Broadway's Six the Musical Stands Against Backlash Over Dylan Mulvaney Casting

The producers of Six the Musical have taken a strong stand against the "abusive" behavior that erupted following the announcement of Dylan Mulvaney joining the Broadway cast. On January 16, Mulvaney was announced as the new Anne Boleyn, one of the six wives of Henry VIII, in the popular musical staged at the Lena Horne Theatre in New York City.

The casting decision was a part of a larger announcement that included Abigail Barlow stepping into the role of Katherine Howard. Meanwhile, the musical welcomes back Adrianna Hicks, Anna Uzele, and Olivia Donalson as Catherine of Aragon, Catherine Parr, and Anne of Cleves respectively. The role of Jane Seymour is yet to be disclosed, adding to the anticipation surrounding the updated cast.

While the announcement was meant to be a joyous occasion, it was quickly overshadowed by a wave of negative responses. Critics took to social media to disparage the show’s producers and Mulvaney, leading to a temporary limit on the Broadway production's social media accounts as a protective measure against "bullying" comments. At the time of this writing, the production's account remains private.

Community Support and Condemnation of Bullying

The producers of Six the Musical issued a statement underscoring their commitment to the safety and support of the cast. "The protection, safety, and support of the Six cast has always been, and remains, our highest priority," the statement read. "While we welcome passionate engagement with the show, aggressive, threatening, or abusive behavior is never acceptable." The message reflects a firm stance against the negativity, emphasizing a desire to foster a respectful and supportive environment for the cast and crew.

In response to the backlash, the producers have taken steps to manage the interaction on social media. While the musical’s Instagram account remains public, comments have been disabled on posts announcing Mulvaney's casting. This measure was not applied to other casting announcements, highlighting the specific attention given to the protection of Mulvaney amidst the criticism.

Dylan Mulvaney, who is also an actress and an author, addressed the backlash in a TikTok video. In it, she spoke about the challenges and triumphs of being a transgender person in the performing arts. "Being a trans person in 2026, when this world is working against us in what feels like every way… for me to be able to step out onto a Broadway stage as Anne Boleyn and perform an iconic historical character's role in a show that is so rooted in celebrating femininity, I think that's a miracle," she shared.

Mulvaney's Message of Hope

Mulvaney conveyed a heartfelt message of hope and resilience for the transgender community. "I just want you to know that you can literally do anything," she said, emphasizing the importance of holding onto what brings joy. "Do not let anyone take away what brings you joy, and you might have to fight really hard for it, or go around the long way, but it is so worth it. And it might not feel like it, but there are so many people cheering you on, and I am one of them." Her words serve as a beacon of encouragement and strength for those facing similar challenges.

Despite the initial backlash, the anticipation for Mulvaney’s debut as Anne Boleyn remains high. She is set to join the cast on February 16, bringing her unique talents and perspective to the beloved musical. The show's producers and supporters eagerly look forward to her performance, confident that it will inspire audiences and further the show's message of empowerment and diversity.

The musical Six is known for its innovative retelling of history, depicting the six wives of Henry VIII in a modern and empowering light. The production draws inspiration from contemporary pop culture, with the characters reflecting the influence of icons like Beyoncé, Lily Allen, and Britney Spears. This creative approach to storytelling challenges traditional narratives and celebrates a diverse range of voices and experiences.

As Six the Musical prepares for the new chapter with its updated cast, it remains committed to its core values of inclusivity and support. The production's handling of the recent backlash reflects a broader commitment to standing against bullying and fostering an environment where all artists can thrive.

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