On 17 August, Broadway’s acclaimed musical “SIX” reached a significant milestone by celebrating its 2,000th performance. This momentous occasion was marked with the introduction of four new cast members, two of whom are returning from the original UK production of the show. The evening exemplified the musical’s continued popularity, solidifying its status as the longest-running production at the Lena Horne Theatre.
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The new ensemble features Natalie Paris and Aimie Atkinson, who take on the roles of Jane Seymour and Katherine Howard, respectively. Joining them are Chloe Tucker Caine as Anne Boleyn and Stephanie Jae Park as Catherine Parr. Khaila Wilcoxon and Olivia Donalson continue in their roles as Catherine of Aragon and Anne of Cleves, creating a unique blend of talent among the cast.
Chloe Tucker Caine made her Broadway debut during this landmark performance, sharing her excitement about joining “SIX”. “I have been a huge fan of the show for years,” she expressed. Her dream, she noted, was to share the stage with talented performers like Atkinson and Paris. Caine emphasised her gratitude and joy for the experience, highlighting the magic of being part of such a special production.
Aimie Atkinson reflected on her journey with “SIX,” which began in 2017. She reminisced about the growth of the musical from its humble beginnings at the Edinburgh Festival to its current status on Broadway. “It’s unbelievable to look back on our journey,” Atkinson said, recognising the emergence of the show as a formidable presence in theatre.
“SIX” blends pop music with the historical narratives of the six wives of Henry VIII, and has garnered a dedicated fanbase along the way. This unique style earned the show the Tony Award for Best Original Score in 2022. The production’s original cast recording, titled “SIX: Live on Opening Night,” reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard cast album chart and has been streamed over 194 million times.
In addition to its stage success, “SIX” has recently expanded into film. The musical’s live capture from London’s Vaudeville Theatre was released by Universal Pictures Content Group on 14 August, showcasing the original West End cast in their iconic roles. For Natalie Paris, returning to the Broadway stage shortly after the film’s release brought a deeper significance to the moment. “To now see SIX captured on film, preserved forever, is an honour,” she remarked.
Stephanie Jae Park, who has previously appeared in productions like “The King and I” and “Hamilton,” expressed her enthusiasm for joining “SIX” at this pivotal time. She praised her fellow cast members and the enriching environment created by the all-female creative team. Park noted that stepping into the role of Catherine Parr was both an honour and a privilege, considering the historical figure’s remarkable achievements.
Khaila Wilcoxon also reflected on her journey within the show, surprised by the milestones she has encountered since joining in 2022. She acknowledged the contributions of the entire cast and crew, stating that the success of “SIX” is reliant on their collective efforts. “Every Queen, lady in waiting, and behind-the-scenes crew member plays a vital role in gifting our audience an unforgettable night,” Wilcoxon said.
Olivia Donalson echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the significance of a performance that continues to resonate with audiences. She credited the longevity of “SIX” to the diverse interpretations brought by each new actor, allowing fresh perspectives to invigorate the story of Henry VIII’s marriages. “Its electric energy makes it undeniably magnetic!” she remarked.
Following the 2,000th performance, the cast came together for a celebratory moment on stage. Wilcoxon welcomed the new queens, and the audience erupted into cheers as flowers were presented to the newcomers. The celebration continued with an afterparty attended by cast members, friends, and other Broadway professionals.
Audience members can look forward to seeing Atkinson remain in the role until 31 October, while Paris is scheduled to perform until 13 December. Tucker Caine and Park will continue their engagements through 14 February 2027. Tickets for “SIX” are currently available for those eager to witness this remarkable blend of history and musicality.