SALT LAKE CITY, UT—The Queens of SIX the Musical (with music, book, and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss), directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, are heating Salt Lake City at Eccles Theatre. This is the first time SIX has come to Utah and trust me, you do not want to miss them. SIX is an electrifying celebration of historical heartbreak turned into a contemporary anthem of women’s power. From Tudor Queens to pop icons, the six wives of Henry VIII take center stage with a pulsating energy as they remix five hundred years of “her-story” into a euphoric spectacle that has taken the world by storm.
The Queens of SIX have voices and harmonies unlike any musical I have heard before and I believe this Broadway sensation has rightfully earned its accolades. They boast an impressive 23 awards in the 2021/2022 season, including the prestigious Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. The New York Times declares that SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” in its critic’s pick, and The Washington Post praises it as “exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for.” It’s no wonder the live Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard Cast album charts, surpassing 6 million streams in its first month.
The Queens are reimagined with performative personas close to the real-life divas we know and love: Beyoncé, Adele, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys. The Queens first compete for the audience’s attention—who had it the worst? But, they finally conclude that there is strength in numbers, not in competition. They have a point. Nobody remembers the names or the fates of the wives of any other Tudor monarchs. We remember Henry VIII and his wives, sadly, because of how many there were, but the truth is that they lived in a terribly sexist time with very few rights—even as privileged white Queens and many of them still died in unfortunate and terrible ways. However sad the reality, the point is that we now remember, and hopefully, we will try to do better by them—and all women. I love the ending of the show when the Queens admit that nothing we do can change the past, BUT for the last five minutes, because this is theatre and they can do whatever they want, let’s imagine a different—better—future for these Queens. I won’t spoil the rest. On to the Queens…
Gerianne Pérez is featured as the Spanish Queen, Catherine of Aragon, and gives us plenty of attitude, rhythm, and killer vocals to go with them. As the first featured soloist, Pérez starts the show strong, and the audience knows we are in for a treat after her opening number, “No Way.”
Zan Berube as Anne Boleyn is so expressive and hilarious to watch and listen to. Berube is quite the actress; her expressions and vocal range are so varied. She sometimes talks and sings with a childlike innocence, invoking a nasal tone that brings even more comedic effect to her lines, but the next moment she growls, breaking into an impressive belt, and again innocently chuckles it off. I love a performer who can lose themselves in their character and Berube does just that.
Kelly Denice Taylor plays Jane Seymour—the lucky one—the Queen to win Henry the Eighth’s affection. Ironically, we learn that it has more to do with the fact that Jane was able to give Henry a son, unlike his previous wives, but she tragically dies only two weeks after giving birth due to postnatal complications. Taylor has one of my favorite songs in the show, “Heart of Stone,” a slow rock ballad with powerful vocals. This song features high notes from Taylor and beautiful backing harmonies from the other Queens. The lyrics take this song to the next level for me:
You can build me up, you can tear me down
You can try but I’m unbreakable
You can do your best, but I’ll stand the test
You’ll find that I’m unshakeable
When the fire’s burnt
The wind has blown
The water’s dried, you’ll still find stone
My heart of stone
Aline Mayagoitia plays Queen Katherine Howard and sports a high pink ponytail reminiscent of Ariana Grande’s iconic look. Mayagoitia starts her solo light-hearted, funny, full of confidence, and making fun of other Queens. But suddenly her song, “All You Wanna Do,” turns into a #MeToo moment that nearly takes my breath away. The song ends with Mayagoitia expressing her panic about Queen Katherine’s situation and finally alluding to her silent death as Mayagoitia stands with her arms crossed in the spotlight shaped like a casket around her. I found myself audibly gasping. Mayagoitia did an exceptional job with her character and brought the perfect finesse to a difficult topic, all while singing flawlessly.
Terica Marie, who plays Anna of Cleves, shines in her song “I’m the Queen of the Castle.” This number was an audience favorite, and Marie is an amazing dancer who knows how to work a crowd. I think I heard from cheers from the audience during this number than any other; it also featured the exceptional work of Choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille and Assistant Choreographer Eliza Ohman.
The last Queen we are introduced to is Catherine Parr, played by Aridriana Scalice. I immediately fell in love with Scalice’s smooth voice. As soon as Scalice told the pianist (Jane Cardona) to play a “cute little B-flat Major 7th chord,” I was sold.
The costume design by Gabriella Slade is flawless; the way that the lights reflect off the jewels and material is mesmerizing, and at times, there are lights incorporated into the designs of their outfits. Each Queen’s unique look is modern and sexy but has a playful twist, nodding to the original time period of Henry VIII and his Queens. I loved that the Queens all had matching jeweled boots. For her work in SIX, Slade has received the Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical in 2022, as well as a nomination for the Olivier Award for Best Costume Design in 2019.
The exceptional vocals would not be possible without Music Director Jane Cardona, Sound Designer Paul Gatehouse, Music Supervisor Roberta Duchak, and Orchestrations by Tom Curran. And, of course, the all-female live band, referred to as The Ladies in Waiting, led by Cardona on the keys: Sterlyn Temine on Bass, Rose Laguana on Guitar, and Kami Lujan on drums. They were exceptional.
The show is recommended for ages ten and up, but a slightly older audience may better appreciate the themes and energy. Not permitting children under 5 in the theater ensures that all can enjoy the performance without disruption.
Located at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater on 131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, this musical extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience, transporting audiences into the thrilling world of Tudor Queens turned pop icons.
Clocking in at a swift 1 hour and 20 minutes, SIX packs a punch without overstaying its welcome. The pacing is impeccable, and the production seamlessly weaves historical facts into a contemporary narrative, set, and costume. The brilliance lies in the ability to make Tudor history not only accessible but sexy. SIX the Musical reigns supreme as a must-see production, blending history and music with contemporary flair, creating an unforgettable experience and a powerful message of empowerment that resonates across generations. Long live the Queens!
Queen of the Week
In 2020 Six the musical started highlighting real people making a difference in the world. Click on the photos below to learn more about the amazing Queens They have crowned each week.
To nominate someone in your life as a Queen who is doing great work, send a direct message to @SIXBroadway on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook
Zions Bank & Broadway at the Eccles presents SIX
January 9th – 21st, 2024
Delta Hall at the Eccles Theater
Salt Lake City, Utah
Zions Bank/Broadway at the Eccles Presents: Six by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, 131 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
January 10-21, 2024, times vary
Tickets: $79–$179
Contact: 801-355-2787 (ARTS)
Broadway at the Eccles Facebook Page
SixUSTour Facebook Page
Six YouTube Mix
General Info 385-468-1010
ArtTix Phone 801-355-2787
ArtTix Email arttix@slco.org
SIX WRITTEN BY 2022 TONY AWARD® WINNERS
TOBY MARLOW & LUCY MOSS
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.
Accessible Performances:
OPEN CAPTIONED: Saturday, Jan 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM & Thursday, Jan 18, 2024, at 7:30 PM–During our captioning performances, we offer a screen near the stage that will provide live captions throughout the show. Patrons who are interested in the captioned performance should select seats located at Orchestra Right on the Main Floor (excluding Orchestra Pit seating).
AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Friday, Jan 12, 2024 at 8:00 PM
The spoken narration of the performance’s key visual elements. This option is available on the following performances. Devices are available at the Patron Services window in the main lobby.
ASL INTERPRETED: Saturday, Jan 20, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Patrons who are interested in the ASL performance should select seats located on Orchestra Left on the Main Floor (excluding Orchestra Pit seating).
*A talkback will take place after the Wednesday, January 17 performance.
Run time: 80 mins with no intermission
The show is recommended for ages 10 & up. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theatre but Don’t Lose Ur Head, we love our Queens of all ages!
SIX includes flashing lights, strobe effects, theatrical haze, and loud music throughout.
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