Reviewed by Nyla Arslanian
After writing "It's a knock your socks off show," what else can be said. The anticipation could be felt throughout the audience, many of whom were glammed up for the occasion. Clearly the many young people in attendance were prepared to enjoy the evening. If they didn't know the story, there's no doubt that after the music and spectacle of
Six The Musical and the recent coronation, they may check out the fascinating history of England
From the opening blast of energy and precision, the amazing cast of SIX delivered an amazing concert while each of the wives of Henry the Eighth took the stage to tell their individual story. To help keep the show in context, this reviewer was grateful for "A Little Bit of Her-Story"-very brief but thorough biographical information including how each of the wives met their fate.
It was the divorce from wife #1, Katherine of Aragon, that caused the most problems. But once the King became the most-married and dismissive of monarchs, whether by natural or unnatural means-two were executed-- it may not have been love or lust as much as it was progeny he desired. Still, no matter, it set the stage for the exuberant Her-Story-Six The Musical.
In lively succession, each of the wives takes the stage for her starring moment. The cast was so strong that as each took her turn, the other five joined her with the voices soaring and the music rocking. It's not often that "precision" is a word used in a review and the moves, the gestures, and the outstanding accompaniment of the "ladies in waiting" i.e., the band, were impeccably precise and tight.
Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's choreography and the exuberant performances of Khaila Wilcoxon (Catherine of Aragon), Storm Lever (Ann Boyleyn), Natalie Paris (Jane Seymour), Olivia Donalson (Anna of Cleves) Courtney Mack (Katherine Howard) and Gabriela Carrillo (Catherine Parr) took the stage in exciting costumes designed by Gabriella Slade and regaled the very appreciative audience throughout the 90-minute non-stop performance.
Of course, none of this would happen without the concept by toby Marlow and Lucy Moss and direction by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. Adding to the feminine tour de force was the all-women band who did more than keep the beat as they drove the show forward.
Two standing ovations and an encore completed an outstanding theatrical experience. Give our young theatregoers excitement, music and a spectacular production and any doubts one might have about the future of live theatre are dispelled.
Six The Musical at the equally spectacular Pantages Theatre runs Tuesdays-Sundays through June 10. Don't miss it.