Tudor history gets a pop makeover. SIX the Musical turns Henry VIII’s six wives into the stars, not the footnotes. I love how it remixes real heartbreak into a high-energy, modern celebration that still respects the story underneath.

Two things I especially like are the all-female band, Ladies in Waiting, and the way the wives battle it out on stage like pop divas with something to prove. One possible drawback to plan for: the show runs 80 minutes with no intermission, so you’ll want to sort out the restroom and snack situation before the lights go down.

Key highlights at a glance

• Tony Award winner (2022) for Best Original Score, plus major theater bragging rights
• Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, a strong sign of long-lasting quality
• 80 minutes, no intermission, which keeps momentum high but limits breaks
• Ladies in Waiting: an all-female band that powers the sound from start to finish
• Henry VIII’s six wives take the microphone to reclaim their identities and compete for attention
• Billboard #1 cast album and over 100 million streams worldwide for a reason

SIX on Broadway: pop divas meet Tudor queens

If you only know the name Henry VIII, you’re still in the right place. SIX reframes the six wives as performers who get to tell their own version of what happened, from Tudor Queens to Pop Icons.

The concept is simple but smart. Instead of treating the women as historical background, the show gives them voices, microphones, and choreography—then lets them turn five centuries of heartbreak into something you can actually feel in your body. Think big beats, tight storytelling, and a stage that treats pop concert energy like a form of truth-telling.

What you’ll see in the show’s 80 minutes (no intermission)

There’s no intermission at SIX. The full runtime is about 80 minutes, so the show is built like a fast playlist: it moves, it hits, and it keeps going.

In that short time, you’ll get the core emotional arc: each wife steps forward, stakes her claim, and makes the case that her life story deserves center stage. The show’s structure also leans into competition—these queens face off against each other to prove whose marriage was worse, which keeps the tone playful even when the subject matter isn’t.

Practical tip: since there’s no break, use the time before the show to get settled, and consider buying water or something small only if you truly need it. Once you’re seated, you’ll want to stay put and ride out the momentum.

Ladies in Waiting: the all-female band behind the power

One of my favorite parts to look for is the Ladies in Waiting, the show’s all-female band. Their presence matters because it turns the sound into part of the story, not just accompaniment.

The show also signals that modern pop energy is the language of the characters. The wives are inspired by modern pop divas, so you’ll hear and see performance choices that feel current—big vocals, punchy rhythms, and arrangements built for live impact. When an all-female band is on stage doing the heavy lifting, it changes the vibe from spectacle to solidarity.

If you’re the type who enjoys watching how a band shapes the energy of a show, you’ll appreciate how much attention the production gives to the music’s driving force.

The onstage face-offs: girl power with bite

The emotional engine here isn’t just empowerment in a generic sense. It’s competition plus reclaiming the narrative.

Each of the six wives takes the microphone to reclaim identity outside the shadow of Henry VIII. Then the show turns that into a friendly-but-fierce rivalry—who had the hardest time, who got the short end of the stick, and who deserves the spotlight. It’s a clever way to keep historical pain from feeling distant, because the characters are actively performing their way through it.

For you, that means the show doesn’t require deep Tudor knowledge to be satisfying. You can follow the stakes because the women speak through attitude, humor, and attitude again—with songs that push the story forward.

Award-winning score: why the headlines matter

2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical aren’t just trophies on a shelf. They’re a shortcut to quality in a city where lots of shows compete for your time.

An award like Best Original Score matters because it signals the music is doing real work. In SIX, the score isn’t decorative. It carries the personalities, drives the pace, and turns each character’s claim into something you can feel instantly.

You’ll also notice how far the show has traveled beyond Broadway. The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and has been streamed over 100 million times worldwide. That kind of reach usually means the show’s style lands with lots of different audiences—not only theater people.

Tickets and value: what you get, what you need to handle

Your admission ticket gets you into SIX the Musical. That’s the clean part.

What’s not included is anything around the show day: transportation, and food and drinks are available for purchase. In a city like New York, this is normal, but it still affects value. If you plan to eat before or after, give yourself time to do it without rushing into the theater area stressed.

Here’s where the value thinking gets practical: the show is 80 minutes, with no intermission, so it’s a good option for a day when you don’t want a half-day theater commitment. You pay for a concentrated hit of music, staging, and performance energy. If you’re on a tight itinerary, that timing can be a win.

A simple plan for show night (especially with no break)

With no intermission, the small choices matter more. Here’s how I’d plan it so you don’t spend your favorite moments thinking about logistics.

• Arrive early enough to get settled and calm. With a short show, you don’t want your night to start with a scramble.
• Use the restroom before the show starts. After the lights go down, you’re in “watch and enjoy” mode for about 80 minutes.
• If you want snacks or drinks, plan to purchase them when offered in the theater area. Food and drinks aren’t included with admission.
• Dress for comfort. You’ll be fully focused on the stage for the whole runtime, so skip anything that restricts your movement or breathing.

Also, because it’s recommended for ages 10 and up, it’s worth thinking about the kids on your schedule. Older kids and teens usually have an easier time matching the pop performance energy and fast pace.

Who should book SIX on Broadway

SIX is a strong fit if you like musicals but don’t want to study a textbook first. The premise is designed for people who want story and emotion, served with concert-level energy.

It’s also a good choice if you care about women centered onstage for reasons that go beyond costumes. The show’s identity is tied to reclaiming narratives, and the all-female Ladies in Waiting band adds another layer to that focus.

It may not be the best fit if you need frequent breaks. With no intermission, the show’s pacing stays tight, so anyone who struggles with long stretches without stopping may find it harder.

And for age rules: it’s recommended for guests 10 and up, and children under 4 won’t be admitted.

Should you book this? My honest take

Book SIX the Musical on Broadway if you want a high-energy night that mixes history, attitude, and top-tier stage music into one punchy package. With a Tony-winning score, an award-winning reputation, and a run time that’s short enough to fit real itineraries, it’s a good use of your Broadway time.

Skip it if you’re looking for a slow, reflective production with lots of pauses. The lack of intermission is part of the design, not an accident. For the right audience, that tight format is exactly what makes SIX feel so alive.

If you’re debating, think about your own schedule and your patience for no-break pacing. Then ask one question: do you want a pop concert vibe with smart storytelling? If yes, SIX is one of the safer bets in Broadway land.

FAQ

How long is SIX the Musical?

The show lasts about 80 minutes and there is no intermission.

Is there an intermission?

No. SIX runs for 80 minutes with no intermission.

What age is SIX recommended for?

It’s recommended for guests 10 and up.

Can children under 4 attend?

No. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted.

Is transportation included with the admission ticket?

No. Transportation isn’t included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Who performs in the show’s band?

The show features an all-female band called the Ladies in Waiting.

What awards has SIX won?

It won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.