Six Walked So FIVE Could Run (For President) — Review

Let’s be honest from the start. Walking into Theater 555, I didn't quite know what to expect. As an avid consumer of political news, I was not sure whether a parody musical about the women in Donald Trump’s life was something I particularly wanted to consume. With 259 days until our next presidential election, I personally don’t need or want any more Trump than I already get on a daily basis. 

And then I experienced Five, and my outlook changed. Lovingly ripped off of Six The Musical, currently playing five blocks up, Five is some good ol’ fashion fun. 

When Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss created Six back in 2017, they had little clue that their musical was about to take the world by storm. The show continues to be a smash hit on the West End and Broadway, plus tours and other sit down productions around the globe. When Moss and Marlow won the Tony for Best Original Score in 2022, it was only a matter of time before their ingenious score was going to be parodied.

While Six follows the wives of Henry VIII, Five brings us to Ronkonkoma, New York, where Ivana, Marla, Melania, Ivanka, and of course Stormy Daniels are fighting to see who had it the worst from the 45th President. 

With a book and lyrics by Shimmy Braun and Moshiel Newman Daphna and an incredible score and lyrics by the always wonderful Billy Reece, the team has come together to provide a witty and satirical exploration into the lives of these women. Using some music from Six mixed with a modern pop score that takes us everywhere from Broadway ballads to gospel, the show, nicely directed and choreographed by Jen Wineman, certainly accomplishes what they set out to create. True theatre lovers will enjoy all the niche references embedded into the book and score.

The star power from the show is thanks to the talented ensemble they have assembled as the Avengers of Donald’s ladies. Jaime Lyn Beatty as Melania is absolutely hilarious singing to her best friend, a potato in Melanitevkah. Gabi Garcia commands the stage as Stormy collecting her hush money. Gabriella Joy Rodriguez as Marla gets Galinda-fied with a standout number early in the show. Anyae Anasia belts the roof down as Ivana and the brilliant Hannah Bonnett shines as forgotten daughter Ivanka. It’s clear all five are having a blast, and that energy bolts through the audience throughout the 80 minute show. 

Shoutouts are due to Florence D’Lee for stunning costume work and Jamie Roderick and Marie Yokoyama for impressive lighting that really make the entire evening come together. 

At the end of the day, there will be plenty of folks who simply have no interest in hearing Stormy Daniels belt about watersports or Ivanka sing about possible incest as we are already living in this hell on the daily, and as November inches closer it will only get worse. For some, political satire has already gone too far. Yet, there is something stirring about seeing these five women belt together and form a uniquely special bond that provides miles of entertainment and laughs. 

If you are looking for a fun night out, why don’t you grab a drink, or four, and head on over to Five for one crazy, wild ride.

Five is now in performance at Theater 555 through March 10, 2024. For tickets and more information, visit here.