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[0:00] Richie Grasso: Hello, and welcome to Half Hour, a theater entertainment podcast through Two Worlds Entertainment. I'm Richie.

[0:12] Jeff Malone: And I'm Jeff. Today, we're bringing you a conversation on the latest new Broadway musical Six. This just opened recently on Broadway, and we got a chance to go see it a couple of days ago. So yes, we're excited to be here today kind of chatting about that. A few updates. Well, first of all, if you haven't seen Six on Broadway yet, check it out because we're going to give you some spoilers throughout this podcast. So please make sure that you are seeing it. I don't know if there's any recordings out there yet of this. So you probably have to actually go see this. This is one of our first like back in live person podcasts. So check it out and make sure you go see it if you can before listening unless you want the spoilers.

But yeah, if not just listen to the cast recording. The cast recording is really similar to just watching the show too because it's almost sung through kind of. So yes, this is a musical by Toby Marlowe and Lucy Moss. We have choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrill and directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage. We had a few understudies of the Queens that we saw. Most of the original cast was there that night we went, but the Queens in historical order, Catherine of Aragon was played by Nicole Keong-Mi Lambert. Anne Boleyn was played by Andrea Macassett. Jane Seymour was played by Mallory Mabkey. Anne of Cleves was played by Brittany Mack. Catherine Howard was played by Samantha Polly and Catherine Parr, Anna Uzzile.

So that was the cast that we saw when we saw on Broadway. Like I said, this was our first Broadway show back in person since the pandemic has ended. Every week there's another show opening. So things are slowly starting to come back safely in person in New York City, and we are thrilled. So what were your initial thoughts overall on Six in general?

[1:53] Richie Grasso: Well, I guess I'll just start with the overall topic here is that while we were back in the Broadway theater, a Broadway theater, to see a show, which was amazing, my initial thoughts were I kind of knew a little bit about Six, but I didn't fully know everything about it. So I wanted to go in blind before seeing this. And I would say it was a really fun, upbeat show that I think is kind of like the future of Broadway. I mean, I think we're going to start seeing a lot more like this, especially in this like coming out of a post pandemic world. Quick in and out 90 minute show with fun pop music that gets people super excited that tells a story. You know, I think that's really in a nutshell kind of what Six is.

And I thoroughly enjoyed it. You know, the lighting was great. The costumes were great. The music was great. The story, I mean, was interesting. I wouldn't say it was perfect and it's not traditional musical theater. So I think that was something that was a little bit missing for me in my first show back because I kind of was like, OK, I'm going to go in here. I'm going to get a full, you know, a full story on the stage. And I think that was probably the only thing missing. But I think like it was such an empowering show at most times, you know, to watch this. And I was like, wow, I'm learning a lot. And it was fun. You know, in a nutshell, the musical is a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII presented as a pop concert style format as the wives take turns singing and telling their story to see who suffered the most during due to Henry and should therefore become the group's lead singer.

It's kind of a little bit of a reality TV shows concept of who should be the winner of who suffered the most as the wife, because they all died differently. They all suffered differently. They all different marriages or the marriages ended differently for all six of them. So that's kind of what that's about for those of you interested.

[3:52] Jeff Malone: Yeah, I agree with most of what you said. I think it was a really great, really different. It was different. And yet it wasn't because I think we're seeing a lot of pop music on Broadway at the same time. But the style of it, I'm all for like quick 90 minutes. That's really great. Tell the story. I will talk about what I really enjoyed was some of the music was really great, really original. It sounded like pop music, but it was really original. The lyrics were really smart. I thought the lighting was absolutely brilliant. I thought it was like, I don't know how those that stage management team is calling those cues that fast. Just QQQQQ because it was just really like you're at a pop concert. It really truly was. And I really liked that. And the performances were wonderful, too. And sometimes I don't know if you've realized it, but like the lighting was telling a story.

[4:46] Richie Grasso: Yes. In the back wall. Yeah, there was different imagery and projection and projection, but imagery just from lighting the back wall the way it did. Yes. Very cool stuff. So I thought that was really original. I thought the choreography was great. It was one of the strongest parts of the whole show for me was I think the choreography, the costumes were great. I will say and yes, being back in a Broadway theater was just electric. It was magic. It was nice. You're waiting online. They're checking your covid vaccination card. You're getting in. They're checking your ticket and you're making sure you're wearing your mask and everything is really strict. And it's great because you feel safe in an environment like that.

This is a show that's also easy to open quick and keep going because you have six people and the four person band. So you have 10 people on stage, the ladies in waiting, the ladies in waiting. And it sounded like there was a 20 piece band at times. I was very impressed with some of the sense and the pop sounds of that, how they really beefed up a lot of that sound. That's no nothing to say against the four people who were on stage playing live because they really were filling the sound, obviously. But I really, really enjoyed that. I speaking of sounds, I found that when you go to a pop concert, you usually know at least half or two thirds of the songs that are going to be sung, unless it's like you're a big fan, you know, every song.

So you know what to expect when you listen to it. You know, the next lyric coming up, you know, the chorus, you're usually singing along. If it's more of a ballad concert, you're sitting where you're listening and you know it. Not knowing any of this music, I will say that I did lose a lot of the lyric. I lost a lot because it was and I was like, okay, what? Like I'm not sometimes it was that fast. And it was so fast that I was like, wait a second. And it wasn't a sound issue. It was probably a mix of lyrics being fast sound mixing characters to the characters on stage, performing this music as quickly as they can. It's just a combination of that I wouldn't blame anyone specific person other than because I heard all the instrumentals very loud and clear.

I just lost a lot of dialogue on the fast songs. And I when I go back and listen to the recording in my house or my car, I hear it then I say, Oh, that's what she was saying. Oh, that's what they were saying. And I kind of I'm a little upset in a way that so it wasn't like just one song. It was actually probably every other song was to the point like the some of the slower stuff and especially the ballads you got all that. But there was just a couple moments where I lost so much of what they were saying. I'm like, Whoa, slow down for a hot second, you know?

[7:02] Jeff Malone: Yeah. So it's almost like something that people should do is listen to the recording before they go.

[7:06] Richie Grasso: Yeah, yeah. It really is like a pop concert. You're you're right in a way when you listen to pop music. Normally you listen to the album first and then you go see it. So and then you know, the lyrics already and you're chanting along and I almost felt like the room was going to start singing at times.

[7:24] Jeff Malone: Yeah. Along with like people knew when the song was coming up. Right. You know, it's like you had these fandom fans in the room. And I was like, wow, whether people were dressing up coming to the show. It's like they really love and they're really resonating with the characters. But I lost a lot, too. And you would think by now how many productions of this are going like the diction part of the part of the show would be fixed by now.

[7:44] Richie Grasso: Yeah. And I just felt like there was times where I missed a lot of that. And I'm not I'm not and I did understand the history of it. I can also go do my own homework on some of the history of this. It's very historical. Like Hamilton is you learn a lot during it about this history. But the point of it is not just to sit and listen to them tell the history. It's about artistically. Right. The artistic part of it is like when we see a show, we want to be able to hear what's happening. And I guess in pop music, it kind of gets lost anyway. But we have to remember we're on Broadway here. This is a Broadway show, not just a pop concert. Right. You know.

[8:15] Jeff Malone: So, yeah, I mean, I think there were definitely things that I miss and it almost took me out of the moment in the beginning because I had to try to get myself into the show even more now because I was like, I've heard all of the buzz about this show. And I was like, OK, well, I want to really, really like everything about this show as soon as it starts. And I did. But at the same time, I was like, OK, well, I just missed that and I just missed that. And sometimes of like the setting of just being in the room with a mask and just being able to laugh out loud and like clap and this and that and woo and this and that. I was like that kind of was missing a little bit for me.

[9:05] Richie Grasso: Yes. But at the same time, there was a lot of like, come on, audience, laugh, come on, audience, clap. And they were encouraging the audience at times to do a lot of that, which led the audience to feel a little more comfortable doing that. I think what I'm saying for me is like I didn't know if I wanted to do it or not because they felt like it's my mask going to come down and my glasses are fogging up. And well, am I going to get yelled at?

[9:15] Jeff Malone: I feel like and here's one thing I say. One thing one thing you said earlier that I don't know if I agree with is when you said I think this is what a lot of Broadway will be. I just don't think a lot of Broadway will be pop concert style shows. I think what you maybe you were trying to say was the historical telling with a modern flair like Hamilton, like Six.

[9:34] Richie Grasso: Yes, this trend. But I personally don't need to go see Broadway shows where people are screaming and clapping and during the whole show. I just don't need to see 20 of the 40 shows like that. You know what I mean?

[9:46] Jeff Malone: Yes. I do think that this formula is becoming easy, though.

[9:51] Richie Grasso: Yeah. And if you could get a show up on the stage with six characters or five characters or seven characters, it's going to be easier and it's going to be more cost effective and it's just going to work. So, yeah, of course.

[10:09] Jeff Malone: No, I understand that. I think that one of the major things with this is that I just I just wish that there was more book scenes. I don't know. I wish it was just a little bit more like a stage.

[10:21] Richie Grasso: Just a little. I understand. Don't get me wrong. I understand everything that's going on here. I just wish they were like with Hamilton. I don't know why I can see this really pop hip hop rap score. And then we get the book scenes and then we go and things flow really well. We don't need projections in that show.

[10:43] Jeff Malone: We have amazing lighting, amazing choreography, and we didn't need projections in six either. Right.

[10:48] Richie Grasso: But I feel there was something that wasn't like Hamilton. Something was missing from six that wasn't putting it at the same level as Hamilton for me.

[10:56] Jeff Malone: And I think what that was, was there were two songs that were ballads that I found extremely boring.

[11:03] Richie Grasso: I did. I found them to be.

[11:05] Jeff Malone: You can't give an audience because I'm going to tell you something. When I go here, Barbara Streisand or Celine Dion or Kelly Clarkson sing a ballad, I never find those boring. And I don't need a ton of choreography and maybe a light projection here and there. But they're usually sitting and playing an instrument.

[11:23] Richie Grasso: And it would have been cool if one of them actually played the piano, singing the ballad or the guitar. Or maybe we lowered the lights a lot and made it intimate. And they came to the edge of the stage and they sang this moment. And maybe the girls were doing some choreography behind. It just I couldn't believe that we were thrown with this heavy choreo, which was amazing. And then we get to these ballads and I I was so zoned out.

[11:46] Jeff Malone: I just couldn't focus.

[11:48] Richie Grasso: I couldn't engage in the ballads. And I felt like I was watching a different show for five minutes. And it was for me as a director, I found that there was a disconnect with those moments. And that's just my opinion on that.

[12:00] Jeff Malone: OK, you know, I'm not I don't disagree.

[12:03] Richie Grasso: Yeah, yeah, I definitely don't disagree. If we let's move into the musical now, because I think this is a good topic here. We have the formula of a girl pop group now.

[12:12] Jeff Malone: Yeah, right now, if you put it into that perspective, we have six girls and they're all fighting to be the lead singer of the group.

[12:19] Richie Grasso: And it's very like Spice Girls, like Little Mix, just different groups, Fifth Harmony, everyone. What was it always the thing girls pinned up against each other in girl groups?

[12:26] Jeff Malone: And who is the lead singer? Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. Everyone always knew who kind of that one girl was.

[12:34] Richie Grasso: And I think that's like part of the storyline here, too, is why is everyone kind of pinned up against each other and why are women pinning up against each other saying, I'm the lead singer, I'm this, I'm that. And they're not just sharing the space, which I think that comes like towards the end of the show anyway. It's like, no, we all are the leads here.

[12:56] Jeff Malone: You know, why does King Henry become the lead of the show? It's like, why is it not us?

[13:02] Richie Grasso: And when we go through each song, this is something that we've seen in pop concerts many times where you break out into your solo number and you sing the song. The Spice Girls did it in their last, you know, world tour where they were a group together. Then they broke up into solos and they had their moments. And I was like, that's actually kind of really what worked here in the same style. Each girl had their moment. They got to tell their story. And I guess I think for me in the music, why did they only have one song each? Why didn't they have like a they told their story and then they had a learning moment song?

[13:36] Jeff Malone: Yeah, I mean, I yeah, it was because they're trying to keep it short. And the book scenes were very short in between. And they were trying to give everyone their moment. And then you're in and out. It's it's it's set up to be a tourist trap show because it's set up to be in and out. The elevator pitch of the show is pop music. 90 minutes. Go see it. Oh, I'm a tourist. I don't really see Broadway. OK, it's set up to sell tickets.

[13:58] Richie Grasso: I hate to use tourist trap in that way, because I think the show is actually.

[14:01] Jeff Malone: No. Yeah. Well, there's great tourist trap shows. I'm not saying anything against the show. You know, I thought there was interesting choices in each of them singing. I just think that all the songs were great. I even think the ballads were great. I just don't like the way they were staged.

[14:15] Richie Grasso: I thought the ballads were really boring stage. Well, also, you know, to touch on that one thing that could have really enhanced that portion was usually you have backup dancers. Yes. Now, these girls all backed each other up vocally, but usually you have other dancing going on on the stage.

[15:03] Jeff Malone: Welcome back to "Half Hour with Jeff & Richie." Today, we're diving into the world of "Six: The Musical."

[15:33] Richie Grasso: Yes! After 19 months away from the Broadway stage, it feels incredible to finally be back in the room where it happens.

[16:03] Jeff Malone: Absolutely! "Six" has been such a buzz in the Broadway community, and we couldn't wait to see it.

[16:33] Richie Grasso: The energy in the theater was electric. You could feel the excitement from the audience as soon as the lights dimmed.

[17:03] Jeff Malone: And the performances! Each actress brought something unique to their role, really embodying the characters.

[17:28] Richie Grasso: I loved how the show blended history with modern pop culture. It made the story feel so relevant.

[17:58] Jeff Malone: Right? The way they presented the six wives of Henry VIII as a pop concert was such a fresh take.

[18:28] Richie Grasso: And the music! I mean, the songs were catchy and memorable. I found myself humming them afterward.

[18:58] Jeff Malone: Same here! "Ex-Wives" was such a powerful opener. It set the tone for the entire show.

[19:28] Richie Grasso: And "Don't Lose Ur Head" was another standout for me. The choreography was fantastic!

[19:58] Jeff Malone: I agree! The choreography really enhanced the storytelling. It was visually stunning.

[20:28] Richie Grasso: Plus, the costumes were incredible. Each outfit perfectly represented the character's personality.

[20:58] Jeff Malone: They did an amazing job with that. It really helped to bring the characters to life.

[21:28] Richie Grasso: Overall, I think "Six" is a must-see for any Broadway fan. It’s fun, empowering, and so well done.

[21:58] Jeff Malone: Definitely! If you haven't seen it yet, make sure to check it out. You won't regret it.

[22:28] Richie Grasso: And for those who have seen it, we want to hear your thoughts! What did you love about "Six"?

[22:58] Jeff Malone: You can share your opinions with us on Instagram at @halfhourpodcast.

[23:28] Richie Grasso: Thanks for listening, everyone! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review.

[23:58] Jeff Malone: And don't forget to subscribe for more Broadway discussions and interviews.

[24:28] Richie Grasso: Until next time, keep celebrating the magic of Broadway!

[24:58] Jeff Malone: See you soon!