They say the winners write the history books, but that the truth is revealed in the retelling. In the Broadway musical Six, the wives of Henry VIII come together to reclaim their stories in order to tell their truth.
What at first begins as a competition for which of the six of Henry’s wives had the most tragic story develops into a celebration of sisterhood and camaraderie, landing on the truest story of all: Sharing a narrative makes us all stronger and more empowered.
Joining the Queendom for the National tour of Six is Texas State Musical Theater graduate Emma Elizabeth Smith, who plays Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
“She is the first Queen,” Smith said. “She was married to Henry the longest. She’s very strong, very firm. She knows her self worth. She likes to hold every other queen accountable.”
Catherine of Aragon was a force to be reckoned with during her time on the throne. Having been married to Henry for 24 years before Anne Boleyn entered the picture, Catherine was a respected ruler who was devoted to her husband and her Catholic faith. Smith found that growing into the role proved to be rewarding as she stepped into character.
“I don’t feel like I walk around life acting like Catherine,” Smith said. “It meant a lot to embody her up on stage.”
Smith attributed her ability to inhabit the role of Catherine of Aragon to the community made up of her fellow Queens.
“It’s so fun to get up and collaborate with these women,” Smith said. “I’ve learned so much from them. I’m shocked and grateful every day that this is my story.”
Smith’s story toward the stage began when she would watch her older sister in plays when they were children.
”I would go home and recreate all the shows in my bedroom,” Smith said. “I think my younger self was very determined to make this my lifelong career.”
In pursuit of this dream, Smith learned about Kaitlyn Hopkins and the Musical Theatre program at Texas State.
“I auditioned in 2020 right before the pandemic,” Smith said. “Kaitlyn Hopkins gave me a call right before the shut down. I committed with no idea where I was going to end up the next four years, because no one can say no to Kaitlin Hopkins.”
Without ever having stepped foot in San Marcos, Smith came to Texas State, an act of faith that ultimately brought her years of joy and learning.
“Honestly San Marcos, my favorite town in the world,” Smith said, “And Texas State really means the world to me. The biggest thing about TXST is how diverse the program is. Fifty percent or more is POCs. Kaitlin was amazing about picking amazing artists who are unique and have something to say. She would take risks on students, and that sort of validation from someone like her is so beneficial. She saw something in me that I didn’t see until a couple of years into the program.”
Hopkins’ approach to the business of musical theater has distinguished Texas State as having one of the Top 25 drama programs in the world, according to an article in The Hollywood Reporter. It’s a philosophy based on collaboration and support rather than emphasizing competition.
”Not having competition amongst my peers… we all had our own strengths, and that was so beautiful,” Smith said.
This undercurrent of collaboration also bears thematic fruit in Six, which Smith admits was her dream musical while still studying at Texas State.
“I would be at the Rec at TXST watching bootlegs on YouTube,” Smith said. “And I don’t want to give any spoilers, but when we reclaim our stories and look out into the audience, it’s the most powerful human connection. Feeling so seen in that moment. It keeps me coming back every day.”
Join Smith and the cast of Six as they reclaim their stories together on stage at Bass Concert Hall Jan. 20-25, Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35 and are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com, by phone at 512-477-1444 or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.
