“Six” the musical is a groundbreaking production that explores the complex lives of Henry VIII’s six wives. Since making its debut in Dec. 2017, this show has continued to inspire performers and audience members alike to tell their own stories.
Gerianne Perez, who plays Catherine of Aragon in the national tour for “Six”, discussed the ways this role has shaped her as both a performer and an individual. From the sheer length of the musical to the fifteen-pound costumes, Perez has pushed herself in this role.
“I feel like I’m an Olympian. I feel like I’m training for the Olympics,” Perez said. “That’s what it is to be in theater.”
Perez went on to note the emotional stamina that coincides with the role as well.
“Mentally it taught me how much I have to be my own cheerleader and believe in myself,” Perez said. “I can’t walk onto that stage and hold the position of the first wife and …and not believe in myself.”
The show’s unique pop musical style, eccentric costumes and riveting storyline have caused it to gain popularity, especially with a younger crowd.
“‘Hamilton’ walked so that ‘Six’ could run,” Perez said. “The music of this show is what ties to its virality. The humor of it is very, very funny, dry sardonic in some cases, and so I think that a lot of young people really are drawn to the comedic energy of it.”
A key component of this show is empowering women to share their stories, despite any scrutiny or ridicule they’ve experienced from society. Perez discussed how meaningful it has been to hear fan’s reactions to the show.
“Every queen has a very specific kind of audience member who really empathizes with them,” Perez said. “I get a lot of moms [and] wives who reach out to me on Instagram or who talked to me at the show at the stage door who really loved me and it’s because I am portraying a passionate mother, I am portraying a deeply loyal wife.”
With its focus on highlighting the stories of women whom history has tried to dismiss or paint inaccurately, Perez noted how “Six” doesn’t shy away from shining a light on history that has been previously recounted from a male perspective.
“We are taking history and we are turning it on its head,” Perez said. “All of these women in our show get to take what you think their history is based on the history books, and completely say, ‘No, no, no, here is what it is, from my perspective.’”
While the role of Catherine of Aragon has brought with it many joys, Perez also discussed the inevitable feelings of imposter syndrome when taking on a role as daunting as this one.
“I really had to craft my own very unique take on Catherine of Aragon,” Perez said. “I had to inspire her and imbue her with my own history with my own culture and make sure that she was authentic to me. It was a lot of research and a lot of hyping myself saying ‘I deserve to be here.’”
Packed with valuable messages and inspiring themes, Perez touched on what she wants audiences to take away from “Six.”
“You have the ability to change your story, please don’t let somebody else write your story for you,” Perez said. “Regardless of what you’ve been through. You have the ability.”
The costuming for “Six” is fun and playful and features glimmering corsets and bejeweled mini skirts. Take the Spice Girls and add some punk and you’ll have a pretty good visual of these fabulous ensembles.
The diva-off that takes place between the queens as they compete for the top spot in their new girl band is both hysterical and powerful when you realize these women who share the common thread of heartbreak are being pinned against each other. This phenomenon is still incredibly common today, taking powerful women and attempting to strip them of their confidence by forcing them to compete.
Word to the wise, bring a sweater when you attend this musical because you will be getting chills continuously throughout the show. Each performer has an aura of star quality that leaves you awe-struck as the final notes of their songs play. From upbeat songs that play with dark humor to incredibly moving ballads, “Six” has something for every kind of Broadway fan.
Truly my only qualm with the entire show was that I wish there was more of it. Audiences will lose their heads over “Six” — a musical that is infused with energy and fun and leaves audiences to ponder what other narratives in history have been erased or ignored.
