In a vibrant fusion of history and pop culture, the Hockaday stage came alive with the electrifying energy of SIX, a modern retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, presented in the form of a dynamic pop concert. From Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, audiences were transported through time as the musical comedy unfolded, shedding light on the often-overlooked heroines of history and their trials and triumphs. But what truly elevated this production was the tireless dedication and hard work of the cast and crew behind the scenes.
The journey began with auditions, where students showcased their skills through song and monologue. From there, rehearsals became a daily ritual starting Dec. 1, with intense practice sessions stretching into the evenings and weekends.
Xeno Bennett, an ensemble cast member, reflected on the importance of individual practice alongside group rehearsals, emphasizing the necessity of mastering music and choreography.
“It’s definitely most helpful to practice with other people since that’s what you’re going to be doing in the show,” Bennett said. “But it’s also really important to practice by yourself, and to know your music, know your choreography.”
A typical day of rehearsals included learning new choreography and practicing putting things together. For Bennett, mastering the complex choreography was the biggest challenge.
“I was in the musical last year, and it was definitely very much a step up from what it was last year choreography wise,” Bennett said.
Eventually, the cast and tech crew worked to put everything together and had full run throughs for two weeks of “tech week.”
Emily Winchester, a sophomore on tech crew, explained the various important jobs behind the scenes starting Dec. 4.
“We prepared for SIX by designing a floor plan, building the throne, and creating the miniature crowns,” Winchester said, “We also worked on sound and lighting board for the run, along with props and projections for the background.”
The cast and crew also encountered unforeseen challenges as the performance drew near, including illness among members. Balancing rest and rehearsals became paramount, yet the cast persevered, delivering a stellar performance regardless of illness or other issues.
Amidst the applause and standing ovations, the experience left a lasting impact on the cast, imparting invaluable lessons in professionalism and teamwork. Bennett said cast members learned the importance of punctuality, preparation, and collaborative effort, skills that extend far beyond the stage.
“This show would not have been able to happen if it weren’t for the efforts of the creative team and all those people that helped with the production, putting in all the extra hours and the extra time to really
make the show great,” Bennett said. “It’s really important to put time and effort into things that you care about.”
Although the musical was a huge time commitment, its themes resonated deeply with the cast, particularly the empowerment of women’s voices and the retelling of history from alternative perspectives.
“I think it’s definitely a very powerful kind of message,” Bennett said, “Especially going to an all girls school, being in an environment where girls are encouraged to tell their stories and advocate for themselves.”
Through countless rehearsals and shared experiences, the cast and crew forged bonds akin to family, creating cherished moments. Bennett’s favorite moment with the team was their tradition of celebrating seniors before the last show, which included heartfelt gifts, cards, and video edits reminiscing on their shared journey.
As the curtain closed on this remarkable production, it marked the culmination of months of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment. SIX not only entertained audiences but also inspired and enlightened, becoming a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
