From St. Paul to Broadway: New musical 'Six' is a historic first for Ordway

The Chicago cast of "Six" rocks out to songs of beheading and, more happily, divorce. /Liz Lauren, Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The long-rumored Broadway debut of the new musical "Six" was announced Thursday, but Twin Cities audiences get to see it first. The show about the six wives of Henry VIII will play Ordway Center Nov. 29-Dec. 22 in advance of its New York opening March 12.

"For the first time in the history of our theater, a major production is headed from the Ordway directly to Broadway," crowed Ordway CEO Jamie Grant.

The concert-style "Six" uses contemporary music to tell the story of the wives, each of whom sings in the manner of a pop diva such as Adele or Beyoncé, backed by a raucous, all-female band. First presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe two years ago, "Six" quickly developed buzz, which led to an ongoing run on London's West End, as well as the current, sold-out run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and a Cambridge, Mass. engagement that begins in August.

Casting has not been announced for the Ordway "Six" but if current actors continue with the show, Twin Cities theater fans will recognize its Jane Seymour (wife number three). In Chicago and Massachusetts, Jane is Abby Mueller, who played Carole King the first time the "Beautiful" tour played in Minneapolis and, later, on Broadway.

"Six" replaces the Cinderella-themed musical, "Ever After," which has been bumped to a future Ordway season. Tickets are on sale for the Nov. 29-Dec. 22 engagement of "Six" at 651-224-4222 or ordway.org.