Broadway is about to get a whole lot more buzzworthy! Get ready for a shakeup in the royal court because TikTok sensation Dylan Mulvaney and Bridgerton musical creator Abigail Barlow are heading to Broadway's Six! But that's not all – some familiar faces are returning to the stage as well.
Starting February 16th, the Lena Horne Theatre will welcome Mulvaney as the fiery Anne Boleyn and Barlow as the captivating Katherine Howard. Six, the smash-hit musical about the six wives of Henry VIII, is known for its high-energy performances and modern take on historical figures. These new additions promise to bring even more excitement to the show!
And the good news doesn't stop there! Original cast members Adrianna Hicks (Catherine of Aragon) and Anna Uzele (Catherine Parr) are making a triumphant return! Plus, Olivia Donalson will be back as the unforgettable Anna of Cleves. It's a royal reunion! One role remains to be cast: Jane Seymour. We're all waiting with anticipation to see who will complete the new lineup of queens.
These talented performers are stepping into some big shoes. Najah Hetsberger, Gianna Yanelli, Krystal Hernandez, Kay Sibal, and Taylor Marie Daniel will be taking their final bows on February 15th. They've all brought so much to their respective roles, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors. Current alternates Aryn Bohannon, Sierra Fermin, Nicole Kyoung-Mi Lambert, and Aiyana Smash will continue to shine in their roles, ensuring the show's ongoing success.
Now, you might be thinking, "TikTok stars on Broadway?" But here's where it gets interesting... Both Mulvaney and Barlow aren't just internet famous; they have serious musical theatre chops! This will be both Mulvaney and Barlow's Broadway Debut.
Barlow's Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album took the internet by storm in 2020, showcasing her incredible songwriting and vocal talents. Mulvaney gained widespread recognition for her "Days of Girlhood" video series, documenting her experiences as a trans woman. But this is the part most people miss: Barlow graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts and trained at the Birmingham Dance Theatre, while Mulvaney holds a BFA in musical theatre from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. Mulvaney also recently made her Off-Broadway debut with her solo show, The Least Problematic Woman in the World, and toured with The Book of Mormon. Barlow also reunited with Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album collaborator Emily Bear to compose the music for Moana 2, which was released in 2024.
Six, co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage, with choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, boasts a stellar creative team. Emma Bailey designed the sets, Gabriella Slade designed the costumes, Tim Deiling handled the lighting, and Paul Gatehouse crafted the sound design. The orchestrations are by Tom Curran, with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton and U.S. music supervision by Roberta Duchak. Casting was handled by Peter Van Dam of Tara Rubin Casting. Theater Matters is general manager, Sam Levy is associate producer, and Lucas McMahon is U.S. executive producer.
Here's a question that's sparking debate: Does having social media stars like Dylan Mulvaney in a Broadway show bring in a new audience, or does it detract from the traditional Broadway experience? Some argue that it's a brilliant way to attract younger viewers and diversify the theatre community. Others worry that it prioritizes online fame over genuine theatrical talent. What do you think?
Six officially opened on Broadway on October 3, 2021, and has since become a global phenomenon. It even won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical! The West End production continues to thrive at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. For more information and tickets, visit SixOnBroadway.com.
So, are you excited about the new cast of Six? Do you think this casting choice is a step in the right direction for Broadway? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
