Review: SIX THE MUSICAL at Royal Alexandra Theatre

Step back in time with the six wives of King Henry VIII in this dazzling new musical

By: Sep. 30, 2023
Review: SIX THE MUSICAL at Royal Alexandra Theatre

Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived. If you happened to fall into the (mis)fortune of being married to one of England’s most notorious kings, your fate was sealed. Six The Musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, takes the tragic fates of Henry VIII’s six wives and weaves them into a lively and flirty musical romp that has kicked off Mirvish’s 2023-2024 season, on stage at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

If you have a passing interest in Tudor history, this glossy musical would be right up your alley. If you are a dedicated Tudor historian, this show is not for you. You won’t find historical accuracy here. What you will find is a look at how shared experiences can divide or bring women together. Henry’s six wives convene to discuss their experiences and fates being married to Henry VIII where the audience is encouraged to decide which Queen should reign supreme – based on each Queen’s personal tale of who had it worse at the hands of tyrannical Henry.

If you require a Tudor refresher, look to your programme for a nifty little “Her-story” guide to our cast of leading ladies that is peppered with historical tidbits and an interesting bit of “Queenspiration” hinting at the musical styles that Queen takes on in her performance.

Personally, I have always had a fondness for Queen #2 Anne Boleyn and it likely comes from Natalie Dormer’s portrayal of her in The Tudors. In Six, Julia Pulo portrays Anne in a much younger and a more naïve and green representation than I’m used to. It’s unexpected, but not necessarily in a bad way. Her introduction song “Don’t Lose Ur Head” hits the nail squarely on the (missing) head and leans heavily on her youthful portrayal. To me, this texting and selfie-taking mallrat portrayal feels more in line with Katherine Howard than Anne Boleyn.

Maggie Lacasse as Jane Seymour stood out for me, in particular during her song “Heart of Stone”, her voice soars and she’s stunning. I was also drawn to Krystal Hernández as Anna of Cleves. Her story is a delight to watch both with the club-centric song “Haus of Holbein” performed by all the Queens and with her personal song “Get Down”.

Six The Musical is as advertised – a fun and glitzy quick musical. Loosely based on history, rooted firmly in the here and now that reminds women to uplift each other rather than tear down


BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Toronto

1
National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancer Tina Pereira Releases Childrens Book Photo
National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancer Tina Pereira Releases Children's Book

Principal Dancer Tina Pereira releases a children's book called 'Tina Prima Ballerina: Butterflies Dance Too' in collaboration with Loredana Cunti and Fabiana Salomão.

2
HOW I LOST ONE POUND, THE MUSICAL-ISH. Plays Alumnae Theatre This December 14-16 Photo
HOW I LOST ONE POUND, THE MUSICAL-ISH. Plays Alumnae Theatre This December 14-16

'Discover the hilarious and heartwarming journey of 'How I Lost One Pound, The Musical-ish' at Alumnae Theatre this Dec 14-16. Don't miss this entertaining and relatable show!'

3
PRISON DANCER Wraps Sold-Out Run At Canadas National Arts Centre Photo
PRISON DANCER Wraps Sold-Out Run At Canada's National Arts Centre

Prison Dancer: The Musical has wrapped a blockbuster run at Ottawa's National Arts Centre (NAC) and will be announcing its next stop in the new year, as presentation venues and partners vie to be part of their journey to Broadway.

4
Buddy Guy to Perform DAMN RIGHT ENCORE! At Massey Hall Photo
Buddy Guy to Perform DAMN RIGHT ENCORE! At Massey Hall

After three sold-out shows earlier this year, Massey Hall will welcome back legendary Blues guitarist Buddy Guy for a very special return with Damn Right Encore! Learn how to purchase tickets.

From This Author - Samantha Wu

Samantha is both a writer and a fan of the arts and has been able to find numerous ways to pair the two. Formerly an editor and writer at Mooney on Theatre, she also serves as a photojournalist for Th... Samantha Wu">(read more about this author)

Videos


The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes in Toronto The Shadow Whose Prey the Hunter Becomes
Canadian Stage (1/18-1/28)
eggnog & honey: a holiday poetry slam in Toronto eggnog & honey: a holiday poetry slam
The Assembly Theatre (12/05-12/10)
Handel Messiah in Toronto Handel Messiah
Tafelmusik (12/14-12/16)
Christmas Social Dance Party at Access Ballroom Toronto Beaches in Toronto Christmas Social Dance Party at Access Ballroom Toronto Beaches
Access Ballroom (12/09-12/09)
A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken in Toronto A Whole New World: The Musical Magic of Alan Menken
Lester B. Pearson Memorial Theatre (12/16-12/16)
Stumbling All The Way in Toronto Stumbling All The Way
The Assembly Theatre (12/01-12/22)
Magic Mel in Toronto Magic Mel
Wychwood Theatre (12/28-12/29)
Mandatory Holiday Potluck at Mr. Robinson’s House in Toronto Mandatory Holiday Potluck at Mr. Robinson’s House
The Assembly Theatre (12/02-12/29)
MacBeth: “A Tale Told by an Idiot” in Toronto MacBeth: “A Tale Told by an Idiot”
Red Sandcastle Theatre (2/08-2/18)
Comic Books Live! in Toronto Comic Books Live!
The Assembly Theatre (12/21-12/21)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You