If you think you know the story of Henry VIII’s six wives, SIX the Musical is ready to give you a whole new perspective. The touring production of this hit Broadway musical brings history, pop music, humor, and plenty of attitude together for an entertaining night at the theater. Playing Detroit’s Fisher Theatre through Sunday, November 8, the National Tour delivers a lively concert experience that gives these six queens the spotlight they deserve.

What Is SIX the Musical About?

For anyone unfamiliar with the show, SIX reimagines the lives of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Katherine Parr — the six wives of England’s King Henry VIII.

Rather than presenting a traditional historical musical, the show puts the queens in the spotlight as modern-day pop stars. Each queen takes her turn telling her story, sharing her experiences, and making the case for why she deserves to be the headlining act. Along the way, the women reclaim their identities from the history books and remind audiences that their lives were about much more than their infamous husband.

The result is a fast-paced blend of historical storytelling, contemporary pop music, comedy, and female empowerment that feels surprisingly fresh.

More Concert Than Traditional Musical

One of the best things about SIX is that it doesn’t try to be a conventional Broadway musical. It feels much more like a pop concert, and that is absolutely part of its appeal.

The queens break the fourth wall throughout the performance, interacting directly with the audience and bringing everyone into their world. The energy feels immediate and personal, as though you’re watching six performers competing for the spotlight at a live concert rather than watching a story unfold from a distance.

That approach works beautifully. The audience isn’t simply observing these historical figures; we’re invited to connect with them, laugh with them, and cheer them on. The concert format also gives each queen a distinct moment to shine, making the show feel like a series of individual performances that come together into one entertaining evening.

With its infectious music, confident choreography, and vibrant personalities, SIX keeps the energy moving from beginning to end.

Six Queens, Six Strong Performances

The cast of the Boleyn Tour brings plenty of personality to the stage, and vocally, each queen is strong. Every performer has the opportunity to make her character memorable, and the cast does an excellent job of giving each queen her own identity and presence.

The cast featured at this performance was:

• Christina Jones as Catherine of Aragon — the queen who establishes the stakes and makes it clear she won’t be forgotten.
• Brittany Smithson as Anne Boleyn — bringing her own personality and energy to the famously rebellious queen.
• Melina Savannah Cruz as Jane Seymour — portraying the queen whose story adds a different emotional dimension to the show.
• Shelby Griswold as Anna of Cleves — representing the queen who gets to tell her story on her own terms.
• Thabitha Moruthane as Katherine Howard — taking on a role that brings another perspective to the queens’ shared history.
• Nina Ann Nelson as Katherine Parr — completing the lineup with the voice of the final queen in Henry VIII’s story.

What stands out is how much personality each performer brings to her role. These aren’t six interchangeable singers wearing elaborate costumes. Each queen has her own attitude, style, and way of connecting with the audience.

The vocal performances are a particular highlight. With a show built around big pop numbers, strong singing is essential, and this cast delivers. Each queen gets her moment to command the stage, while the ensemble’s collective energy makes the entire production feel cohesive.

It’s easy to see why the show’s concert format works so well with this material. The performers aren’t just singing songs; they’re using music to tell their characters’ stories and show the audience who these women are beyond their place in history.

A Fresh Take on Historical Storytelling

You don’t need to be a Tudor history expert to enjoy SIX. In fact, one of the show’s strengths is how accessible it makes its subject matter.

The musical takes a familiar historical story and gives it a modern twist. Instead of treating the queens as supporting characters in Henry VIII’s life, it puts them front and center. Their experiences, personalities, and perspectives become the focus.

There’s humor throughout, but the show also recognizes that these women’s lives were complicated. Beneath the glitter, pop beats, and playful competition is a story about being remembered, having your voice heard, and refusing to let someone else define your legacy.

That balance helps SIX appeal to audiences who love musical theater as well as those who might be more interested in pop concerts. It’s entertaining without feeling like a history lecture, and it has enough substance to leave you thinking about the women behind the familiar names.

Is SIX the Musical Worth Seeing?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for a Broadway touring show with powerful vocals, memorable music, a talented cast, and an upbeat atmosphere, SIX the Musical is well worth considering.

Its shorter, intermission-free format keeps things moving, and the concert-style staging makes it feel different from many traditional musicals. The direct audience interaction is a big part of the fun, while the individual performances give each queen a chance to stand out.

The Boleyn Tour’s cast brings the personality and vocal strength this production needs. Whether you’re already a fan of the cast album or experiencing SIX for the first time, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Most importantly, the show understands its own identity. It isn’t trying to recreate the Tudor court in a historically traditional way. It’s taking the stories of six women who have been defined by their relationships with one king and turning them into a celebration of their individual voices.

And honestly, watching these queens take control of the spotlight is a pretty entertaining way to spend an evening.

Final Verdict: Long Live the Queens!

SIX the Musical is a fun, energetic, and vocally impressive theatrical experience. The Detroit engagement of the Boleyn Tour delivers the kind of lively entertainment that makes you want to clap along, cheer for your favorites, and keep listening to the soundtrack afterward.

The combination of strong performances, distinct personalities, catchy pop music, and fourth-wall-breaking audience interaction makes this production stand out. It’s a fresh, modern take on history that proves these queens have stories worth hearing — and voices worth listening to.

If you haven’t seen SIX yet, there’s still time to catch the queens in Detroit.

SIX the Musical plays the Fisher Theatre in Detroit through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to experience this Tony Award-winning musical on its national tour.

Long live the queens!