How Long is Six on Broadway? An In-Depth Insider‘s Guide for Making the Most of Your Experience
Dear theater lover,
As an avid Broadway enthusiast, I‘m thrilled you‘re considering experiencing the smash hit musical Six! This exhilarating show is a must-see for any fan of contemporary musical theater.
To help you plan your visit and get the most out of your time at Six, I‘ve put together this comprehensive insider‘s guide covering everything you need to know about the show‘s runtime and overall experience.
What is Six the Musical About?
For those unfamiliar, Six centers around the six wives of King Henry VIII telling their stories through a high-energy pop concert. Instead of supporting players in Henry‘s story, these Queens take charge to reclaim their destinies through song.
The score features bops inspired by the musical styles of Beyoncé, Adele, Rihanna and more to breathe new life into these legendary women: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr.
After leaving me cheering for more when I first saw it at London‘s West End, Six exploded into a global phenomenon, winning over critics and fans alike. Let‘s delve into what you can expect from the Broadway production.
What is the Running Time and Format?
The current Broadway production of Six at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15 minute intermission between the two acts.
Here‘s a handy breakdown:
- Act 1: 80 minutes
- Intermission: 15 minutes
- Act 2: 50 minutes
- Total Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
On average, the show starts at 8pm and concludes around 10:30pm, but arrival and exit times can vary slightly.
Compared to the West End production, the Broadway version runs about 10-15 minutes longer thanks to expanded dialogue and musical segments.
This 2 1/2 hour runtime flies by as the Queens command the stage with humor, attitude and soul. The diverse musical styles keep the show moving at a brisk, engaging pace from start to finish.
Why Does Six‘s Running Time Matter?
When deciding whether to see a Broadway show, the running time is an important factor for audiences to consider. Understanding the time commitment allows you to better plan the rest of your evening around the show.
Here are some of the key reasons the length of Six is useful knowledge:
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Schedule dining reservations – If you want to grab dinner before or drinks/a bite after, you can book reservations with confidence.
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Travel arrangements – You can accurately budget transit, parking or babysitting time around the show‘s duration.
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Pace yourself – For marathon theatergoing, it‘s good to know you‘ll be sitting for over 2+ hours to plan bathroom and stretch breaks accordingly.
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Compare shows – The runtime helps compare the experience to other shows you‘re considering like Hamilton (2hrs 45mins) or The Lion King (2hrs 30mins).
Whether you‘re a tourist taking in a Broadway spectacle or a regular theater buff, being informed on the show length makes for a smooth, stress-free night.
What Time Should You Arrive?
To maximize your Six experience, I recommend arriving at the theater between 7:15-7:30pm for the standard 8pm curtain.
This gives you plenty of time to:
- Pick up or print tickets if you have digital copies
- Check out souvenirs and merch
- Unwind with a drink at the bar
- Get comfortably settled in your seat
While the doors typically open 30 minutes before showtime, early arrival ensures you won‘t feel rushed and can soak up the anticipation and atmosphere. It also allows a window for traffic delays, transit issues or lines at the box office.
Latecomers may still be admitted during natural breaks in the performance but aim for 7:30pm arrival to guarantee you won‘t miss a single beat! The opening number is an epic scene-setter you won‘t want to miss.
Is Six Appropriate for Kids? Age and Content Guide
With its pop score and contemporary vibe, is Six family-friendly? The show is unofficially suggested for ages 10+ due to some suggestive themes and lyrics.
Here is a quick guide to the key content parents may want to be aware of:
- Adult themes – Infidelity, beheadings, execution
- Sexual references – In lyrics and dialogue, though not extremely explicit
- Light profanity – Occasional damn‘s and hell‘s
- Strobe lighting – At times for drama and effect
- Loud music/singing – Pop score played at high volumes
While there are no age restrictions, parental discretion is advised. The mature themes and innuendo may go over the heads of younger viewers. Well-prepared pre-teens and up can likely appreciate the material and follow the narrative.
If planning to bring kids under 12, I recommend looking up reviews of family-goers and making an informed decision based on your child‘s maturity level.
Overall, Six is an upbeat celebration of sisterhood and empowerment. Teens who love pop music will be in heaven!
What is the Theater and Seating Like?
Six is staged at the intimate Brooks Atkinson Theatre, with seating for just over 1,000 across three levels:
Orchestra Level
- 510 seats
- Rows AA to RR
- No center aisle – you‘re either left orchestra (odd numbered seats) or right orchestra (even)
Front Mezzanine
- 333 seats
- Rows A to G
- Elevated tier above orchestra level
Rear Mezzanine
- 176 seats
- Rows A to G
- Furthest elevated tier above front mezzanine
For optimal sight lines, the mid orchestra rows G-R are recommended. Front mezzanine center also provides excellent elevated views.
Beyond the layout, here‘s what you can expect from the Brooks Atkinson:
- Intimate feel – No seat more than 100 feet from the stage
- Modern decor – Sleek, contemporary interior with blue velvet seats
- Great acoustics – State-of-the-art sound system pumps up the pop score
- obstructed views – Support pillars can block sight lines in side orchestra
With six powerhouse vocalists backed by an all-female band, the venue‘s crisp acoustics make the music jump to life.
When Should You Book Tickets?
Six is one of Broadway‘s buzziest hits. For the best ticket availability and prices, purchase 1-3 months in advance.
I recommend buying directly from the official website over 3rd party resellers. Authorized tickets give you peace of mind and help combat pricing inflation from unofficial sellers.
Here are some top tips for securing seats:
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Best availability – Book 1-3 months out, before tickets become scarce.
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Optimal prices – You‘ll find the lowest prices 45-60 days in advance.
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High demand dates – Reserve ASAP for weekends, holidays, summers and school breaks.
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Day-of options – Limited rush/lottery seats available but no guarantee.
Trust me, you don‘t want to miss out on this exhilarating show! Take control of your Six experience by planning ahead.
Enjoy Every Moment of Broadway‘s Freshest Musical
I hope this guide gives you a helpful overview of what to expect during Six on Broadway. More than a pop concert, it‘s an empowering celebration of reclaiming your own narrative against the odds.
Armed with handy tips on show length, timing, seating and booking, you can sit back, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the ride. From its opening number to playful bows, Six delivers revelation after roof-raising revelation.
Let me know if any other questions come up! I‘m always happy to share insider expertise to ensure you have an incredible night at this must-see modern musical.
Yours in theater,
Lillie Gabler
Home Improvement Expert Turned Musical Theater Enthusiast