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.

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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.

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Photo credit: Krystal Hernandez and the cast of Six on Broadway. (Photos by Joan Marcus)