The AHN theatre department’s most recent production, “SIX: The Musical,” completed its run from March 5-8, 2026. Originally written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the show follows the six wives of King Henry VIII as a modern pop girl group, with each queen telling their story and while exploring themes of individuality, friendship, and female empowerment. The show was directed by Vivian Kimbler, featuring theatre students across all grade levels.

The show had two casts that each performed two shows as the six queens. Cast A featured Mariana Zuluaga (‘28) as Catherine of Aragon, Morgan Simon (‘29) as Anne Boleyn, Avery Maxwell (‘27) as Jane Seymour, Sami Moreau (‘28) as Anna of Cleves, Isla Paone (‘28) as Katherine Howard, and Rylan Meredith (‘27) as Catherine Parr. Cast B was composed of Lauren Rordam (‘27) as Catherine of Aragon, Juno Choe (‘28) as Anne Boleyn, Gabby Fariello (‘29) as Jane Seymour, Jocelyn Salud (‘29) as Anna of Cleves, Layla Evans (‘26) as Katherine Howard, and Jillian Walters (‘28) as Catherine Parr.

“I love to perform at AHN,” said Lauren Rordam. “All my friends are so talented and made this show a lot of fun to be a part of. I am very grateful for the role I played and all the support I received.”

Avery Maxwell  said, “I loved “SIX” because it was an unforgettable experience performing with people I love, empowering women on the stage, and connecting the character of Jane Seymour to my own life. Being able to connect with the audience in such a personal and engaging way, also, was such a unique and fun aspect to this show that I absolutely loved and will always remember.”

In addition, many of the girls shared the deep connections they found with their characters throughout the rehearsal process.

“My character, Anna of Cleves, was particularly fun to play because of her sass and fun personality,” said Sami Moreau. “Getting to play her role was truly an amazing opportunity and I will forever be grateful! I felt that over the course of rehearsals I grew close to the cast and crew and I love them all very much. I couldn’t have asked for a better run!”’

Jocelyn Salud, who also played Anna of Cleves, says, “This role has really helped me go out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as an Academy girl. Although Anna of Cleves is famous for getting rejected for her looks, her confidence still radiates in the face of hardship which is a lesson I will always carry with me. This is definitely the most challenging show I have ever been a part of, yet the sisterhood and camaraderie I have felt makes it all worthwhile. From hyping each other up backstage to harmonizing with my best friends, the love I have felt from this experience is something I will cherish forever.”

Jillian Walters, who played Catherine Parr, also emphasized the sense of community created during the production.

“Playing Catherine Parr was such an amazing opportunity and rewarding experience, but what meant the most was the time we spent building friendship across grades,” she said. “Our cast truly felt like a celebration of sisterhood and reminded me how supportive and empowering our community can be.”

Other members of the cast besides the queens included a dancer ensemble (called “Ladies in Waiting”) and a vocal ensemble (called “Ladies of the Court”).

Caroline Bishop (‘27), a member of the dance ensemble, shares that she was “ecstatic” when she found out she had been cast in “SIX” because it is one of her favorite musicals. 

“The process of creating the show was long and some days I didn’t want to be there but in the end I believe it was worth it,” she said. “I met so many new people and grew my relationships with my friends.”

Through its music, storytelling, and performances, “SIX” left a lasting impression on both the audience and the cast. For many students involved, the show highlighted the importance of hard work, collaboration, and confidence. 

The story is powerful and relatable to girls around the Academy, as Isla Paone says, “In a world that constantly tells women that they are “too much,” this show responds by celebrating boldness and encouraging women to be unapologetically themselves. While it highlights each queen’s individuality, it also emphasizes their strength when they are united.”

For those who loved Academy’s production, “SIX” is coming to the Straz Center this May.