Why SIX Musical Is a High-Energy Must-See at The Hippodrome

The North American Tour of “SIX” is currently playing at The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, delivering a high-energy, concert-style reimagining of Henry VIII’s six wives. The production runs through November 1, 2026, offering a 80-minute show with no intermission that blends Tudor history with modern pop sensibilities.

It is a familiar historical rhyme: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. The result is a fast-paced, electrifying experience that trades traditional theatrical pacing for the raw energy of a stadium tour.

The stakes here aren’t just about historical accuracy; they are about the ingenuity of modern theater. By condensing the complex political and personal tragedies of the Tudor court into a series of “sick beats” and powerhouse vocals, writers Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow have created a fandom that rivals actual pop stars. The show has already secured significant industry validation, including a Tony Award for Best Original Score and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Who are the Queens leading the Baltimore stage?

The production relies on a rotating cast of distinct personas, each inspired by a different era of pop music. Christina Jones leads the charge as Catherine of Aragon, channeling the mesmerizing energy of Beyoncé and Shakira. Following her, Brittany Smithson takes on the role of the infamous Anne Boleyn, delivering a high-octane, Avril Lavigne-style performance in the standout number “Don’t Lose Your Head.”

Why SIX Musical Is a High-Energy Must-See at The Hippodrome

The emotional core of the show shifts with Melina Savannah Cruz, who handles Jane Seymour’s Adele-inspired ballad with captivating precision. The energy pivots again with Shelby Griswold, who brings both humor and stunning vocals to the track “Get Down.” Thabitha Moruthane portrays Katherine Howard as a blend of Ariana Grande and Britney Spears, while Nina Ann Nelson anchors the group with the empowering finale, “I Don’t Need Your Love.”

This structure allows the show to move quickly—there is virtually no dull moment in the 80-minute runtime. The choreography, designed by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, is a critical component of this momentum. The queens rotate smoothly across the stage, ensuring that the transition between songs feels like a choreographed pop medley rather than a series of disconnected scenes.

How does the production blend Tudor history with pop glam?

The visual identity of “SIX” is a calculated collision of the 16th century and the 21st. Gabriella Slade’s costume design pulls from traditional Tudor silhouettes but executes them with the glitz and glamour of a modern pop star’s wardrobe. This aesthetic bridge is supported by Tim Deiling’s lighting design, which uses strobe effects and flashing lights to simulate a rock concert environment, effectively pulling Broadway into a new era of sensory engagement.

The production does come with specific technical warnings. Because it mimics a live concert, the show utilizes theatrical haze, loud music, and strobe effects throughout the performance. It also contains sexual humor, making it most appropriate for audiences aged 10 and older.

Where can you see “SIX” before it closes?

The limited run at The Hippodrome Theatre is drawing to a close. For those looking to catch the performance, the production is hosted at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, located at 12 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The show runs through November 1, 2026.

Tickets are available through the Box Office, which operates Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, and remains open from 11 am until curtain on performance days. Online ticket purchases are also available for those who prefer to skip the line.

Ultimately, “SIX” succeeds because it doesn’t try to be a museum piece. It recognizes that the most effective way to make history resonate in 2026 is to let the figures of the past scream, sing, and dance their way into the modern consciousness.

Six the Musical brings pop royalty to Baltimore's Hippodrome