The smash hit musical
SIX returns to the Ordway Center for the third time. It actually played here in 2019 before it even went to Broadway, where it was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won two. It's still playing on Broadway and has since become a worldwide phenomenon (
I saw it in Toronto earlier this year). I've seen it five times now, and will never pass up a chance to see it. Why? It truly is a practically perfect 70ish minutes of music-theater, telling the story of the six wives of King Henry VIII as a pop concert, with an all female cast and band. It's a delightful mash-up of history and pop culture and music and theater. You can
read my full review of the 2019 production here (which is largely unchanged, except for the cast), and read on for six reasons to see
SIX (again) before these queens leave town on July 28.
- For this fabulous touring cast. The talent pool is seemingly endless for finding actors to play these six different women. Who's my favorite of this cast (Kristina Leopold, alternate Aryn Bohannon, Kelly Denice Taylor, Danielle Mendoza, Alize Cruz, Adriana Scalice)? Whoever is currently singing. Each one of them won me over with her signature song, bringing her own style and spirit to these now familiar and beloved characters, and together they're a dream.
- To revel in the unmatched choreography. There's always someone or something to look at, as the six women perform modern sharp movements in sync with each other, while still allowing for personality. It's mesmerizing.
- For this endlessly singable Tony-winning score. Each song is a hit. For those who know pop music, you might recognize references to familiar pop divas. But even if you don't (me), it's still great fun.
- To take in this deceptively simple design. The stage is set up like a pop concert, with the four-woman band on an elevated platform. The background is made up of moving lights that form church windows or castle towers or fireworks, and crazy colored spotlights fill the theater. But there's nothing simple about these Tony-winning modern Renaissance-inspired costumes with their matching head pieces, cuffs, kinky boots, and hand held mics with holsters.
- It's only 70 minutes long, or probably closer to 80-90 minutes when you add in all the cheering and applause. The show is jam-packed with music, story, and laughs, and not a dull moment (although there are a few quieter moments for everyone to catch their collective breath). The short and succinct show says what it needs to say and then exits, which allows for
an early bedtime going out after the show and doing other fun things that people do. - To be reminded that women have a voice. Sure, things are better for women today than they were in the 16th Century, but our rights and are voices are still in danger of disappearing. Let these strong, fierce, funny, women remind us to tell our own story and demand our rights!
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| photo by Joan Marcus |
