Spotlight on 'Six' with Krystal Hernandez
As part of a series showcasing long-running shows, we speak to the actress who makes her Broadway debut as the fierce Anna of Cleves in the hit pop musical.
Summary
- Six star Krystal Hernandez discusses the show's themes of women's empowerment and joy; its devoted fanbase; and what goes on backstage at the show
- Six celebrates its fourth anniversary on Broadway in 2025
Six rules the world. From a small production created by then-college students Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss for the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the pop musical has gone on to become an award-winning global phenomenon. Longtime fans are known to show up in costume and groove along with every beat, and every performance mints new fans uplifted by the show's empowering messages.
Since its earliest Broadway performances at the Lena Horne Theatre in 2020 and triumphant post-pandemic reopening in 2021, thousands of audience members have gotten down with the Queens — otherwise known as Henry VIII's six wives. Here, they're reimagined as a contemporary girl group ready to set the record straight on their lives, not just their infamous deaths (and divorces).
Within the Tony Award-winning pop score, each Queen gets a dedicated tune with which to tell her story. One of the most jubilant among them is "Get Down," sung by Anna of Cleves, whose divorce from Henry VIII secured her a future of luxury and independence. Currently in that role is Krystal Hernandez, who makes her Broadway debut with Six after previously playing Cleves in Canada. For New York Theatre Guide, Hernandez reflected on why Six remains one of Broadway's reigning musicals.
Get Six tickets now.
Why do you think this show has lasted so long on Broadway?
I think Six has lasted so long because the message of women's empowerment, rewriting history, and letting go of the shackles of a male’s society means more than anything right now. I think it’s even more relevant now!
What is the best audience reaction you have seen to the show?
The best reaction is seeing all the young girls that come in their versions of our costumes and feeling so excited when we spot them in the audience. It makes my whole night.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
My favorite moment in the show is at the top. We are standing in our power as we come down the stairs in a cloud of smoke and the music is super dramatic as we go through the curtain. It’s the moment I feel like a real pop star.
What is a little-known secret about performing in the show?
In the few moments we are off stage, some girls fix their lipstick, powder their face, and I put a cough drop in my mouth. The smoke makes the air pretty dry so I make sure [my voice] stays lubricated till the end!
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
I hope audiences take away that we must lift each other up and fix each other’s crowns always! The world is a scary place and if this infectious music can help you feel joy even just for 80 minutes, soak that in. Moments of joy are not to be taken for granted.
Get Six tickets now.
Photo credit: Krystal Hernandez and the cast of Six on Broadway. (Photos by Joan Marcus)
Frequently asked questions
What is Six about?
See the ex-wives of King Henry VIII as pop diva icons, retelling their stories of hardship with heart-thumping pop anthems to determine who their leader will be. From a small show written by college students, Six has become Broadway royalty with two Tony Awards and a worldwide fanbase. Try not to lose your head when you get tickets to this clever spin on history.
Where is Six playing?
Six is playing at Lena Horne Theatre. The theatre is located at 256 West 47th Street (between 8th Avenue and Broadway), New York, 10036.
How long is Six?
The running time of Six is 1hr 20min. No intermission.
What's the age requirement for Six?
The recommended age for Six is Ages 10+. Children under 4 are not permitted..
How do you book tickets for Six?
Book tickets for Six on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote the Six musical?
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss wrote the book, music, and lyrics for Six. The two friends were in their final year at Cambridge University when they wrote the show, and they went on to earn the Tony Award for Best Original Score.
What songs are in Six?
Six includes nine total songs: three group numbers and a solo song for each character. The songs include "Ex-Wives," "Don't Lose Ur Head," "All You Wanna Do," and the title song. Learn more about all the songs in Six on Broadway.
Is Six appropriate for kids?
Six is recommended for ages 10 and older. The show contains some strong language and innuendos. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.
Who were the six wives of Henry VIII?
Henry VIII's six wives were, in order, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.
Where did the Six musical start?
The Six musical started out at Scotland's annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017. From there, the show toured the U.K. and played in London's West End, played a U.S. tour, and finally came to Broadway in 2020.
Who directed Six?
Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage co-direct Six on Broadway. Moss is also a co-writer of the musical and, at 26, became the youngest female Broadway director in history upon the show's New York premiere.
Is Six good?
The award-winning Six combines the fun of a pop concert and a Broadway show into one and is among the best-reviewed shows on New York Theatre Guide. Our five-star review calls the show "pure musical theatre elation for a pop-packed 75 minutes... You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll dance. It's everything a theatre experience should be and more."
Originally published on
