So Much More Than Divorced, Beheaded, Died…
by Director of Education, Brendan Shea
Six the Musical is truly a global musical theatre phenomenon. It’s hard to imagine that this Tony Award-winning Broadway hit found its beginnings at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as an experimental mash-up written by two precocious, pop music-obsessed college students. But the story of Six and its eponymous wives of Henry VIII is still being written. QCT is proud to be one of the first community theatre student programs to be awarded the opportunity to perform Six: Teen Edition (I’ve been going around town telling everyone about this show and, yes, it has been often misheard as “Sixteen Edition”). This is a newly adapted version of Six with lyric changes and new dialogue– changes that not only make the musical appropriate for teens to perform and to watch with their grandma, but also highlight elements of Six that are particularly relevant to teens. Yes– beneath its dazzling costumes and catchy tunes there is a wealth of wisdom that teenagers can carry into their own lives. Here are some key lessons our cast (and those teens in our audience!) will take away from Six: Teen Edition:
Your Story is Not Set in Stone
The queens in Six each had their stories shaped by powerful men, and were ultimately reduced to a simple poem that all British children know: “Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.” However, the musical gives them the chance to reclaim their narratives and tell their stories the way they want to be remembered. These women were more than just the wives of a king. And each queen in Six has her own distinct style and voice, from Catherine of Aragon’s fiery determination to Anne Boleyn’s cheeky humor. Their individuality shines through in both their lyrics and performances. So whether it’s dealing with stereotypes or overcoming personal challenges, teenagers should feel empowered to define themselves on their own terms.
Sisterhood and Support Saves Lives
While the queens initially compete to determine who had the “worst” experience with Henry, they eventually realize that tearing each other down to “win” is wrong. Instead, they find strength in supporting one another and celebrating their shared resilience. Life isn’t a competition, though sometimes it can seem that way. The nine young women involved in this production have come together and raised each other up in ways that inspire me every day. Supporting one’s peers and fostering positive relationships is life’s true reward. And I know that when the curtain closes on our production, our queens will have each other’s back for good.
The Past Does Not Define You
This one transcends just what teenagers can learn—honestly, everyone can reflect on this particular lesson. As each queen tells their story and vies for the audience’s support, they reflect on what went wrong—either by fault of someone else (like Henry, let’s be real) or by their own. Whether it’s Catherine Parr wishing for a greater sense of self-worth or Jane Seymour acknowledging the sacrifices she made to keep her husband happy, these stories highlight the value of self-examination. Many of us dwell on regrets, mistakes and missed opportunities—but what matters is what we do next. At the end of the show, the queens emerge stronger and more determined to share their truths. Whether you’re 16, 36 or 66, this is a lesson that never loses its relevance.
You are Your Own Person
A major theme in Six is that the queens’ lives were far more than their marriages to Henry VIII. They were scholars, artists, activists, and women with a wealth of achievements to call THEIR own (not Henry’s). The queens teach us not to let our identity be defined solely by our relationships with others. Whether it’s family, friends, or partners, you must always cultivate your own passions, interests, dreams and sense of self.
Six: Teen Edition isn’t just an entertaining show (and oh boy, it’s VERY entertaining); it’s a powerful reminder of the importance of self-expression, resilience, and empowerment. For teenagers navigating the complexities of growing up, these lessons can set these young people up for a successful, happy and enriched life. How many other pop-concert-meets-Tudor-history mash-up musicals can say that? OK, fine, there aren’t any other shows like Six. Just another reason to give it your attention.