Abigail Barlow is heading back to Broadway’s SIX, stepping into the role of Katherine Howard beginning November 1 at the Lena Horne Theatre.
The Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and composer will replace Aimie Atkinson, whose final performance with the production is scheduled for October 31, 2026. Barlow’s return comes during the musical’s closing stretch: SIX will play its final Broadway performance on January 3, 2027.
A Grammy Winner Returns to the Throne
Barlow is known for viral pop releases including “Heartbreak Hotel,” which has generated more than 20 million independent streams. She is also one half of Barlow and Bear, the writing partnership behind The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album and Disney’s Moana 2.
According to the production announcement, Moana 2 recorded the biggest opening in history for an animated film, while Barlow and Bear became the youngest, first and only female composing team to write all the songs for a Disney film.
Barlow has more than 2.3 million followers on TikTok and over 75 million Spotify streams. She has also received a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and is currently working on multiple projects across music, film, television and theater.
Her arrival changes one seat in the musical’s six-member principal lineup. Najah Hetsberger plays Catherine of Aragon, with Chloe Tucker Caine as Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves and Stephanie Jae Park as Catherine Parr. Lauryn Adams, Sierra Fermin, Julia McLellan and Aiyana Smash serve as alternates.
SIX Approaches Its Broadway Finale
Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX transforms the six wives of Henry VIII into pop performers who retell centuries of heartbreak through a contemporary celebration of girl power.
The musical officially opened on Broadway on October 3, 2021, at the venue then known as the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Now the Lena Horne Theatre, the venue has housed SIX longer than any other production in its history.
Now in its sixth year on Broadway, the show has played to more than 2 million people. It currently ranks as the 39th-longest-running production in Broadway history and the seventh-longest-running Broadway show to have originated in the United Kingdom.
SIX has collected 35 awards, including the 2022 Tony Award for Best Original Score for its music and lyrics, as well as the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
Moss co-directs the production with Jamie Armitage, while Carrie-Anne Ingrouille provides choreography. Producers are Kenny Wax, Wendy and Andy Barnes, George Stiles and Kevin McCollum.
The design team includes scenic designer Emma Bailey, Tony Award-winning costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Tim Deiling and sound designer Paul Gatehouse. Tom Curran created the orchestrations, Joe Beighton handles music supervision and Roberta Duchak oversees U.S. music supervision.
Casting is by The TRC Company and Peter Van Dam, CSA. Theater Matters serves as general manager, Sam Levy is associate producer and Lucas McMahon is U.S. executive producer.
ShowBiz Take
Barlow’s return gives SIX a notable cast change as the Broadway production moves toward its confirmed final performance. Her background bridges viral pop music, streaming success, theatrical composition and film songwriting—an especially fitting combination for a musical built around Tudor-era figures presented as modern pop icons.
The timing also makes this more than a routine replacement. Atkinson’s departure and Barlow’s November 1 start will introduce a new Katherine Howard with only two months remaining before the show’s announced Broadway closing date.
What Happens Next?
Atkinson will continue as Katherine Howard through October 31, 2026, before Barlow begins performances the following day. SIX will then continue at the Lena Horne Theatre through its final scheduled Broadway performance on January 3, 2027.