When I first saw “Six” in its North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater five years ago, I remember thinking that commercial musicals often work better when they don’t have to deal with the complex plot of a movie, or a famous person’s life, but can thrive on the back of one really great, relatable idea that’s inherent performative.
In this case: What if the six wives of Henry VIII are turned into pop divas modeled on the likes of Beyoncé, Britney, Alicia, Adele, Miley and Rihanna, all seeking to reclaim their story? What if that became a competition for audiences fond of “The X Factor” and “America’s Got Talent?”
That’s the part I was right about. The part I was completely wrong about was my view that “Six,” in order to command Broadway prices and thus its imprimatur, would need to offer more in the way of set, narrative, live musicians and original musical numbers than the 80 minutes on offer here.
So wrong. Nobody wanted any more; they wanted precisely what this fun show delivers, which is feminist empowerment, witty lyrics, catchy melodies, bold characters and bravura musical performances. I happened to be back at “Six” on the final, rather scary night before Broadway closed down due to the COVID-19 crisis. The theater was packed even as the world was changing. Say no more.
“Six” is now back in Chicago for a hefty six-week run at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, with a touring cast made up of Kristina Leopold, Cassie Silva, Kelly Denice Taylor, Danielle Mendoza, Alizé Cruz and Adriana Scalice. (On the night I saw the show, Cruz was out and replaced by the stellar understudy Taylor Sage Evans and Broadway nerds might like to know you have to scan a QR code to get the current night’s cast; no paper inserts anymore). This is a first-class tour, indistinguishable from the show on Broadway, and as you’d expect with so successful a title and so many young performers aspiring to be part of this particular court, this is a professional company with styles based on the original stars but still their own. (I especially especially enjoyed Taylor, not least for her notable originality, but that is no knock on anyone else).
Much of the audience at “Six” are repeat visitors, eager to jump up in their seats and bop along to “Ex-Wives,” “Don’t Lose Ur Head” and, of course, the title number. Phones come out at the end as the title of the show lights up on the stage, Instagram ready.
This will do very nicely for the Loop this summer. Welcome back to where you started, Stateside, ladies.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.
cjones5@chicagotribune.com
Review: “Six” (3 stars)
When: Through July 14
Where: Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.
Running time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Tickets: $39-$114 at www.broadwayinchicago.com