This post is brought to you in partnership with Broadway in Portland. I received complimentary tickets to facilitate my post. Opinions are my own.
Long live the queens!
They’re remembered because of their husband – labeled one of “Henry’s wives” in a paragraph of a history book. And we think we know their story. Who they were. How they felt. But let’s get real. History often sidelines women, relegating them to be nothing more than footnotes, or names attached to their spouse. And each of these women? They deserved the opportunity to share their story – not just the chapter someone else decided to tell. As an advocate for women, an educator, and maybe most importantly as a mother of two girls, watching six strong women unapologetically reclaim the narrative and boldly speak their truth was empowering. Because SIX doesn’t just rehash a paragraph or two from some dusty history book. SIX hands the mic back to those who were silenced by history. It’s their turn.
The first time I saw SIX, I brought my teenage daughter – and watching her walk out of that theater with her head held even a little bit higher told me everything I need to know about this show. This show is about SO much more than six women who married the same infamous bad guy. It’s a reminder that women don’t have to (and should never) shrink or be silenced. That every voice matters. That your dreams, opinions, and emotions are valid. And that you are more than a label…a last name…a title…a job…a role. For every woman who’s ever felt overlooked, unseen, or unheard – SIX reminds you that you are seen, you are known, and your story matters. (So tell it!)
In SIX, the six wives of Henry VIII step into the spotlight and make “herstory” as they form a pop group and battle it out for a chance to lead the band – with the woman who had it the worst taking the ultimate crown. As each queen takes center stage, she doesn’t just retell history – she rewrites it in her words on her terms. This show is HIGH ENERGY, unapologetic, and won’t just leave you cheering – but thinking, because SIX helps challenge our assumptions and dares us to look beyond what we think we know. SIX isn’t just a refresher in history (although the teacher in me seriously loves that aspect) ; it’s a reclamation. Enough about Henry. It’s their turn. (And yeah, we probably need a histo-remix on a whole lot of the past!)
While the premise of the show (initially) pits the queens against one another, there’s no way you’ll be able to choose a favorite. But the six women who brought SIX to life made the OG queens proud. Chani Maisonet (as Catherine of Aragon), Gaby Albo (as Anne Boleyn), Kelly Denice Taylor (as Jane Seymour), Danielle Mendoza (as Anna of Cleves), Alizé Cruz (as Katherine Howard), and Tasia Jungbauer (as Catherine Parr) absolutely LIGHT UP the stage – bringing electricity, energy, and empowerment – delivering a performance that doesn’t just entertain you, but changes you. Thank you for breathing life into history, for challenging an outdated narrative, and for setting an example for young girls and women everywhere.
SIX will be in Portland at the Keller Auditorium through May 4th. While tickets are limited, you still have a chance to see the queens! Any remaining tickets can be found HERE. (Seriously. Don’t lose your head over it – just go grab some tickets! 😉)
Didn’t get tickets to SIX this time? There are still some INCREDIBLE shows headed to Portland for the ’24/’25 Broadway season!! (This season is jam-packed with amazing shows!!) The remainder of the ’24/’25 season brings extraordinary entertainment with a collection of highly anticipated touring productions direct from Broadway in addition to some returning crowd-pleasing favorites. (You are NOT going to want to miss out!)
The next play headed to the Keller Auditorium will be The Book of Mormon (Winner of nine Tony Awards®!!) If you’re excited for this incredible theatrical event, you can find out more by clicking HERE.
