Lowell Theater Program Celebrates Female Talent
A powerful light show accompanied Lowell's six queens in the LPAC's final show of the year.
SIX the Musical, Teen Edition took place May 30th-June 1st at LHS.
Justin Scott - School News
Like the name implies, Six celebrated six talented LHS theater students. History roared to life on stage May 30th through June 1st at the Lowell Performing Arts Center (LPAC) as Lowell delivered three high-energy performances of SIX, the global musical hit that reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as empowered pop icons.
Directed by Amanita Fahrni, with production leadership from LPAC Director Jules Crawford, the 75-minute, no-intermission show was a unique year-end showcase designed to spotlight Lowell’s strongest female vocalists. With only six roles and no traditional set, SIX played more like a stadium concert than a typical musical—complete with handheld microphones, haze effects, and stunning lighting design.
Each queen stepped into the spotlight to tell her story—reclaiming her place in history through fierce vocals and commanding presence:
Senior Vivyenne Skinner opened the show as Catherine of Aragon, the first wife who refused to be cast aside. Her powerful performance of “No Way” set the standard for the evening.
Junior Marley De Jong portrayed the infamous Anne Boleyn, whose sang “Don’t Lose Ur Head”. Boleyn was executed on false charges of adultery and incest, and in Six, she's portrayed as bold and saracastic.
Senior Aysha VandenBosch offered an emotional portrayal of Jane Seymour, the only wife to give Henry a male heir, with a heartfelt rendition of “Heart of Stone.”
Junior Elyse Veldman commanded the stage as Anne of Cleves, who dodged a miserable marriage and lived life on her own terms. Her swaggering “Get Down” was a crowd favorite.
Junior Gracen Simmons delivered a chilling and dynamic performance as Katherine Howard, the teenage queen whose tragic story was told through the layered and haunting “All You Wanna Do.” Katherine Howard was later executed after being accused of being unfaithful.
Senior Ania Fleszar closed the show with quiet power and resilience as Catherine Parr, the survivor, whose anthem “I Don’t Need Your Love” brought the audience to its feet.
Behind the scenes, Nate Masterson, Lowell’s choir teacher, served as the show’s vocal director, ensuring Broadway-quality vocals across all three performances. Music director Tim Haan also assisted in preparing the cast. Choreography was crafted by Anna Mainero and Kennedi Weed, who brought sharp, stylized movement that elevated the concert atmosphere.
The lighting was another standout element of the show. Designed and operated by Brylee Craycraft on the light board, the lighting added dramatic emphasis throughout the performance, especially in tandem with haze effects which provided for a clouded atmosphere that emphasized that lighting.
The crew was small compared to usual shows, but with a smaller set less crew was needed and spots were well sought after. Ben Vonderheide served as stage manager, stepping into the backstage role after four years at LHS on stage. The rest of the crew included Neriah Peters, Shelby Pell, Adelaide Plank, Sam Konyndyk, Brylee Craycraft, Gigi Gates-Duprey, Anabel Austhof, Sage Brandt, Percy Wale, and Madilyn Dexter, all of whom contributed to the production from lighting to sound and costumes.
With only four weeks to rehearse—amid overlapping school events, extracurriculars, and even graduation planning—the cast and crew pulled off an impressive feat. One lead actress even rescheduled her graduation party to accommodate performance dates.
As the final lights dimmed on another season of theater at the LPAC, it’s clear the bar has been raised for future classes.
Elyse Veldman played the role of Anne of Cleves, "The Divorced". In real life the marriage between Henry the VIII and Anne of Cleves was annulled after just six months.
