Krystal Hernandez / Credit: Jessica Osber Photography
Krystal Hernandez plays Queen Anna of Cleves in SIX on Broadway in a performance that is witty, empowering, and thoroughly memorable. I had some questions for her to sate my curiosity about the show and how she came to be such a powerhouse on the stage.
1 – Did you always know you would end up on Broadway? Where were you raised, and was that your path in childhood, high school, and beyond?
I had always hoped and dreamed that I would get here! I was raised in Waltham, MA and was a part of all of the high school musicals and show choir. My father started out as the singer in the family and my brother brought the musical theatre world in, so naturally I wanted to be just like them and I followed suit. I never really thought about doing anything else once I caught the bug.
2 – How did the role of Anna of Cleves come your way?
This is a crazy story with so many layers that I have finally posted in detail on TikTok (@krystalhernandezofficial), but to summarize: I attended an open call for future replacements for Broadway/tour in Boston in January 2023. A few months later they called me to read for Cleves and Boleyn for the Toronto cast they were mounting. While I’m not Canadian, they took a chance on me and not only did I get to be in SIX, I made my international debut! It was so surreal!
Hernandez, third from left.
3 – How did you prepare for it, and how much time did you have? Is it as physically demanding as it looks?
It takes a lot of discipline vocally and physically to prepare and maintain this show. For the open call audition I had 3 voice lessons leading up the audition. I did my best to get good sleep, warm up the voice and the body well and though it was my first open call, I worked really hard to focus and not get distracted by all of the talented amazing people that were there.
4 – How often do you currently perform in the role, and do you always feel up for it?
I perform 8x a week. There are days where I don’t feel up for it, but it’s always worth it. The show is addictive in that way. Once you’re at the theatre doing makeup and laughing with the girls, it’s easier to get locked in!
Hernandez, first on the left / Credit: Michaela Reynolds
5 – Are audiences mostly the same or does the vibe differ from performance-to-performance?
They definitely vary! Mostly we get a hyped-up audience, though. It depends on a lot of things; demographic, age, time of day, holidays etc. Every audience will receive the show differently, which is the beauty of live theatre.
6 – Are you close with the other Queens, or do cast members tend to remain private off-stage?
Yes! These girls freaking rock and we find most of our hangout time to be in between our double show days. We recently went on a cabin trip on one of our days off, which was an incredible bonding experience for us. We’re planning another one in October for all the fall activities!
7 – In your research for the role, did you discover some things about Anna of Cleves and Henry VIII that the audience didn’t hear about?
Yes! What I knew about Cleves was super minimal. Henry saw her in person and she didn’t look anything like her portrait, so he was no longer attracted. Turns out, she was actually one of the most beautiful women in Germany and her portrait, painted by Hans Holbien, was famously known to be incredibly accurate. Henry and Cleves simply didn’t vibe personality- and compatibility-wise. That’s likely why she stayed alive, lived the remainder of her life in Richmond Palace, and after their divorce, was named “the king’s beloved sister.” She also helped Henry marry Katherine Howard after their divorce!
8 – If you weren’t an actress/singer/dancer, what would you be doing?
I would be a hair stylist/makeup artist or go back into the bridal world of gowns. I love weddings!!
9. – Are there any humorous performing-on-stage stories or mishaps that you want to relay?
YES! Literally last week during a heightened moment of Aragon and Boleyn bickering about who had it worse with Henry, Boleyn’s microphone fell into the first row of the audience. It was hilarious and actually worked super well with the kerfuffle of the scene. Someone in the first row gave it back promptly and we were all giggling on stage because dropping a mic is a stress dream we have all had, and it happened!
10. What are some of your other favorite musicals, plays, and films?
Oh my gosh, SO many! But to name a few…
Musicals: In the Heights, Wicked, Hadestown, Hamilton, Drowsy Chaperone, Waitress, Urinetown.
Plays: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, Fefu and her Friends, Real Women Have Curves, Marisol.
Films: I’m a rom com gal and I will not be shamed for that! The Notebook, the Proposal, Fool’s Gold, She’s the Man, The Holiday. 2000-2010 was an elite time for rom coms!
Hernandez, fourth from left / Credit: Michaelah Reynolds
