doing the “teen” version ths fall and that our granddaughter Sarah was playing Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of Henry the Eighth that this musical piece is all about. It made the production more special than most as Jane was in focus on this particular character from start to finish. This is the third time that we are seeing this wonderful show written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss that gives us the “herstory” of the wives of the King.
The first production that we saw was the pre-Broadway run at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. This was the initial production in the new stage and was a perfect setting for what one might call a “Rock Opera”. It did rock! It went on to be a Broadway Smash and then returned to Chicago as the tour began, and now, a year later, it is back. I did notice that even in this short time period, they have developed a cult and many of the audience members tonight knew every word of every song and what would take place. I understand this as it is a wonderful story telling production that covers a great deal of history , or should I say “her-story” in less than 90 minutes ( no intermission).
While I believe the Nederlander Theatre might be a little larger than this show should be staged in, the six performers and the staging ( Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage directed) and (Carrie-Anne Ingroulle ) choreography were very effective. The story is simple. We get to meet six women, all of whom had a marriage to King Henry The Eighth. They are hoping that after each tells their story, we, the audience .will vote and advise as to which story is the most important and that wife will claim victory.
I know that history buffs will find errors all over the place, but this is a musical play, not a history class, so the best way to enjoy this production is to just sit back, relax and let the six talented actresses and their amazing musicians give you the best 90 minutes of theater you will see.
The six ladies and their characters are as follows:
Catherine of Aragon (Kristina Leopold) was married to Henry’s brother first and then to him. Their marriage was annulled. Her solo is “No Way” and she is brilliant.
The second wife was Anne Boleyn ( played to perfection by Cassie Silva) she of course was beheaded, so her song is “Don’t Lose Ur Head”, an adorable number and throughout the show, she keeps coming back to the head bit.
Jane Seymour is the third Queen (Kelly Denice Taylor) who shows that great things can come in little packages. “Heart of Stone” is her solo number and the notes she hits are spectacular! FYI- All six of the ladies are on the stage the entire show. They are ensemble members dancing and singing, when they are not doing their own solos. I think I forgot to mention that the opening number has all of them doing “Ex-Wives” where they explain a bit about their “herstory”. They also join together to do a number called “Haus of Holbein” as sort of a break between ladies and then we get into the story of Anna of Cleves (Danielle Mendoza will hold you spellbound) and her story about being chosen by her portrait, and upon meeting her in person, Henry rejected her. Her “Get Down” is quite memorable!
Katherine Howard ( played by Taylor Sage Evans to perfection) was the lady in waiting to Anna of Cleves and a cousin to Ann Boleyn, so it appears that Henry liked certain types. “All You Wanna Do” is her theme and then the final of the six, Catherine Parr (Adriana Scalice) says she doesn’t want to compete. Someone else can win. The others tell her that is wonderful, but then she recants as she does “I Don’t Need Your Love”. and then “The Queens” is the theme with which to end the story.
These six ladies are wonderful and have energy that will energize you as it did tonight’s audience. You will feel that you are at a concert with a play going on and the “ladies in waiting-musicians” are a major part of what you see. Jane Cardona ( keyboards/director), Sterlyn Termine (bass), Rose Laguana (guitars) and Kami Lujan (drums) what a night! What a performance!
“Six” the musical will continue thru – Jul 14th with performances as follows:
Tuesdays 7:00pmShow Type: Musical
Running Time: 1hr, 25mins
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Six the Musical”.
The exhilarating Broadway musical SIX (see my Review below) returns to Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre through July 14th. Joining in this new podcast conversation are Cassie Silva (who plays Anne Boleyn) and Alize Cruz (who plays Katherine Howard). If you have never seen the show, this is NOT any kind of traditional telling of history. It’s a pop concert full of fun, great music and some history tossed in. And….the two performances on Saturday, July 6th are both Sing-a-long shows where the audience is welcome to join in!
Check out this VERY fun conversation with two high energy talents.
Tickets can be purchased at:swww.BroadwayinChicago.com
“SIX” is electric at the Nederlander Theatre through July 14th! | WGN Radio 720 – Chicago’s Very Own
Paul M. Lisnek, J.D., Ph.D.
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