“Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.” This familiar historical rhyme is often taught to children learning about King Henry VIII and his six famous wives. Six: The Musical brings these women’s stories to life on stage in a production that is both smart and fun. With energy and poignant moments, the show conveys their tales with wit, humor, and a modern twist, reclaiming their narratives in a way that feels fresh and empowering.
History is often told by the victors—and, for the most part, by men. Six: The Musical excels in presenting history through a female lens, focusing on perspectives that are rarely highlighted. Through the concept of a pop concert in the style of modern stars such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Adele, the musical features the six wives competing through song to determine who had the worst experience of being married to the king.
The strength of the musical lies in its wit and its focus on the resilience of these women, who endured marriage to a tyrant and were often victims of circumstances beyond their control. Despite its lively songs and humor-filled book by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the musical doesn’t shy away from addressing serious issues such as abuse, infertility, and misogyny—challenges that remain relevant for women even today.
The cast is incredibly talented, but they truly shine in their collective support of one another. Each performer gets a moment to stand out in an individual number tailored to their vocal strength. Audiences will quickly determine their favorite song, but honestly, each song could easily be a stand-out, especially after identifying their favorite queen or song style. The lighting design and set perfectly mimic the vibe of a vibrant pop concert, and in keeping with the show’s empowering, female-positive message, the on-stage all-female band is an absolute delight to watch.
The show is almost over too quickly at 80 minutes and without an intermission. Overall, Six: The Musical is a fun and clever production that reclaims the trauma-filled stories of women from the past, presenting history through their perspectives. History lovers will enjoy the lyrics, packed with delightful Easter eggs and historical insights. For those simply seeking a lively night at the theater, Six delivers great songs and plenty of clap-along moments.
Six: The Musical plays at the Fabulous Fox through February 2, 2025.
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
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