SIX THE MUSICAL

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https://marrinergroup.com.au/shows/six-the-musical-2022

Date Reviewed: 23/06/2022

The opening night for SIX The Musical, 23rd June, at The Comedy Theatre was a visceral experience that aroused the audience into a frenzy. This musical takes us back more than 500 years to retell the story of each of Henry VIII’s six wives. Uninhibited, bold, and proud, the six monarchs took turns to tell their story. Each tried to outshine, through song, that their life was more miserable than the other of Henry VIII's wives. The show transformed into a singing tournament where the queen that earned the most pity would become the band’s lead singer. Each queen was brought to life through their modern-day alter ego, expressed by gutsy female pop stars such as Beyoncé, Adele, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus. 

The striking Catherine of Aragon (Phoenix Jackson Mendoza) was the first to reclaim her voice as Beyoncé when she sang “No Way” to the annulment of her marriage and the shame she endured by her cheating husband. Anne Boleyn was one of Henry’s many mistresses who later became his wife. Anne Boleyn (Kala Gare) was quick to seize the stage with “Don’t Lose Ur Head” which she sang in a lively, light-hearted manner, even though she was beheaded at her husband’s order. Next up was the measured and sombre, Jane Seymour (Loren Hunter), the only wife who gave her husband a male heir to the throne and yet died from childbirth complications. Her heartfelt rendition of “Heart of Stone” underlined her majestic voice, akin to the singer Adele. 

The energy on-stage swiftly changed when Anne of Cleves (Kiana Daniele) had her say. This powerhouse, funky diva agreed to void her marriage at the request of the king who snubbed her, as she belted out the song “Get Down” and bragged “I am queen of the castle”, rightly so, she was queen for only six months and received a generous divorce settlement. Meanwhile, Henry was already smitten by his new muse, Katherine Howard (Chelsea Dawson). Dawson is a dynamite performer. She is fiery, racy, and in possession of a mighty fine voice as she sings “All You Wanna Do”. Like Boleyn, Howard was beheaded! Finally, Catherine Parr, played by Shannen Alyce Quan, the only wife who escaped death or divorce sings “I Don’t Need Your Love” and empowers this queen to embrace her individuality with lyrics like “it’s true, I’ll never belong to you”. Makan is a queen with a divine voice who wrapped up this competition. This girl-powered, pop-musical was supported by a dynamo, all female band. 

Those who expect this musical to relay historical facts with precision will be disappointed, but the show is not about that. SIX promotes sistership, giving women a voice. The show is humorous, colourful, and uplifting. The music and lyrics are catchy (lyrics and music by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss), the costumes are striking (costume designer, Gabriella Slade). The work is craftily choreographed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille with stunning set design by Emma Bailey, effective lighting design is by Tim Deiling and Sound Design is by Paul Gatehouse. The Orchestrator is Tom Curran and Musical Supervisor is Joe Beighton. Direction is by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage.

SIX The Musical is an overall uplifting experience!

Reviewed by Irena Begelfor