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RHS Eagle Theatre Company To Perform “SIX: TEEN EDITION” the Musical
Garland ISD's Rowlett High School Eagle Theatre Company will be the first in Texas and one of the first in the nation to perform the newly adapted version of "SIX: TEEN EDITION” the Musical.
January 23, 2024 | by GISD Communications
Garland ISD is pleased to announce that Rowlett High School has been selected to perform the new teen edition of “SIX,” the Musical.
“SIX: TEEN EDITION” is a full-length adaptation of the international phenomenon “SIX,” modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The exciting musical tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, giving them a modern twist and bringing their voices to the forefront.
Rowlett High School was selected as one of the first U.S. high schools to perform the adapted musical. “Concord Theatricals made a big announcement about releasing a teen version of “SIX” in late 2023,” said Byron Holder, Head Director of the RHS Eagle Theatre Company. “While submitting our Company for consideration, I informed Concord of Rowlett High School’s reputation as a musical theater magnet-type program and our history of stellar performances. In November, we received notice that we’d been selected, and then it was all hands on deck to stage the show.”
The newly released teen version of the hit musical will be opening on stages across America soon, but local audiences can see it first at Rowlett High School. The RHS Eagle Theatre Company is Texas's first high school program to perform the show.
“We are thrilled to be the first high school in Texas to perform the teen version of the show,” said director Clayton Younkin. “The cast includes six powerhouse performers ready to wow the crowd with their vocals, on-stage chemistry, and choreography. It is a huge honor to be selected as one of the first schools in the nation to perform the adapted version of “SIX”.
Younkin says it’s been great working with a small cast because he has more time to focus on each actor and coach them on connecting with their respective characters.
From the costumes to the energetic choreography, "SIX: TEEN EDITION" promises to be a production that audiences won't soon forget. The historical context also provides an educational component for the audience to learn more about the lives of the six women.
“This show, in particular, is cool because it explores a period of history our students and families may not be very familiar with. It allows us to highlight some important women in England who were lumped together and labeled “one of the wives” and then faded into obscurity.”
Senior Francine Parcero says bringing the character to life and showcasing the character’s personality is the most enjoyable part of the show.
“I play Anne Boleyn, and she’s the most playful and most manipulative of the six women,” recalled Parcero. “She loves getting under the other queens’ skin and pushing them to their limits, but at the end of the day, she just wants to have fun. She is a complex character to play, but I love it.”
Without spoiling anything, Parcero says she’s most excited for the audience to see the end of the show. “There’s a real sense of sisterhood, and I believe the audience will be able to see it and feel it when they watch our production,” said Parcero.
Fellow actor and senior Kai McGhee shared similar sentiments.
“I hope the audience leaves the auditorium with a feeling of community, friendship, and female empowerment,” said McGhee. “I play Catherine of Aragon, the first wife. She’s the leader of the group, in a way. It’s been a unique challenge bringing her to life because, on one hand, she’s motherly and looks out for the others. On the other hand, she’s still tough and not one to be messed with. So, for me, it’s been about bringing balance to the performance.”
Younkin says the cast and crew had roughly eight weeks to bring everything together. Everyone jumped right into rehearsals as soon as they returned from Thanksgiving Break. They staged and choreographed the entire show within two weeks, giving them plenty of time to polish and refine it before opening night.
Holder says the full version of “SIX” is wildly popular, and the cast is ready to exceed the crowd’s expectations with their performance of the adaptation. Being chosen as one of a few schools to perform the show first is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Rowlett High School Eagle Theatre Company.
“Garland ISD is a Choice of School district, meaning students can attend any school they choose no matter where they reside. Several students enroll at Rowlett High School specifically for our theatre program. They want to do musicals and be on stage, and we give them every opportunity to do so,” said Holder.
Tickets are on sale now! The RHS Theatre Company will perform the show from January 25-28 at the Rowlett HS Auditorium.
Keep up with the Rowlett HS Eagle Theatre Company by following them on Instagram @rhseagletheatre. “SIX: TEEN EDITION” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Get tickets
"SIX: TEEN EDITION" will run from January 25-28 at the Rowlett HS Auditorium. The show will have several showings:
- January 25-27, starting at 7 p.m.
- January 28, starting at 3 p.m.
Tickets for "SIX: TEEN EDITION" can be purchased at bit.ly/sixtickets or at the door. Ticket prices are:
- Adults: $20
- Military/Seniors: $10
- Students/Children: $5